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Surface

In one sentence: Generate a 3-D surface machining toolpath across arbitrary curved surfaces using parallel passes at a specified step-over.

Overview

Workbench: CAM
Menu: CAM → Surface
Command: CAM_Surface
Shortcut: none

Requires OpenCamLib

Surface requires the OpenCamLib (OCL) library to be installed. Without it, the operation will not function.

Generates a 3-D surface machining toolpath by tracing the model surface at a specified step-over distance. Suitable for 3-axis free-form surface milling with ball-nose or bull-nose end mills.

Intuition

Where Pocket Shape works at fixed Z levels, Surface follows the actual 3-D shape of the model — the tool moves up and down as needed to stay in contact with the surface. This produces much smoother surfaces on curved, organic geometry.

When to use it

  • Finishing curved surfaces (moulds, organic shapes, artistic forms).
  • 3-D surface machining with ball-nose end mills.
  • Producing a fine surface finish on 3-D contours.

When NOT to use it

  • Requires OpenCamLib — if not installed, this operation is unavailable.
  • For flat or 2.5D geometry — use Profile or Pocket Shape instead.

Scan types

Type Description
Planar Passes parallel to the XY plane (waterline-style at any angle)
Rotational Revolving passes for turning or 4-axis machining

See also