Coordinate System

MapleCAM uses a right-handed coordinate system measured in millimeters:

• X — right (positive) / left (negative)
• Y — forward (positive) / backward (negative)
• Z — up (positive) / down (negative)

Z=0: The Stock Surface

The top surface of your stock is always at Z = 0. Cutting goes into negative Z values. For example, if your stock is 20mm thick, the bottom of the stock is at Z = -20.

This convention matches most CNC workflows where you zero the Z axis to the top of the material.

Safe Z and Clearance Height

Two Z heights control rapid (non-cutting) movement:

• Safe Z — the height for rapid moves between distant cuts (typically 5-10mm above stock). The tool lifts to Safe Z when moving between separate regions.
• Clearance height — a smaller lift for moves between nearby paths within the same operation (micro-lifts). This is faster than lifting all the way to Safe Z.

Both values are positive Z (above the stock surface) and are configured in Project Settings.