Use connectors

Connectors connect objects to the material of the blank, stabilize the objects during manufacturing, and prevent them from falling off. The correct position of the connectors and the choice of connector type determine the amount of reworking required.

• You must set at least 1 connector for each object.

• If the job does not contain a connector, dentalcam will not calculate the job.

Connector types

For each connector, choose from the following connector types:

Intact connectors

• They remain completely intact at the end of the manufacturing process.

• They are displayed in blue in the Nesting view.

Purposes

• To ensure high stability in the appropriate areas after manufacturing.

• For connectors that are only roughly removed. In that case, automated reduction or removal would take longer than manual removal.

  Example: Connectors that connect the sinter bars to the material.

Partially reduced connectors

• Some are removed at the end of the manufacturing process.

• They are displayed in violet in the Nesting view.

• You specify the amount of residual material in the material settings.

Purpose For applications where moderate stability is sufficient after manufacturing. This is the case for most materials in many locations, so partially reduced connectors are most commonly used.

Fully reduced connectors

• These are completely removed at the end of the manufacturing process.

• They are displayed in pink in the Nesting view.

Purpose The fewer the connectors remain after machining, the easier it is for you to separate the object from the blank. This reduces stability at those points.

Connector parameters

For each connector, specify the following parameters:

What's next?

If you want to learn the rules for setting connectors:

Nesting rules for connectors

If you want to set connectors:

Insert and remove connectors