CAM Slot

Pocket

Drilling

Path

Path Slot
Menu location
Path → Slot
Workbenches
Path
Default shortcut
None
Introduced in version
0.19
See also
None

Description

This tool creates a simple slotting operation using various methods of input. Inputs include:

• selecting one or more faces or edges.
• selecting two vertices.
• entering two custom points.

The Path Slot object is made to be part of a Path Job.

Usage

1. Select the reference geometry on the model:.
   • one or more faces or edges.
   • two vertices.
   • nothing to use two custom points entered in the Property View of the Data tab: Custom Point1 and Custom Point2.
2. Invoke the Slot command using several methods:
   • Pressing the Slot button in the toolbar.
   • Using the Path → Slot entry from the top menu.
3. Adjust the desired properties. Descriptions of available properties are found below.

Properties

Note : Not all of these Properties are available in the Task Window Editor. Some are only accessible in the Data tab of the Properties View panel for this Operation.

Base

Note: It is suggested that you do not edit the Placement property of path operations. Rather, move or rotate the Path Job model as needed.

• DataPlacement: Overall placement[position and rotation] of the object - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
  • DataAngle: Angle in degrees applied to rotation of the object around Axis property value
  • DataAxis: Axis(one or multiple) around which to rotate the object, set in sub-properties: x, y, z
    • DataX: x axis value
    • DataY: y axis value
    • DataZ: z axis value
  • DataPosition: Position of the object, set in sub-properties: x, y, z - with respect to the origin (or origin of parent object container)
    • DataX: x distance value
    • DataY: y distance value
    • DataZ: z distance value
• DataLabel: User-provided name of the object (UTF-8)

Depth

• DataClearance Height: The height needed to clear clamps and obstructions
• DataFinal Depth: Final Depth of Tool- lowest value in Z
• DataFinish Depth: Maximum material removed on final pass. The height (thickness) of the last cutting level - set for a better finish.
• DataSafe Height: The height above which Rapid motions are allowed. (Rapid safety height between locations)
• DataStart Depth: Starting depth of Tool - first cut depth in Z
• DataStep Down: Incremental step down of Tool during operation

Visual reference for Depth properties (settings)

Path

• DataActive: make False, to prevent operation from generating code
• DataBase: The base geometry for this operation
• DataComment: An optional comment for this Operation
• DataCoolant Mode: The coolant mode for this operation.
• DataCycle Time: The cycle time estimation for this operation.
• DataTool Controller: Defines the Tool controller used in the Operation
• DataUser Label: User assigned label

Slot

• DataCustom Point1: Enter custom start point for slot path.
• DataCustom Point2: Enter custom end point for slot path.
• DataCut Pattern: Set the geometric clearing pattern to use for the operation.
• DataExtend Path End: Positive extends the end of the path, negative shortens.
• DataExtend Path Start: Positive extends the beginning of the path, negative shortens.
• DataExtend Radius: For arcs/circlular edges, offset the radius for the path.
• DataLayer Mode: Complete the operation in a single pass at depth, or mulitiple passes to final depth.
• DataPath Orientation: Choose the path orientation with regard to the feature(s) selected.
• DataReference1: Choose what point to use on the first selected feature.
• DataReference2: Choose what point to use on the second selected feature.
• DataReverse Direction: Enable to reverse the cut direction of the slot path.

Start Point

• DataStart Point: The custom start point for the path of this operation.
  • DataX: x distance value
  • DataY: y distance value
  • DataZ: z distance value
• DataUse Start Point: Make True, if manually specifying a Start Point. Set the start point in the property data Start Point field.

Tasks Window Editor Layout

Descriptions for the settings are provided in the Properties list above. This section is simply a layout map of the settings in the window editor for the Operation.

Base Geometry

• Add: adds selected element(s) which should be the base(s) for the path(s)
• Delete: delete the selected item(s) in the Base Geometry list
• Clear: clear all items in the Base Geometry list

Depths

• DataStart Depth
• DataFinal Depth
• DataStep Down

Heights

• DataSafe Height
• DataClearance Height

Operation

• DataTool Controller: The tool and its settings to be used for this operation.
• DataCoolant Mode: Coolant mode for this operation.
• DataStart Reference **: Choose what point to use on the first selected feature.
• DataEnd Reference **: Choose what point to use on the second selected feature.
• DataExtend Path End: Positive extends the end of the path, negative shortens.
• DataExtend Path Start: Positive extends the beginning of the path, negative shortens.
• DataLayer Mode: Complete the operation in a single pass at depth, or mulitiple passes to final depth.
• DataPath Orientation **: Choose the path orientation with regard to the feature(s) selected.
• DataReverse Direction: Enable to reverse the cut direction of the slot path.

** Visibility changes depending on Base Geometry selected.

Scripting

See also: FreeCAD Scripting Basics.

Example:

#Place code example here.

Pocket

Drilling

Path

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

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