Contour Vrs Pocket option

[Sai]

Hi Guys New to the forum. I have a basic question. if I have to mill out a triangular hole in a 1 inch thich Al sheet. Would it be better to use the CONTOUR option or POCKET option. What is the basic diference between these options w.r.t my case.

[John13]

Contour will only follow the geometry, possibly leaving material in the center of your hole, where pocket will clean out everything inside your geometry. I would probably use pocket if I were in this situation

 

 

BTW, you will get more responses if you post in the mastercam forum instead of the instructor forum.

 

Welcome to the forum.

[Sai]

Dear John,

 

Thanks for your reply. I programmed both options and I see that there is a big difference between the cycle time. Do you thinkif i programmed the countor for a depth of 1.1 inch to machine a 1 inch plate, the center piece would automatically fall off when you remove the plate.

[John13]

Yes it would fall out, however BE CAREFUL that it drops out and doesn't grab the cutter and break it or ruin your part.

[Todd Tracey from Fastech]

+1 to John 13. If you are using a large enough tool that the piece can kick around as it breaks loose, you'll probably be OK. But, if it binds up lookout for broken tool or damaged part as he advised.