Cutting Process Settings
Notes
Parameter: The maximum and minimum groove width settings apply only to grooving operations. (They are not relevant to outer contour cutting, inner contour cutting, or pocketing.)
Tools used in the cutting, grooving, and pocketing setup must only be router bits. Drill bits from the drill bank must not be selected, as they are designed solely for vertical plunge-in and retract operations and cannot move horizontally. ⇒ Misusing drill bits in this way may damage the drill spindle or break the drill bit.
📐 Z0, Z1, Z2 Parameters
Z0 – Maximum tool lift height
This is the maximum height the tool can be lifted to during tool change or when retracting the tool away from the material.
👉If Z1 is set higher than Z0, the software will automatically use Z0 as the upper limit.
📌Typical setting: Z0 = 40 mm
Z1 – Tool lift height between operations
This is the height the tool is lifted between machining operations using the same tool (no tool change).
👉Z1 should be set lower than Z0 to reduce tool lift time and optimize the cutting cycle.
📌Example: Z1 = 5–10 mm
Z2 – Cutting depth relative to the table surface
This defines how far the tool moves downward to completely cut through the material, measured relative to the CNC machine table.
👉Typically used for edge cutting, part separation, and internal cutouts.
📌Typical setting: Z2 = –T – 0.1 to –0.2 mm (where T is the material thickness) to ensure a clean cut without leaving uncut fibers.
🛠️ Cutting Process Settings
Processing: Outer contour cutting (select from the tool list)
Tool Number: Select the tool used for cutting the outer contour (choose from the tool list). Ensure the tool length is sufficient for the material thickness.
Rotation velocity: Enter the spindle speed (usually 18,000 or 24,000 RPM depending on the machine).
Cutting velocity: Enter the feedrate when the router is cutting inside the material. Typically set between 8000–10000 mm/min, adjustable depending on the material and tool type.
Slow cutting velocity: Feedrate for cutting the final edge of the part, which should be slower to prevent kickback or part ejection. Usually set to 1000–2000 mm/min.
Moving down velocity: Feedrate when the tool starts plunging into the material. Typically set between 2000–3000 mm/min.
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