We are now cutting using the side or perimeter of the tool and if we don’t compensate or offset for the position of the tool the part will be made undersize or pockets will be made oversize. Of course there is always the math that can be done by the programmer to do this but you will be reminded in this lesson once again that the controller is able to do this for you.
Please note that when programming contours using NC Plot you will not see the cutter path shift over, the calculation for the shift is done at the controller after the correct tool radius is entered into the offset registry on the controller.
Recognize the conditions required for linear or circular interpolation
Distinguish the requirement for Clockwise or Counter Clockwise arc motions
Program arc motion with either radius or arc vectors
Recognize situations where vector programming may be essential
Write a program to machine a simple outside contour