Summary
GibbsCAM 2025 adds Radial Cuts as an alternative turn-milling pattern. Standard cuts form axial spirals and step radially in depth. Radial Cuts instead machine each slice in the radial direction to final depth, then sidestep to the next slice.
Table of Contents
What Changed in GibbsCAM 2025
Important: Radial and standard paths can load the tool and machine differently. Compare engagement, chip evacuation, remaining stock, axis travel, simulation, and posted motion before production use.
Before You Begin
• Use GibbsCAM 2025 with a supported turn-milling strategy and the required product license.
• Define the part, stock, tool, holder, fixtures, coordinate systems, and machine limits accurately.
• Choose geometry that makes the axial and radial cut progression easy to compare.
• Save the standard path, simulation result, cycle time, and posted program as a baseline.
Procedure
Step 1 - Review the Standard Pattern
1. Regenerate the original turn-milling operation without Radial Cuts.
2. Confirm that the standard path forms axial spirals and increments depth in the radial direction.
3. Record engagement, remaining stock, links, axis travel, cycle time, and posted motion.
Figure 1 Compare radial cuts with standard turn-milling spirals
Source: What's New in GibbsCAM 2025, p. 36
Step 2 - Generate Radial Cuts
1. Copy the baseline operation and enable Radial Cuts in the supported turn-milling strategy.
2. Regenerate the path. Each slice should progress radially to final cutting depth before a sidestep moves the tool to the next slice.
3. Keep other cut, tolerance, and linking settings unchanged for the first comparison.
Step 3 - Compare the Two Methods
1. Inspect tool engagement, chip evacuation, surface coverage, remaining stock, link motion, and cycle time.
2. Review linear and rotary travel against the machine limits and workholding.
3. Select the pattern that matches the approved machining plan without reducing clearance or stability.
Step 4 - Validate the Operation
1. Run complete Machine Simulation with current stock, fixtures, tool, holder, and machine components.
2. Post the operation and compare the output with the simulated path and approved axis limits.
3. Complete controlled prove-out before releasing the radial pattern for production.
Expected Result
• Each radial slice reaches final cutting depth before the next sidestep.
• The selected pattern removes the required stock with safe engagement and reachable motion.
• Simulation and posted output agree with the approved turn-milling process.
Best Practices
• Compare Radial Cuts with a saved standard operation on the same geometry.
• Keep tool, stock, tolerance, and linking values unchanged during the first test.
• Review chip evacuation and tool loading as well as cycle time.
• Revalidate after changes to geometry, tool, stock, MDD, strategy, or post.
Troubleshooting
• Problem: Radial Cuts is unavailable.
Cause
• The active strategy or GibbsCAM build does not support the option.
• The required turn-mill product or license is not active.
Resolution
Confirm the installed build, licensed products, and selected turn-milling strategy. Use a supported configuration or send CAMCO the sample file and build details.
• Problem: The path still resembles the standard spiral pattern.
Cause
• Radial Cuts was not enabled or the operation was not regenerated.
• The selected geometry does not make the change in progression obvious.
Resolution
Copy the baseline, enable Radial Cuts, regenerate representative geometry, and inspect the direction in which each slice reaches final depth.
• Problem: The radial pattern leaves stock or creates poor engagement.
Cause
• The tool, stock, stepover, depth, tolerance, or containment does not suit the pattern.
• Chip evacuation or workholding limits the approved engagement.
Resolution
Restore the baseline, verify the setup and cutting values, then make one conservative change at a time. Compare remaining stock and engagement in complete simulation.
• Problem: Posted axis motion differs from the simulated result.
Cause
• The MDD, post, coordinate systems, or machine limits do not match the setup.
• The radial pattern exposes rotary travel that was not reviewed in the baseline.
Resolution
Stop release, confirm the qualified MDD and post, review coordinate systems and limits, then regenerate, simulate, and repost before prove-out.
Related Articles
• Recommended Simulation Settings
• How to Create a Pack and Go File
Explore More from CAMCO
Visit the CAMCO website to learn more about:
• Downloads and Helpful Resources
Keywords
GibbsCAM 2025, turn milling, Radial Cuts, radial cutting, axial spiral, sidestep, depth step, multi-axis roughing, machine simulation
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