Cutter Compensation Chart

Cutter Compensation in PartMaker

There are a number of scenarios that we can set up in PartMaker regarding how we use or do not use cutter compensation.

Below is a chart that will explain the different scenarios.

The second page will give you an expanded explanation.

You can access the “Apply Comp in PartMaker” check box from a couple of places: 

• Job Optimizer à Defaults à Turning or Milling
• Individual processes at the process table

The “Left”, “Right” or “None” radio buttons control the output of G41, G42 or no comp, respectively, in your NC code.

When you generate NC code with the “Left” radio button checked, generally speaking, you will see a G41 on the first linear move of the tool path. There are cases when it has been determined that we need to output a G42 in place of a G41 due to specific machine and machine axes configurations.

The “Apply Comp in PartMaker” check box controls whether you output the edge of the tool’s path or the center line of the tool’s path in your NC code.

For example, if we output NC code for a work group with the setting of “Contour Mill, Tool Position LEFT,” and we have the “Apply Comp in PartMaker” box checked, we will output the left edge of the tool’s path.

If we output NC code for a work group with the setting of “Contour Mill, Tool Position ON,” and we have the “Apply Comp in PartMaker” box checked, we will output the center line of the tool’s path.

For the above setting, you will output code for the edge of your tool (either an end mill or a turning tool) because you have checked the “Apply Comp in PartMaker” box, and, you will not output a G41 or G42 because you have “None” checked.

For the above setting, you will output code for the edge of your tool (either an end mill or a turning tool) because you have checked the “Apply Comp in PartMaker” box, and, you will output a G41* because you have “Left” checked.

*This is generally the case but due to specific machine configurations you might need to output a G42.

For the above setting, you will output code for the center line of your tool (either an end mill or a turning tool) because you have checked the “Apply Comp in PartMaker” box, and, you will output a G42* because you have “Left” checked.

*This is generally the case but due to specific machine configurations you might need to output a G42.