Part of the FastCAM NC System Training guides
Overview: This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the FastPATH Settings in FastCAM. These settings control post processors, pathing, entry/exit parameters, and cutting optimization
1. Accessing FastPATH Settings
- Navigate to the right-hand side of the screen in FastCAM.
- Select the Post Processor/Controller.
- Based on the controller selected, a list of available processes will appear.
Example: Using the Burny controller, you can apply Text Marker and Plasma processes.
2. Plasma Process Settings
- Kerf Direction: Left, Right, or None.
- Cut Side: Inside, Outside, or Both.
- Process Application: Apply processes across the whole nest or on a part-by-part basis.
3. External Pathing
3.1 Corner Pierce
- Option to check or uncheck.
3.2 Entry Position
Choose where the lead-in entry is located:
- Top Left, Bottom Left, Top Right, Bottom Right
- Top, Bottom, Right, or Left
3.3 Entry Settings
- Enable Entry: On/Off
- Type: Straight, Half Circle, Quarter Circle
- Length: Set in inches
- Angle: 0°, 45°, 90°, etc.
- Extension: Add extension length and angle if enabled
3.4 Exit Settings
- Enable Exit: On/Off
- Type: Straight, Half Circle, Quarter Circle
- Length: Inches or millimeters
- Angle: 0°, 45°, 90°, etc.
- Extension: Add extension length and angle if enabled
4. Internal Pathing
4.1 Entry Position
- Same positional choices as external pathing.
4.2 Position Types
- Pierce in Corner: Adds entry at part corner (no exit generated).
- Break: Break entity at midpoint.
- Break Longest Entity: Break longest entity at midpoint.
4.3 Additional Options
- Internal Same as External: Copies external settings (internal cannot be modified).
- Center Pierce: For smallest holes where normal entry is not suitable.
4.4 Entry Settings
(Same structure as External Entry)
4.5 Exit Settings
(Same structure as External Exit)
5. Cut Sequence Menu
- Internal Sweep: Choose sequence for internal cuts (Columns, Rows, Top Closest).
- Preserve Original Sequence: Keep original NC file pathing.
- Align with Next Pierce: Adjust entry to align with the next cut.
- Nest Start Position: Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, Bottom Right.
- Nest Sweep: Sequence across the nest (Columns, Rows, Top Closest).
- Cut All Inside Profiles First: Cuts internals before externals.
6. Tags
Add tags to contours.
- Length of tag (in/mm)
- Contour Type: Inside Only, Outside Only, All
7. Kerf Compensation
- Enable kerf offset to adjust contour paths.
- Disables NC kerf G41/G42 29/31 output if enabled.
- Input:
- Outside Radius (for external contours)
- Inside Radius (for internal contours)
8. Stitches
- Apply to: Internal Contours, Internal Slitting, External Contours
- Distance Between Stitches: in
- Stitch Width: Length left uncut
9. Breakout Tabs
- Apply to: Internal or External Contours
- Lead-Out Minimum Contour Size
- Tab Width
- Number of Tabs
10. Feedrate Adjustments
- Adjust based on hole size.
- Entry Feedrate: adjustable from 100%
- Exit Feedrate: adjustable from 100%
11. Pre-Pierce Settings
- Cuts a hole of specified radius before cutting the profile.
- Radius: Input circle radius.
- Pre-Pierce in Groups Of: Specify number of grouped pierces.
12. Optimizations
12.1 Hole Avoidance
- Prevents process from traversing over previously cut parts.
- Rapid Type: Rectangular or straight.
- Cut Short Rapids: Converts short rapids into cutting moves.
- Distance Threshold: Rapids shorter than this value are cut instead.
12.2 Sort Marking
- Optimizes marking paths to minimize travel.
- Marking Return Distance (mm): Rapid distance applied after marking stops.
12.3 Contour Gap
- Maximum allowable gap before re-piercing.
- Assume Discrete Parts in Nest: Option to treat each part separately.
13. Outline Display Options
- None
- Nestplate
- Silhoutte
