Here's an example of what I've been working toward. Until now I've been printing out vectors and spot checking to try to get the basic algorithm working. I trapped most of the issues and now have drawn out the results for some tool path segments. I implemented it poorly, and instead of adding all li...

Amazing stuff going on with Path these days, and in large part due to collaborations Russ has led. Bravo on getting things done. My focus lately has been on facet sampling mesh in a non-linear way, and I struggled for a while trying to reconcile the vector math to get the algo correct. A couple of d...

I've continued work on an alternative mesh sampling approach. I've been attempting to implement a non-linear sampling algorithm. The concept is relatively simple, the execution requires care. For a moderately large mesh--around 3k facets, 6k facet edges--it is possible to analyze the relationship of...

There’s a compromise that I’ve been playing with that likely speeds up path calculation. Linear sampling isn’t ideal for a mesh. If I create a plane from Stocktop to bottom along each zig-zag segment, then iterate through all facets in the mesh, I can use vectors to calculate the distance from each ...

The primary reasons for specifying step-over are to: -Ensure that the tool is not subject to excess torque. -Ensure that the model is cut with adequate resolution. Since the step-over is "true" at the surface of the model, you are meeting the needs of the 2nd reason. Since you know the arc...

Due to my lack of knowledge and expertise in this area of CNC milling and lathe processes, I am reaching out to you. I noticed that the existing FC tool controller[TC] has some fields for some tools that are extraneous to the tool, as I understand the tools. I Hi Russ, I'm no expert, but I also not...

Hi Russ, Great work--really appreciate what you're up to! I'm trying to take a look at your script now. I haven't gotten 4th axis, but I'm amazed at what's been done so far with harnessing OCL to fit into PathWB better. If I recall correctly, AWallin had built in various tool-tip types--end, ball, c...

The difference in the two sides is because of mesh deformation in the offset mesh. Still looking at fix for that.

I tested against a toroid at an angle, and was pleasantly surprised.

Hey Chris :D . I think I'm onto something worth exploring further here. I tried a 3rd strategy. I made an offset mesh per endmill tool shape, and used the projection onto it. It quickly generates tool paths where the tool tip should be. I was momentarily perplexed because one side is imperfect at th...

Thanks to @JulianTodd, I've explored this a bit further. I have a hacked up script--attached--that has allowed me to play with mesh offsetting. It takes a minute or more to run the attached model. This is not optimized. In short, a 2d Path-FeatureArea is attached to the stock top. The wire is discre...