PYTHA - Applying Cutter Alignment on Open Contours

PYTHA - Applying Cutter Alignment on Open Contours

When applying Router Edges the alignment of an open contour depends on the direction of the geometry.

Primary Side

When the direction is set to Automatic, the toolpath follows the direction the geometry was originally drawn. This can be verified by viewing the point order via Info → Show number/names → Points. In this example, the tool moves in ascending point order. 

When applying an alignment, the left or right side of the line is determined by the drawing direction. The side is defined from the perspective of looking from the start point toward the end point of the contour. In the example below, both lines are set to left alignment, meaning the toolpath is positioned on the left side relative to that drawing direction.




Secondary Side

Currently the logic for the second side/underside of a part is incorrect and needs to be set to the opposite side. We’ll raise this with the development team so the logic can be reviewed and amended.

Below, points 5 to 8 are on the secondary side and are programmed to cut on the left side of the open contours geometry direction. When the part is flipped, the geometry direction is also reversed. If the router edge alignment remains set to left, the tool will still cut on the left side relative to the new direction, which places the cut on the incorrect side of the open contour.


             
    
Here is the part once processed in Alphacam, showing the cutter running on the left of the flipped direction of the geometry.                                      


Here the alignment has been reversed, set to the right of the open contour, to anticipate the change of geometry direction when the part is flipped.


When processed in Alphacam, the machining has flipped to the desired side of the open contour.
  

If unsure, check how the part lays flat and double check machining within your CAM program.

Please contact support if you require further assistance with this.

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