Draw Tool Cutting Path Around a Closed Boundary: CP_CurveAnalyzer – CADPower Command

Summary

The CP_CurveAnalyzer command in CADPower provides advanced functionality for analyzing closed profile curves, determining deflection and radius, and generating optimized tool cutting paths. This tool is essential for preparing CNC tool paths for manufacturing, ensuring precision and efficiency.

CADPower -> Draw Tools -> Rule – Based -> Draw tool cutting path around a closed boundary

Key features include:

Key Features:

1. Curve Analysis and Cutting Path Optimization:
   • Analyze a closed curve for deflection angles, radii, and offsets.
   • Suggest an optimized tool path for cutting along or around the profile.
2. Output Control:
   • Choose the cutting region:
     • Outside: Generate a tool path outside the curve.
     • Inside: Generate a tool path inside the curve.
   • Options to:
     • Create OFFSET and ACCEPT points along the curve.
     • Add text and leaders for annotation.
     • Automatically run the command to streamline the process.
     • Delete all existing annotations at the end of the operation for a clean workspace.
3. Operating Parameters:
   • Part Name Suffix: Define a suffix for part names to organize output files.
   • Distance Along Curve: Set distances for pattern checking and point creation along linear portions.
   • Deflection Angle and Radius Control:
     • Specify the allowed deflection angle between points.
     • Define the minimum radius for the curve between distances for accuracy in tool path generation.
   • Maximum Offset Distance: Set the maximum allowable offset between the curve and the tool turning point.
4. Annotation and Customization:
   • Text Height: Adjust text height for clear annotations within the drawing.
   • Annotate points and tool paths for easy visualization and validation.
5. DXF File Export:
   • Export the generated cutting path to a DXF file for seamless integration with CNC machines and post-processing tools.
6. Post-Processing Options:
   • Run Post-Processor Only: If the cutting path is already created, skip path generation and run the post-processor directly.
   • Ask Later: Configure post-processing settings after the initial run for greater flexibility.
7. Interactive Features:
   • Pick an origin point to define the reference for the cutting path and annotations.
8. User Assistance:
   • Access integrated help and instructional videos directly from the interface, ensuring easy operation and understanding.

The CP_CurveAnalyzer is ideal for manufacturing and fabrication professionals who need precise cutting paths for CNC machining, laser cutting, or other automated processes. Its ability to analyze curves and generate optimized paths makes it invaluable for minimizing errors and improving production efficiency.