CAM Surface

Editing Path 3DSurface

Path 3DSurface
Menu location
Path → 3D Surface
Workbenches
Path
Default shortcut
None
Introduced in version
-
See also
None

Description

This tool creates a new 3D Surface Operation. A 3D Surface operation uses the entire top surface of the 3D Model to generate G-Code for the Job.

The 3D Surface Tool interfaces to OCL.pyd, a 3rd party Open Source module titled OpenCamLib, that generates tool paths from a 3D Model. OpenCamLib is not integrated directly into FreeCAD to ensure their license is not violated. It requires that Experiemental Features are enabled.

By default, Experimental functionality is hidden in Path workbench.

To enable it to use and test requires the user:

Open 'Tools'->'Edit Parameters...->BaseApp->Preferences->Mod->Path' and create a new Boolean parameter EnableExperimentalFeatures, and set to True. Reopen FreeCAD.

Usage

1. Press the File:Path 3DSurface.png 3D Surface button.
2. Select the tool controller for the Operation from the Tool controller dialogue pop up window.
3. Set the Finish Depth.
4. Select between Dropcutter and Waterline for the Tool algorithm.
5. Apply, then Hit OK to confirm.