Tool Path Divide

If you really want to scare an NC programmer, just show them a deep, narrow cavity on your latest design, and then comment that you must have a mirror-like surface finish at the bottom. Why is that scary? It’s all about leverage. To illustrate, let me tell you about my new exercise program. I grasp a large potato sack in each hand, and then hold my arms horizontal to my body (like Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man). At first, I could only hold the sacks for a few seconds, but now I can hold them out from my body for more than five minutes. My next step is to put potatoes in the sacks (that’s the punchline). As you learned in your beginning engineering class, it takes much less pressure to affect a long lever than it does a short one. When it comes to side pressure, cutting tools are very much like levers.
About the Author
Jim has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Missouri. He has over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, and over 25 years of experience in the CAD/CAM field. He serves as Field Support for Siemens PLM CAM products. Prior to his current role, he held stints as CNC Programmer, CAD/CAM Department Manager, CAD/CAM instructor, and Project Coordinator for Siemens PLM CAM software development.