Tangent Lead Style
When leads attach to a curve it is known as a Tangent Lead Attachment, and the algorithm used to apply leads is called Tangent Lead Style (TLS).
Under certain circumstances, other settings may take effect:
•On a small slot or hole: see Hole/Slot Leads
•On a small cutout with internal Concave corners: see Leadin at Internal Corners (this affects whether TLS is applied, or whether the leadin will be applied at the corner)
The manner in which the leads attach is important to control gouging on the part and there are a number of options. It is easiest to consider these by way of example, and here we will consider applying leads to a ring of OD100mm (say 4"), and ID about 57mm/3". The TLS algorithm approaches external and internal arc attachments differently.
Standard
A 90 degree tangential arc is used for both the leadin and leadout on the outside.
On the inside a perpendicular line is used for the leadin, and a 45 degree line for the leadout (if one is used, refer Handling Of Drop Cuts)
NOTE that in theory a small "nipple" is left by the leadout on the internal cut (if a leadout is used). In practice, as the tool slows to leadout and is crosssing itslef, the arc/burn may deviate sideways and gouge the part. Setting Tangent Overshoot to a negative value, say -2.5mm or -0.1", makes the nipple bigger and reduces or eliminate the gouge.
 No Leadouts on Drops |
 Leadouts On Drops |
ALL options below will assume Leadouts on Drops, obviously if the leadout is inhibited the inner leadout, if it exists, will disappear.
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As the name suggests, linear leadin and leadout at 45 degrees:
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Also self explanatory:
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Quarter In, 45 Deg Out
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Perp In, 45 Deg Out
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Radius In, 45 deg Out
There is a setting Pierce Centrally on Small Holes that will cause leadins on small (drop) cutouts to pierce in the center and leadin perpendicular also.
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Semicircle in, 45 Deg Out
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Hypertherm True Hole This style is really only supported on internal holes, and may add very large leadouts to external cuts. It does a semicircle leadin from the center to the attachment point, and adds a quarter arc leadout (selected here so its visible) coincident with the hole path (effectively a large OverCut). Do not use this style with Kinetic Touchcut Controllers, use Kinetic TrueHole instead! This activates our on-controller True-Hole Implementation.
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Kinetic True Hole Similar to Hypertherm True Hole but no leadout is applied. The Touchcut Controller will add the OverCut dynamically., as well as taking up kerf gradually on the leadin, ramping speeds, etc. This is the leadin style to use when using True Hole on Kinetic machines. When using SmartHPR and SmartXPR this style of leradin is applied when appropriate, on-demand.
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Hook In, Quarter Arc Out
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Hook In, 45 Deg Out
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Hook In, 30Deg Arc Out
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Perp In, Quarter Arc Out
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