This is the most time consuming operation in the project. Each of the pockets must be cleared to a depth of 3mm. The geometry defining the pockets is all in a single sketch and a single pocket operation has been added.
Ideally, the cutter would move forward as it descends into the material, either in a ramp or a helical motion. Unfortunately, HeeksCNC doesn’t have the ability to calculate those entry moves so I have to use a cutter that can ‘plunge’. In this case I’m using a fairly small (1/4″) router bit. That means the paths have to be close together and the overall cutting time is going to be large. If I was going to do this commercially, I’d have to find a way to use a larger cutter.