3D Machining

Milling runs in parallel paths across the piece with a set step over.  This is the most common finishing technique and the technique that is most likely to provide a smooth finish.

Tool paths for this operation run in set depths and the tooling follows the contour of the design.  This is a great operation to use if you're producing something like a topographic model where you want the step downs to read as part of the design.

Like parallel finishing, spiral finishing sets a specific step over and provides a smooth finish.  The difference is how that machining is done.  Instead of running a series of linear operations, the tool spirals out from a predefined point.  This technique works very well on round objects or objects where you might not want to see linear finishing lines.