Independent Cut depth two sided

Guys,
I have a very asymmetrical part that I have setup to mill both sides.
When setting the cut depth to make sure all features are milled for one sides creates a lot of air cutting when doing the opposite side.
Is there any way to set the cut depth different for each side of the part ?

meshCAM model: http://www.cboservices.net/cad/FuelCapMedium.mcf

STL: http://www.cboservices.net/cad/FuelCapMedium.stl

Thanks
Chris Olsen

Looking at the part, it seem like it would be OK if you have the "Machine Geometry +" option selected instead of the "Machine Whole Stock" option. This will keep the tool within the outline of the part plus some margin rather than remachining all of the surrounding area on the second half.

For the "Machine Geometry +" value, I like to use the diameter of my largest tool.

-Robert

I did not upload the toolpath settings I was using previously.
I double checked them and they do specify the Machine Geometry.
What happens in the waterline path ends up cutting way deeper than is needed, before the 'Cut along X' paths start.

Not a huge deal but it does increase the machining time a fair amount.

Here is the toolpath file if that helps:
http://www.cboservices.net/cad/FuelCap-Bull.tps

Thanks
Chris Olsen

Got it- that is a tough one to fix right now in an automatic way. The work around is:

1. Set the max depth for the top and generate the toolpath.
2. Save the toolpaths
3. Set the max depth for the bottom and generate the toolpaths
4. Save the toolpaths
5. Machine the top from step 2 and the bottom from step 4.

Not optimal but it works.

-Robert

Robert,
That sounds like a viable work around. For sure would not expect it to automatically try to figure this out. Was just thinking a future change would all the user to specify a different cut depth for the top and bottom as an option.

Thanks for the help
Chris Olsen

This is very nice post thanks!:cool: