Margins in MW paths

[So not a Guru]

What do the margins, in ModuleWorks paths, do?

[gcode]

In morph toolpaths they perform the same function as stock to leave

[CristiP]

Lets you set an additional start and end margin to overcome surface edge inaccuracies.

[Colin Gilchrist]

By default, all of the 5X Paths that ModuleWorks generate, are from "surface edge, to surface edge". But this "Tool Vector" is the centerline of the tool.

In the case of "floor surfaces", the Margins give you the ability to "trim away" the vector positions that are within the distance specified, from the surface edge(s).

They have some great descriptions and animation sequences that describe this, in the ModuleWorks Help File. (You can find a download link in the stickied thread on the main forum page.) (Also, when you download the file, be sure to Right-Click>Properties>Unblock the file!)

[So not a Guru]

27 minutes ago, Colin Gilchrist said:

By default, all of the 5X Paths that ModuleWorks generate, are from "surface edge, to surface edge". But this "Tool Vector" is the centerline of the tool.

In the case of "floor surfaces", the Margins give you the ability to "trim away" the vector positions that are within the distance specified, from the surface edge(s).

They have some great descriptions and animation sequences that describe this, in the ModuleWorks Help File. (You can find a download link in the stickied thread on the main forum page.) (Also, when you download the file, be sure to Right-Click>Properties>Unblock the file!)

Yeah, I just got thru perusing the ModuleWorks help file. I didn't have a copy at work when I asked my original question. I've got a pretty firm understanding now.

Thanks

[JoshC]

I use the margins to for 5-axis slot milling, like if there is a slot with walls on both sides, i run a morph, then set the margins to the tools radii size+stock to leave amount, that keeps the cutter inside the walls of the slot instead of having to use collision detection settings to keep it in there.