Answered
Feature request: Parametric Thickness Variables
To better facilitate repeat jobs with small variance in material thickness, addition of variables to capture a thickness parameter would dramatically improve workflow when recalculating toolpathing. An example of this feature can be seen in other CAM products such as Carbide Create.
Setting a global variable of t to a value on the level of the project/model would allow for reuse of that variable in material setup and cutting depths. Material thickness would be set = t per toolpath via formula of "=t". Cutting depth would be set similarly with "=t - #.##".
After reopening a saved project, one could change the value of t and recalculate selected or all toolpaths with one action.
The above could dramatically improve working time by elimination of redundant tasks for many product users.
Thanks for considering.
Comments
You mean by just using the toolpath you could change the "Z" height because you purchased a 3/4 inch board instead of a 4/4 board?
Mike
Hi Mike,
Yes, but all toolpaths using the formula incorporating that variable would be able to recalculate for the new final depth as well, especially in the case where I purchased an 18mm board instead of true 3/4". In that case, it would not be necessary to change the cut depth on tool paths to prevent digging into the spoil board. This assumes that the variable was used as shown above in the "Finish Depth" field, like "=t-0.5", or in the case of through cuts, the Finish Depth field would be "=t".
Didn't Thermwood have that like 20 years ago in their software, I think they did, but their software was cabinet driven, 2D, "X", "Y", in setting up the job you told the software you were cutting .7231 or .75 thickness and you were only cutting a flat panel no contours in the "Z". I could be talking in the dark on this because it's been a long time ago for me.
mike
I wouldn't know, haven't had exposure to it myself. I know Carbide Create has exactly what I describe. Of course, full blown CAD/CAM software like Fusion 360 has full parametric definition, but for something primarily CAM, one predefined parametric variable for thickness would be incredibly useful.
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