How to use barrel tools in PowerMill

Autodesk Support

Apr 8, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

How to use barrel tools in PowerMill.


 
 

Solution:

Currently, there are no dedicated toolpath strategies that support barrel tools.
There are various toolpath strategies that can be used currently with barrel tools in PowerMill, and would only need to have the tool axis manually fixed to take advantage of the cutting side of the tool. 

A barrel tool allows greater contact engagement between cutter and the workpiece than conventional ball nose endmills. This can drastically reduce the toolpath time on the machine tool because of increased stepdown/stepovers.

lead/lean angle with barrel tool.

For example, if the surface geometry is planar, then simply changing the lead/lean angle to match the geometry of the cutting tool should lead to improved surface quality and toolpath time.
Note: Should there be any large changes in surface geometry, this may lead to unwanted surface finish.
 

Products:

PowerMill;

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