Mastercam Mill 2D Area Milling
Mastercam Mill 2D Area Milling is an advanced two-dimensional toolpath for machining flat surfaces and open or closed pocket shapes. It uses the same advanced chaining logic as Dynamic Milling, allowing users to switch flexibly between the two methods. This makes Area Milling an excellent option when Dynamic Milling cannot be used.
Area Milling supports trochoidal motion and allows both roughing and finishing passes in the same operation when the same tool is used. It can also be used as a finishing toolpath after Dynamic Milling when a smooth, parallel machining pattern is desired on the floors of closed and open pockets.
Features
- Advanced chaining: Uses the same chaining logic as Dynamic Milling, making it easier to select areas and switch flexibly between the methods.
- Trochoidal motion: Improves chip flow control and produces a consistent machining finish.
Roughing and finishing with one tool: Allows finishing passes to be included in the roughing toolpath. - Versatile tool support: Suitable for end mills, corner-radius mills, and face mills.
- Finishing toolpath after Dynamic Milling: Produces a smooth pocket floor with parallel milling passes.
Applications
- Machining flat surfaces and pocket shapes.
- Machining the floors of open and closed pockets with a parallel surface finish.
- An alternative when Dynamic Milling cannot be used.
- A complementary finishing toolpath for Dynamic Milling.
Benefits
- Easy method switching: Consistent chaining makes it easy to switch between Dynamic Milling and Area Milling.
- Flexible use: Suitable both as a standalone roughing or finishing operation and as a complementary finishing operation after Dynamic Milling.
- Consistent pocket-floor finish: Produces a clean, parallel surface finish on the floors of closed and open pockets.
Tips
- Use Area Milling as a finishing toolpath after Dynamic Milling to improve the quality of pocket-floor surfaces.
- Select tools based on the part and surface-finish requirements—end mills and corner-radius mills are usually the best options.
- Enable trochoidal motion to achieve controlled and consistent material removal.
Summary
Mastercam Mill 2D Area Milling is an advanced toolpath for machining flat surfaces and pocket shapes. It provides the same chaining logic as Dynamic Milling, enabling flexible switching between methods and making it an excellent complementary finishing toolpath. Trochoidal motion, combined roughing and finishing, and a consistent pocket-floor finish make Area Milling a versatile and efficient tool for 2D machining.
