Tilting the Tool During a Helix Operation

The Tilt during helix option for Multiaxis Pocketing toolpaths orients the tool vector so that it is normal to the slice at every point on the helical ramp move. This motion reduces tool overloading for the roughing machining pattern, the setting for which is located on the Cut Pattern page of the Multiaxis Toolpath – Pocketing dialog box (see the following image). Tilt during helix increases tool life by keeping a consistent chip load on the tool during entry.

Without this option, Mastercam performs the helical entry using only 3-axis motion. This results in an abrupt change in motion when the tool transitions from 3-axis to 5-axis. Unlocking the full range of motion lets the tool continuously align to the vectors of the feature being cut. This allows the tool to transition less aggressively from the helical entry motion to the cut pattern.

You can find the Tilt during helix option on the Roughing page of the Multiaxis Toolpath – Pocketing dialog box.