Acu-Rite CNC 3500i user manual Drilling Cycle

10.1 CAM Programming

Drilling Cycle:

The Drilling tool path defines a drill cycle type, location, and parameters for drilling. Certain parameters apply only to specific cycles. These parameters appear as needed based on the selected Drill Cycle.

The following describes the various Drill Cycles available.

Drill Cycle: Basic

A basic drilling cycle is generally used for center drilling or hole drilling that does not require a pecking motion. It feeds from the Start Height to the specified Z Depth at a given Feed, then rapids to the Return Height.

Drill Cycle: Counterbore

A counter bore cycle is generally used for counter boring. It feeds from the Start Height to Z Depth, dwells for specified time, then rapids to the Return Height.

Drill Cycle: Peck

A peck drilling cycle is generally used for peck drilling relatively shallow holes. The peck drilling cycle feeds from the Start Height to the first peck depth (calculated so that all pecks are equal and do not exceed the maximum peck distance programmed in Peck). Then rapid retracts to Start Height (to clear chip), rapids down to previous depth less .02", and continues this loop until it reaches the Z Depth. It then rapid retracts to the Return Height.

Drill Cycle: Tapping

A tapping cycle is used for tapping holes. During a tapping cycle the tool feeds from the Start Height to Z depth; the spindle stops and reverses; the tool feeds to the Return Height; and the spindle stops and reverses again.

Drill Cycle: Boring Bidirectional

A bidirectional boring cycle is generally used to make a pass in each direction on a bore or to tap with a self-reversing tapping head. It feeds from the Start Height to Z depth, and then feeds back to the Return Height.

294 10 CAM: Programming