Processing > Milling

In this section:

The milling functionality in PrimeCutNE can be used for:

•edge milling

•cleanup of "burnt" surfaces

•facemilling

•slotting

•pocketing

•programming routers

It encompasses most "2.5D" milling functionality. If for example you want to generate a program to mill an arbitrary 3D shape from say an STL file, you may need to use other software, as this is not currently supported.

Cutting direction

Climb Milling (kerf left) is preferred if the workpiece is rigidly held and the tool is substantial and not prone to vibration. The tool "rubs" less in this mode, biting into the material as each tooth hits- may provide better tool life.

Conventional Milling (kerf right) is preferred otherwise, it is more stable but may rub more, as the teeth slide into and across the already cut material until they begin to peel a thin sliver of material, which grows to be thick as the teeth exit the cut zone.

In order to perform milling tasks you will first need to have a milling tool set up for the machine you want to work on. Bear in mind that you are able to add bits via the Processing Options window, but if this is done the bit will not be saved. In order for the bit to be saved you need to add it via the Machines module.

When you process the geometry you will need to select a milling tool on the main processing options dialog, and then press the Show Tool Options button. Through the tool options you will be able to select the bit that you want to use for milling, whether a roughing cut should be used, and a number of other parameters.