Knowledge Base Article
Metaza MPX-95 Impact Printer
Title
What is a Strategy? What is a tool path?
Summary
When outputting a design to your engraver or milling machine, the software needs to be able to translate commands to the device. These commands tell the machine how fast to mill, at what revolutions per minute (RPM), and where to mill in 3D space. This is what makes up a toolpath. A Strategy is a combination of tool movements, material properties, software algorithms, and tool characteristics.
Details
Question
What is a Strategy? What is a tool path?
Answer
When outputting a design to your engraver or milling machine, the software needs to be able to translate commands to the device. These commands tell the machine how fast to mill, at what revolutions per minute (RPM), and where to mill in 3D space. This is what makes up a toolpath. A Strategy is a combination of tool movements, material properties, software algorithms, and tool characteristics.
Similar to a Profile in the printing world, poor milling quality can usually be traced back to a poor Strategy. The number of variables involved between different types of tooling, software, and materials, including different feeds and speeds, can all lead to hundreds of possible combinations all making a different Strategy. Similar to a snowflake: no two profiles or strategies are the same.
If the milling quality is not satisfactory, the first thing to identify is the Strategy and if it was designed for the specific tool and material combination you want to use. Generic strategies will yield generic results. Some materials are more forgiving than others and the quality will be acceptable if you accidentally choose the wrong Strategy, but always be aware of which Strategy you choose and what variables were used in its construction.
What is a Strategy? What is a tool path?
Answer
When outputting a design to your engraver or milling machine, the software needs to be able to translate commands to the device. These commands tell the machine how fast to mill, at what revolutions per minute (RPM), and where to mill in 3D space. This is what makes up a toolpath. A Strategy is a combination of tool movements, material properties, software algorithms, and tool characteristics.
Similar to a Profile in the printing world, poor milling quality can usually be traced back to a poor Strategy. The number of variables involved between different types of tooling, software, and materials, including different feeds and speeds, can all lead to hundreds of possible combinations all making a different Strategy. Similar to a snowflake: no two profiles or strategies are the same.
If the milling quality is not satisfactory, the first thing to identify is the Strategy and if it was designed for the specific tool and material combination you want to use. Generic strategies will yield generic results. Some materials are more forgiving than others and the quality will be acceptable if you accidentally choose the wrong Strategy, but always be aware of which Strategy you choose and what variables were used in its construction.
Modified
May 12, 2020