Beginner question in Expert and 2d

[HuFlungDung]

Here is a nice example for those of you who are new to Onecnc, coming from a 2d background.
I wanted to use this as a simple tutoring tool to help jumpstart those newbies out there

Even though I bought Mill expert for 3D, I am trying to create 2D toolpath just for familiarzing myself with the software more. As you can see from the attached file, I have a part with many internal cutouts. How can I chain each cutout and then apply one set of toolpath parameters to them? Or can I? So far. all I have been able to do is select 1 chain, then go through the operations manager to select the tool, depths, etc. Then I have to go back and pick the next one, go through the ops mgr again, etc etc. Seems cumbersome. Am I missing something? I remember with the OncCNC Profile, I could select all the chains and then apply the toolpath parameters all at one time. I may not be looking at this correctly. I feel kind of stupid, actually! For 3D, I have no problems (yet). Can you shed some light on what may or nor be a roadblock in my thinking and/or lack of understanding of the features of Mill Expert?

[HuFlungDung]

Don't feel bad! I'm still learning that there is more than one way to handle many of these situtations. I think part of my problem is the pre-conceived notions I carry around with what certain types of toolpath names mean versus what you can do with them.

Anyways, to do what you want will require one more step past the 2d that you are used to.
Use :"Create surface" menu
use the lowest function on the list, "create surface from curves"
Pick the outside loop, then pick everything else. Presto, when done, you have now created a surface. Then, instead of using the 2d machining options, you can get right into the 3d. In this case, use SMT Finish, Z level. This will automatically machine everything where the cutter will fit, and not machine the holes if it won't. I opted for a 3/32 cutter, but you can review the tool settings I used in the NC manager when you look at this file.

Hint1: Zlevel roughing routines will attempt to clean out every pocket.

Hint 2: Z level finishing routines are "net shape" routines and will assume that all level, flat bottomed pockets have been completed, and will mill just the profile.

It is best to get your parts into surface or solid forms, so that you can take advantage of the built in gouge protection, and tool size checking that the SMT machining technologies give you. Also, you can render the object as a surface to check that you got everything.

[HuFlungDung]

next

[HuFlungDung]

Select the rest of the loops

[HuFlungDung]

Voila, the surface is created.

[HuFlungDung]

I'm not showing screen shots of all the steps in the tool wizard (that is self explanatory) but when you are done setting it up you will come out to "Pick a boundary"

[HuFlungDung]

You get a backplot preview of what the tool path will be, showing also those areas (the holes) where the current tool would not fit

[HuFlungDung]

Forgot to add this: you can render the part as a surface once you have turned it into a surface from the 2d line drawing, otherwise the render preview shows you nothing.

[wms]

Hu,

Another way to cut a part like above is to use the "pocket" funtion.

In photo example one, I only selected the inner features, not the outer boundary.

Here's how:
Open the Nc manager, then select "stock tool paths".
Now select "pocket", then "pick by boundaries"
Then select ALL the inner features.
Then set your tools, material, depths, ect.

And the software will do the rest. It will cut out the inner features.

[wms]

Here's the second part.

If you were to select the outer boundary first, then the inner features, the software will do a normal pocket function. It will treat the inner features as islands.

Same setting as above, except outer boundary picked first.

[wms]

Engrave all will also work simular to what Hu has shown. With the exception that the tool will be on center line. This would be ok if you were using a water jet, lazer, or plasma cutter, and the kerf were small. And you could live with the smaller part size. Or you drew your features with a offset, to compensate for the kerf.

Just a thought.

[HuFlungDung]

I guess the one issue which I (we) have overlooked, is that profile chain is the sole method of creating an approach that may be desirable to cut out the various holes. Supposing that the shapes in the diagram I posted were to be laser cut, it would be necessary at the current time to select each one individually, is this correct? I may have overlooked this desirable requirement in my initial method.

This could be a valid requirement for some users, in which case they would like to be able to "mass select" a bunch of loops and profile mill all of them with internal approaches.

Suggestions, WMS?