Dress-up: Ramp Entry¶

In one sentence: Replace straight plunge entries with a ramping or helical descent to reduce tool load at entry.

Overview¶

Workbench: CAM
Menu: CAM → Dress-up → Ramp Entry
Command: CAM_DressupRampEntry
Shortcut: none

Replaces straight-down plunge moves at the start of each Z-level pass with a ramping or helical entry. Plunging straight down is the worst-case load condition for an end mill; ramping distributes this load over the approach distance and is kinder to the tool and machine.

Intuition¶

End mills are designed to cut laterally, not to drill straight down. A straight plunge forces all the cutting load onto the tool tip. A ramp or helix entry tilts the approach so the flutes engage from the side as the tool descends — lower peak load, longer tool life, better surface finish at the entry point.

Ramp methods¶

Method	Description
Ramp	Linear ZigZag ramp descending to the start depth
Helix	Helical spiral descending to the start depth
Plunge	Keep straight plunge (bypass — no change)

Key parameters¶

Parameter	Description
Ramp Method	Ramp, Helix, or Plunge
Angle	Ramp angle from horizontal (degrees) — smaller = gentler descent
Ramp Feed Rate	Override feed rate during the ramp portion

Common mistakes and pitfalls¶

Ramp produces incorrect depth

If the ramp angle is too steep relative to the operation's Step Down, the ramp can overshoot the target Z depth. Reduce the ramp angle or reduce the Step Down parameter.

Helix radius larger than feature

For a helix entry into a narrow slot or pocket, the helix radius may exceed the available space. Use a Ramp method instead, or reduce the helix radius.