The Part Regions tab displays in all 2½ Axis and some 3 Axis operations.  It is used to drive the tool during the operation.  Use one of the Select... buttons in this dialog to add Part Regions to the Selected Machining Region(s) list.

See Select Part/Containment Regions for more information.

Region(s) Extent Conditions

ON This option controls the condition of the tool at the extents of the selected control geometry curve or surface region (i.e., the outer boundary).  Select ON and the tool will stop when its Z axis is aligned ON the boundary.  Refer to the illustration below. TO This option controls the condition of the tool at the extents of the selected control geometry curve or surface region (i.e., the boundary).  Select TO and the tool will stop when its outer perimeter is aligned TO the boundary.  Refer to the illustration below. PAST This option controls the condition of the tool at the extents of the selected control geometry curve or surface region (i.e., the boundary).  Select PAST and the tool will stop when its outer perimeter is aligned PAST the boundary.  Refer to the illustration below.

The Start Points tab allows you to specify a start point for the tool entry motion for pocketing and roughing operations. Selecting a start point applies the entry motion to the specified location.

The Part Surfaces tab allows you to specify one or more 3D surfaces (or meshes) to machine in the current operation.  No other containment regions are required.  Use the Select Surfaces button to add part surfaces to the Selected Machining Region(s) list.

See Select Part/Containment Regions for more information.

What is Surface Feature Machining? Surface Feature Machining is a new enhancement in our MILL modules that provides added control of the cutter’s position in relation to the boundaries of the selected surfaces. Cutter positioning is controlled while maintaining tangency with adjacent surfaces, assuring a gouge-free toolpath. Read the full article...

Surface(s) Extent Condition

ON This option controls the condition of the tool at the extents of the selected control geometry curve or surface region (i.e., the outer boundary).  Select ON and the tool will stop when its Z axis is aligned ON the boundary.  Refer to the illustration below. TO This option controls the condition of the tool at the extents of the selected control geometry curve or surface region (i.e., the boundary).  Select TO and the tool will stop when its outer perimeter is aligned TO the boundary.  Refer to the illustration below. PAST This option controls the condition of the tool at the extents of the selected control geometry curve or surface region (i.e., the boundary).  Select PAST and the tool will stop when its outer perimeter is aligned PAST the boundary.  Refer to the illustration below. CONTACT This option controls the condition of the tool at the extents of the selected control geometry curve or surface region (i.e., the boundary).  Select CONTACT and the tool will stop when any point on the tool makes CONTACT with the boundary.  Refer to the illustration below.

Move Up

This button moves the selected item up (i.e., higher) in the list.  Items are machined in the order listed.

Move Down

This button moves the selected item down (i.e., lower) in the list.  Items are machined in the order listed.

Remove All

Pick this button to Remove All Regions from the list.  The geometry itself is not deleted from the part model.

Remove Active

Pick this button to Remove the selected Active region from the list.  You can select multiple Regions from the list using the Ctrl key and then pick this button to remove them all.  The geometry itself is not deleted from the part model.

Select Curve/Edge Regions

Pick this button and the dialog will minimize, prompting you to make a selection from your part.  You can select curves or face edges.  After completing the selection, the dialog will re-appear with your Region selections listed.

Select Surface Boundary

Pick this button and the dialog will minimize, prompting you Select surface for boundary.  You can select one or more part surfaces.  After completing the selection, the dialog will re-appear with each surface edge boundary listed in the Selected Machining Region(s) list.

Select Flat Area Regions

Pick this button and you are prompted to make a selection from your part.  You can select flat planar face geometry.  After completing the selection, the dialog will re-appear with your region selections listed.

Select Pre-Defined Regions

If you pick this button, the Select Pre-defined Machining Regions dialog will display, allowing you to select one or more Regions.  This operation dialog will then re-appear with your region selections listed. Pre-Defined Regions can be created using the options on the Regions tab of the Machining Objects Browser.

See Predefined Machining Regions for more information.

Select Surfaces

Pick this button and the dialog will minimize allowing you to select part surfaces to machine.  After completing the selection, this dialog will reappear with your selected surfaces listed in the Selected Machining Region(s) list.