Tool plunge
Tool plunge is a movement of a tool from the plane level (depth) of tool step-over along the Z axis from the top machining level, which can be assigned in the parameters assignment window. If the step-over plane level coincides with the top machining level, for example, during step-over around the workpiece, a plunge move will not be applied. A plunge consists of two parts: a transition at rapid feed and a transition at work feed. If required, the user may use only one mode – e.g. only the rapid move, or, only the work feed move. Tool plunge must be performed either outside of the workpiece area or into a previously drilled hole. The plunge parameters can be assigned on the Toolpath page. The assigned parameters will apply for the entire operation irrespective of how many contours are being machined in the operation.
The feed switchover level can be assigned by two methods: as an absolute value in the current coordinate system (just like assigning the safe plane, and as the top and the bottom workpiece levels), or as the distance from the top workpiece level. The assignment can be performed in the < Lead in / Lead out> window.
See also: