Work out how thick to leave retention tabs when cutting parts out of sheet stock, so parts stay put during the cut but still snap free by hand.
Tab thickness = material thickness x percentage. Final pass cut depth = material thickness – tab thickness, the depth the last pass actually plunges to while leaving the tab uncut.
How it works
A tab is a short uncut bridge left along the toolpath that holds a part in place until the sheet is unloaded. Too thin and parts can break free and move during the cut, too thick and they are hard to snap out cleanly without tearing the edge.
FAQ
Does a thicker material need a different percentage? Thicker, denser materials can usually use a smaller percentage since the tab itself is already thicker in absolute terms, while thin sheet often needs a higher percentage to hold securely.
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