In CAMWorks 5 axis machining it can sometimes be difficult to initially generate a feature that does not intersect with itself. By this I mean that either the tool or tool holder are actually colliding with the work piece during the tool path simulation. This can be remedied a number of different ways but one of the simplest fixes to this problem is to turn on Gouge Checking. Gouge Checking prevents the tool (or tool holder) from gouging surfaces that were selected to be machined by the current operation. It does this by looking at the generated tool path and surfaces for collisions and then redirects the tool to avoid that surface based on a given retract strategy. This option can be found in the Operation Parameters for any 5 axis feature under the Gouge Checking tab.
Here you can specify allowable clearances between tool and work piece as well as a Strategy for when gouging is detected. You also must specify which pieces of the tool you want to apply Gouge Checking too. You have options to select Holder, Shank, Non-Cutting Portion (Shoulder), and Flute. Four different Groups can be established to test different combinations of Gouge Checking conditions. Lastly, the “Check Against” option allows you to not only check against the surfaces associated with the current operation but the “Other Surfaces” option allows you to specify any other features as surfaces to avoid.
