Contour
A contour operation cuts along a path, offsetting the tool to one side so the finished edge is exactly on the design line.
Cut Side
- Outside — tool cuts outside the path (for cutting a shape out of stock)
- Inside — tool cuts inside the path (for cutting a hole or recess)
- On-line — tool center follows the path exactly (no offset)
Key Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Cut side | Outside, inside, or on-line |
| Depth | Total cut depth (negative Z from stock surface) |
| Depth per pass | Maximum depth per cutting pass |
| Feed rate | Cutting feed rate (mm/min) |
| Plunge rate | Downward feed rate for entering material |
| Spindle speed | RPM |
| Tabs | Enable hold-down tabs (see below) |
| Lead-in / Lead-out | Arc entry/exit to avoid plunge marks on finished edge |
Tabs
Hold-down tabs are small bridges of uncut material that keep the part attached to the stock during the final passes. Without tabs, a part cut all the way through may shift or be thrown by the cutting tool.
Tab settings:
- Tab count — number of tabs around the contour
- Tab width — width of each tab (mm)
- Tab height — height of uncut material (mm)
Multi-Pass Depth
If the total depth exceeds the depth-per-pass setting, MapleCAM generates multiple passes at increasing depths. The final pass cuts to the exact target depth.
When to Use Contour
- Cutting shapes out of stock (outside contour + tabs)
- Cutting holes or slots (inside contour)
- Profiling edges to final dimension