How to Use Auto Z

Q. We do a lot of pocketing at different Z levels, is there an easy way to do this?

A. Yes, you can use Auto Z. Set the Z levels for your geometries; select your pocket routine and use the Auto Z for Sides.

Create your geometries, the way you normally would.

Once the geometries are created, go to the 3D drop down menu, select Set Geometry Z Levels.

As you can see below, the outside of the eyes were selected, and the Z level is set to -0.5.

Next, set the inside of the eyes to -1.

Next set the nose to -0.25.

Then set the mouth to -1.125.

Last set the outside rectangle to -1.5. This is the depth of the material.

Once the Z levels are set, you can view the depth of the geometries in the 3D view.

Notice that there are four different Z levels that will be pocketed.

Select a tool, and then set the tool direction.

Next we will do a pocket routine with the Auto Z and Selected Geometries.

The next window is the type of pocket routine you would like to use. In this case Contour is selected.

Set the Safe Rapid Distance, Feed Down Distance and the Max Depth per Cut. This distance is set in number even if you are cutting in the negative Z. Use the depth that you are comfortable with when cutting with a router bit in one pass.

The last pocketing dialog box contains tooling information.

Once you have selected the “OK” button select all the geometries that are located within the outer most geometry that you wish to apply a pocket routine.

Next, use the Set Materials command to establish a material for a Shaded/Solid Simulation. Set the top at Z 0 and the bottom to Z -1.5.

Activate your Simulation and review your results.