Session 24

Calculate the Minimum Cutter Extension

One of the most time consuming task for a NC programmer is the tool selection. The
tools must be as short as possible for rigidity. For 3 axis motions on a square block, the
analysis can be easy, but for 5 axis motions or if the part contour is irregular, an accurate
guess is almost impossible or very time consuming. In this session we will use VERICUT
to calculate the minimum cutter height necessary to cut the part without any holder
collisions.

1.

Open project file mincut.vcproject

Launch VERICUT
File > Open
Shortcut = Training
File = mincut.VcProject
Open

2.Cut the part to see where the holder hits the part

Play to End

VERICUT V6

Session 24

3.

Set VERICUT to calculate the Minimum Cutter Extension

Display the Project Tree

In the Project tree, select Setup : 1, right-click,
Check Calculate Min. Cutter Extension
Holder Clearance = 2
OK

Reset Model

Play to End
No (for this exercise, we will not save the results)
In the message area: Tool 1s first holder height has been adjusted by 6.320287

Motion

IMPORTANT: while calculating the cutter height, the tool assembly is actively
modified during the cut. No holder collision will be detected

4.

Exit VERICUT

File > Exit

Ignore All Changes

Conclusion
Using VERICUT to calculate the minimum cutter extension will save you a lot of time
and trouble.
VERICUT V6

Session 24

VERICUT V6

Session 24