Hello again. I am having difficulty in obtaining smooth surface on curved profile using area surface. I have tried different settings but still not able to get the surface finish I need for this module cutter. It needs to be accurate for producing tooth profile and I flip the part over to machine the oposite side. The actual jig itself needs to be more accurate as well .. but the issue here is the surface finish and it does not machine or clean up all areas of the curve which it must do to get the correct final geometry. I really need a way the cutter follows the curve profile radially and not some sort of zigzag, up and down or linear directional cutting.
Please have a look if you have time. I have some video I can share if it helps. Many thanks. See files below: (The 4mm holes/8mm centre hole are pre-drilled)
workspace_0.75-module-cutter-23May2026.kmz (385.3 KB)
as you’ve noticed, that type of surfacing has problems with curvature that approaches vertical. in this case, I would recommend sticking to a constrained Z range with a ball end and flat outline passes. pictured and attached.
workspace_Centre_pinion_0_updated.kmz (687.7 KB)
Thanks for that - I just tried it - but I don’t get the same slice output - what do i need to do?
uncheck outside only and check omit thru
OK ..thanks - seems to work .. but what is the step-over amount? - there isn’t any adjustment for this in the outline settings
step down is the only setting controlling the “resolution” of the finish. there is no step over since it’s following the slice geometry outline at each Z height.
OK .. got it - makes sense - I will try this - I think it will be significantly better than the current finish. Will let you know how I get on .. Many thanks!
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you are making an aluminum cutting tool?
does that work?..have you done it before?
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