Path experimental

Menu location
Tools → Edit Parameters → BaseApp → Preferences → Mod → Path → EnableExperimentalFeatures
Workbenches
Path
Default shortcut
Introduced in version
-
See also

Description

The Path Workbench contains, by default, a set of hidden features. They are hidden by default because they are developmental or experimental for the following reasons:

• is an incomplete feature
• is bug-ridden
• is unstable
• does not produce correct, stable, safe, paths
• is not a standard, regularly used tool in the traditional CAM workflow
• is a mature, ready tool that has not been moved to the standard tool list
• ... other reasons

Enable Experimental Features

To access the hidden experimental features in the Path Workbench, the user must enable them in the Parameter Editor.

To enable Experimental Features:

1. Open the Parameter Editor via Tools → Edit Parameters...
2. Once in the editor the path is BaseApp → Preferences → Mod → Path
3. Right click in the parameter list area to obtain the actions pop-up menu.
4. Create a new Boolean parameter.
5. Name the new parameter: EnableExperimentalFeatures (case-sensitive).
6. Set it to: True.
7. Save the settings.
8. Restart FreeCAD.

Result: the experimental tools should appear in the Path Workbench.

Above: the Parameter editor showing the EnableExperimentalFeature boolean as True

Additional Information

Read more about the specific experimental features on the wiki pages that link to this one

User documentation

• Getting started
• Installation: Download, Windows, Linux, Mac, Additional components, Docker, AppImage, Ubuntu Snap
• Basics: About FreeCAD, Interface, Mouse navigation, Selection methods, Object name, Preferences, Workbenches, Document structure, Properties; Help FreeCAD, Donate

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• Help: Tutorials, Video tutorials
• Workbenches: Std Base; Arch, Draft, FEM, Image, Inspection, Mesh, OpenSCAD, Part, PartDesign, Path, Points, Raytracing, Reverse Engineering, Sketcher, Spreadsheet, Start, Surface, TechDraw, Test Framework, Web
• Deprecated or unmaintained workbenches: Complete, Drawing, Robot

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• Addons: Addon Manager, External workbenches, Scripting and macros

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• Hubs: User hub, Power users hub, Developer hub

Path

• Path Commands: Job, Post Process, Export Template, G-Code Inspector, Simulator, Tool Manager, Complete Loop, Profile, Pocket, Drilling, Engrave, Mill Face, Helix, 3D Pocket

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• Path Dressup: Dogbone Dressup, Dragknife Dressup, Lead In Dressup, Ramp Entry Dressup, Tag Dressup

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• Partial Commands: Fixture, Comment, Stop, Custom, Gcode From a Shape

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• Path Modification: Copy, Array, Simple Copy

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• Other: 3D Surface, Feature area, Feature area workplane, Path Errors

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• Additional: Preferences...

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• Scripting: Path scripting