The code for a 2.5D machining is significantly less than 3D contour machining, and the software and hardware requirements are (traditionally) less expensive. A typical example involves an XY table that positions for each hole center, where the spindle (Z-axis) then completes a fixed cycle for drilling by plunging and retracting axially. Ģ.5D objects are often greatly preferred for machining, as it is easy to generate G-code for them in an efficient, often close to optimal fashion, while optimal cutting tool paths for true 3-dimensional objects can be NP-complete (nondeterministic polynomial time complete), although many algorithms exist.Ģ.5D objects can be machined on a 3-axis milling machine, and do not require any of the features of a higher-axis machine to produce.Ī 2.5D machine, also called a two-and-a-half-axis mill, possesses the capability to translate in all three axes but can perform the cutting operation only in two of the three axes at a time due to hardware or software limitations, or a machine that has a solenoid instead of a true, linear Z axis. Objects of this type are often represented as a contour map that gives the height ( i.e., thickness or depth) of the object at each point. The time spent for process planning is minimized and at the same time planning complexity that is highly depend on the user's experience is reduced.In machining, 2.5D refers to a surface which is a projection of a plane into 3rd dimension – although the object is 3-dimensional, there are no overhanging elements possible. Consequently, a customized program is developed and is capable of building the machining operations for all kinds of parts. The code is then modified and integrated into the independent Graphical User Interface (GUI) to execute the process planning tasks within the CAM systems. An advanced tool in Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems is exploited to record and generate programming code for instructions used to construct the operations.

This paper seeks to remedy these problems by developing a tool to assist in executing the process planning task in CNC machining. However the planning task is highly dependent on the user's experience and is usually considered as a manual process. Process planning is an important component in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and directly influences the efficiency of cutting operations.

Mastercam 2.5 d milling