Follow the steps below to create a 2D offset toolpath.

NOTE: Because a toolpath is a collective, it can be selected, moved between levels, copied and deleted using the functions available from the NC submenu.

Step 1: Specify Part Zero

This is done through the Profile Milling Dialog that appears when Profile is selected from the 2D submenu. To change the current Part Zero values, select the Change Part Zero setting. You also  are allowed to click the Cursor Select button to define Part Zero.

Step 2: Specify the Cutting Tool

If no tool is currently selected, you can define a new tool by selecting the SELECT NEW TOOL button option from the Profile Milling dialog. For every tool used, you will need to set the feeds and speed parameters.

Step 3: Select the Contour Geometry

Once you have configured the settings contained in the first Profile Milling dialog, select the NEXT button option. The second dialog then appears. Through this dialog, you are required to select the contour geometry, using a series of menu options that appear on the Conversation Bar. When the second dialog appears, select the SELECT PROFILE button option, then follow the menu options that appear.

1. Select the profile geometry using either Single or Chain as the selection method. If you use Single select, you must select the profile geometry in order. In a closed profile, the toolpath will engage the contour on the first selected entity.

2. Decide whether to reverse the machining direction. A vector will appear facing the current direction. This vector will change as the current selection changes, displaying a new direction.

3. Determine which side of the profile you want to cut. Three menu options appear: LEFT, RIGHT and ON CURVE. The vector displayed on the part will change to reflect whatever option is selected.

4. Specify where you want the cutting tool to engage the profile. Three menu options appear: END-1, MID and END-2. The vector displayed on the part will change to reflect whatever option is selected.

5. The second Profile Milling dialog re-appears, with additional options displayed (these options were grayed out before the profile geometry was selected). Configure the additional dialog options and select the NEXT button option.

Step 4: Set Z Parameters and Stock Allowance

This is done through the third Profile Milling dialog. Specify, or CURSOR SELECT, a new setting for each Z parameter. Configure the other available settings in this dialog.

Step 5: Create the Toolpath

For the final step, select the CREATE PATH button option to create the toolpath. Specify a description for the toolpath being created.

Step 6: Post-Process the Toolpath

After the toolpath has been created, you will need to select a post-processing method for your specific controller from the NC library of post-processors. The tool path is then post-processed using the appropriate machining parameters.

See also Using the 2D Profile / Contouring Feature.