How to control helix direction 2020 3D Optirough

[mmkgreen2005]

Help....  2020 question here.  3D dynamic optirough is using a conventional direction of the helix motion for leading in to begin roughing out the area and this destroys the tips of end mills.  How do I force it to go to a climb mil direction?  I can't find the "switch".

[MWearne]

Under 50% radius for the helix the selected cut direction controls the helix direction. Seems once you go over 50% , the direction changes. I guess since you're in a full slot condition the direction isn't really important? Still, not sure why it would flip though. 

[mmkgreen2005]

FIXED!!!!! Wow that is strange it does that.  I normally keep the radius under 50% and went over this time and caught it.  Thank you for the quick response! 

[crazy^millman]

1 hour ago, mwearne said:

Under 50% radius for the helix the selected cut direction controls the helix direction. Seems once you go over 50% , the direction changes. I guess since you're in a full slot condition the direction isn't really important? Still, not sure why it would flip though. 

Another trick is to use Profile and it will also keep the cut in a Climb direction also. I prefer that over Helix to allow better chip evacuation when running tools that may get over 50% DOC on pockets. When getting upwards of 200% on the DOC over cutting chips is also a tool life killer.

I also have been drilling start holes in deep pockets and then adding them to my stock models to have a toolpath start in them to eliminate the need for Ramp or Profile in deep pockets. Mastercam ill normally not give me the entry I want so I will go a step further and do a Helix Bore of the tool to take out any angle to uneven material to them start doing the Opti-Rough Toolpaths on deep pockets in hard materials. Soft Materials also benefit from the process, but normally people don't care to see a start hole.