DIGITAL MACHINEDESIGN DESK / DFM-01

Pockets & tool access

Give the cutting edge room to reach, clear chips and leave the required corner.

DESIGN INTENTThe cutter must fit the corner AND reach the floor.
01Equal radii: no sweep radius
Top view of an R3 inside corner with a radius 3 cutter tangent to both walls. The corner and cutter centers coincide.

R3 corner / diameter 6 cutter

02Larger corner: room to sweep
Top view of an R4 corner and a radius 3 cutter. A dashed radius 1 arc traces the cutter center around the corner.

R4 corner / diameter 6 cutter

WORKED EXAMPLE / mm

Corner-path radius = R - D/2

R3: 3 - 6/2 = 0 mm | R4: 4 - 6/2 = 1 mm
03Reduce unnecessary reach

Flutes provide chip space; the neck and holder also need clearance. A deep pocket may require a long, less rigid tool.

CAD: keep nonfunctional pockets shallow.

04Clear square mating corners

A round tool leaves an inside radius. Local corner relief can clear a square insert; verify fit and the remaining load-bearing section.

CAD: add relief only where permitted.

05Plan the tool approaches

Group accessible features where function permits. Re-clamping adds handling; undercuts still need a tool entry and exit path.

CAD: review access and necessary setups early.

06Distinguish blind and through

Wire EDM needs a through path in conductive material and wire entry. A blind floor needs another approach, such as sinker EDM.

CAD: preserve required floors and sealing walls.

WHAT THIS DOES NOT PROVE

A larger corner helps the toolpath; it does not prove tool reach. Check flute, neck and holder clearance separately.

BEFORE RELEASE Protect fit, loads, sealing and required material sections when changing geometry.
  • Identify the smallest internal vertical radius.
  • Dimension pocket depth separately from wall height.
  • Check tool and holder access to every feature.
  • Identify square-corner mating requirements.
  • Mark any permitted corner relief on the drawing.
  • Discuss inaccessible undercuts before release.