SendCutSend Education

Lesson 1.8

How to Design Parts for CNC Contouring and Drilling

This series was filmed and edited by Keaton Bowlby

In chapter 1 lesson 8, we wrap up our toolpath concepts by exploring how tools enter material and how final operations like contouring and drilling are programmed.

We’ll break down contour toolpaths and how they follow part profiles to achieve accurate final dimensions and clean finishes. From there, we’ll cover drilling operations, including different strategies for chip evacuation like pecking and full retract cycles. We’ll also explore multiple entry methods for end mills, such as helical entry, ramping, plunging, and pre-drilled entry points, and how each impacts tool life, stability, and cut quality.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How contouring is used to finish part profiles
  • The basics of drilling operations and hole creation
  • Different drilling cycles and chip removal strategies
  • How end mills enter material using various entry methods
  • How entry strategy impacts tool life, finish, and efficiency

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