Truemill 2-Axis Defined

SURFCAM TrueMill technology changes the ground-rules of metal removal, allowing CNCs to machine 3x or sometimes even 4x faster. Traditional CAM software algorithms have for years created area removal toolpaths by offsetting the final shape by a constant stepover amount, collapsing and removing elements to produce what everyone thought was the most efficient toolpath - the shortest toolpath.

What everyone (Surfware included) missed was the fact that recommended feedrates were artificially lowered by cutting tool suppliers and CNC operators because the toolpaths customers were getting from their CAM systems never considered the single most important factor in material removal efficiency - maintaining a consistent angle of tool engagement.

Standard toolpaths bury the cutter in tight areas, and if the feedrate is too high when this occurs, the tool breaks or loads up depending upon the tool and material being machined.

And rather than simply follow the part shape, TrueMill toolpaths eliminate inconsistent tool load by maintaining the tool engagement angle. Here's a close-up of a TrueMill toolpath - the tool engagement angle is never exceeded.

Another common sense rule violated by most CAM software algorithms is the lack of accurate feedrate control of the edge of the cutter, especially on small arc moves. For example, a .5" dia cutter making a .01" arc move at 300 IPM moves the edge of the cutter through the material at 7,800 IPM!

Operators typically use the feedrate override in corners to keep tools from breaking unless a considerably slower feedrate is programmed.
TrueMill automatically takes care of this too, automatically outputting updated feedrates into the toolpath based on the edge condition of the tool where cutting takes place.