Drive Curve, 5 Axis
This method will be typically used for trimming blow molds and sheet metal dies. Here you select one or more drive curves to control the cutter locations. The tool will always follow the curve. The tip of the tool can be specified to be on the specified drive curves and cut pattern will be able to follow the curve in the natural order or in the reverse order of the direction of the curve. This is also called Follow curve machining.
The tool axis for each cutter location point can be defined by one of the following methods: •From Point •To Point •From Curves •To Curves •Parallel to Lines |
 Drive Curve, 5 Axis Example |
The 5 Axis Drive Curve operation is invoked by selecting the Program tab, clicking on the 5 Axis button in the Machining Browser and selecting the Drive Curve Operation.  Drive Curve, 5 Axis Menu Item - Premium Configuration Shown |
The dialog that is invoked when you choose this toolpath method is shown below:  Dialog Box: Drive Curve Operation, 5 Axis |