Toolpath Summary
The Toolpath Summary Form estimates how long the calculated toolpaths will take to machine, based on the feed rates set for each tool. It lists the estimated time for each visible toolpath individually, along with a combined Total machining time for the job, displayed as Hours : Minutes : Seconds.
Watch tutorial: How to Estimate Toolpath Times
Basic Usage
The form lists each visible toolpath with its tool and individual estimated time, and shows the combined Total machining time at the top.
To improve the accuracy of the estimate for your particular machine, set the Rapid Rate to match your control software, then choose how the estimate accounts for your machine's real-world behaviour: either by applying a Scale Factor or by using Machine Acceleration values. These estimates are a guide. Because the figures depend on how closely your machine achieves its programmed feed rates, they are most useful for comparing the relative cost of different toolpath strategies, and for refining over time against actual cutting times.
Rapid Rate
The maximum feed rate at which the machine travels during rapid moves between cuts, typically output as a G0 or G00 move. This should be set to match the rapid rate configured in your machine's control software. The accompanying dropdown selects the units for this value.
Tip
For jobs with a large number of rapid moves, such as a sheet full of drilled holes, setting the **Rapid Rate** slightly below your machine's actual figure will give a more realistic estimate.
Scale Factor
The more complex a toolpath, the less likely the machine is to reach its programmed feed rates, as it must slow down for tight curves and direction changes. The Scale Factor compensates for this by multiplying the estimated time. The factor is found by comparing estimated and actual machining times: divide the actual time by the estimated time. For example, if a job is estimated at 3 minutes but actually takes 6 minutes, the Scale Factor. would be set to 2.
Many users keep one factor for simple 2D work and a higher one for 3D or V-Carving.
Machine Acceleration
As an alternative to a fixed Scale Factor, this option calculates the speed the machine can realistically reach up to the toolpath's feed rate, based on its acceleration settings, giving a more accurate estimate.
Select the machine whose acceleration values you wish to use from the dropdown. To adjust those values, use the adjacent button to open the Machine Configuration tool. For accurate acceleration figures for your machine, contact your machine supplier.