Chapter 3 CNC Math 71
We can use trigonometric functions to plot the positions of the cutter as it
travels along the 2.00″ radius in 1° increments. To do this we have to find
angle a.
sin a =
1
2.25″
a = sin-1 (.4444)
a = 26°
Now we can calculate distance X for each degree that angle a increases
until it reaches 62° (26° + 36°).
sin 27 =
Y
2.25″
sin 27 (2.25) = Y
1.021 = Y
sin 28 (2.25) = Y
1.056 = Y
Center of
workpiece
radius
Cutter
position 1
X X
Workpiece Workpiece
Y
Cutter
position 2
a
H
1.00″
36°
1.00 ″
36°
Figure 3-31. The Pythagorean theorem and trigonometric functions can be used together to plot the
toolpath of a cutter.