Repeating Toolpaths Using Copy Transformation Instructions In 3Dexperience DELMIA

One of the most overlooked productivity gains in DELMIA Machining comes from the ability to reuse and replicate toolpaths using the Copy Transformation Instruction tool.

Instead of rebuilding machining strategies feature by feature, manufacturers can duplicate proven toolpaths and apply them across similar geometry in seconds. Whether you’re machining repeating pockets or mirrored components, this capability eliminates repetitive work while ensuring consistency across the entire part.

3D Experience DELMIA provides a faster way of programming allows for more time optimizing processes rather than recreating them.

Copy Transformation Tool In DELMIA – Key Capabilities

Translation

Move a toolpath from one location to another using a defined direction and distance.

This is ideal for repeating features such as linear hole patterns or multiple identical pockets—simply program once and reposition as needed.

Example

20 identical components have been nested onto a singular sheet.

Each component is separated 50mm apart in both the X and Y axes (measurement taken from the centre point of the component bounding box).

Using the translate option, a linear dimension can be applied to copy the toolpath.

Nesting plate for translation

Select the copy transformation tool and select translate for the transformation type.

Select the plus symbol and choose the operation to be copied.

Translate Copy Transformation

Specify the first direction required using the spacing in X,Y,Z.

Simulate the toolpath and select ‘OK’.

For the second direction, enter the copy transformation tool again and repeat the process.

This time, use the original operation as well as the first copy direction for items to copy and specify the distance in the second direction.

Translate in second direction

Rotation

Rotate a toolpath around a chosen axis by a specified angle.

Perfect for circular patterns, such as evenly spaced features on flanges or rotational components, ensuring each instance is identical.

Example:

Two pockets repeat around a central axis.

Each pocket is repeated four more times around the central axis with a spacing of 72deg.

Using the rotation option, both toolpaths can be copied to the other iterations.

Original pocket toolpaths for rotation

Select the copy transformation tool and select the axis of revolution (can be specified using either a circular edge or a coordinate system.

Specify rotation for the transformation type.

Enter the required copies and angle step.

Select the plus symbol and choose the operations to be copied.

Simulate the toolpath to ensure angle step is correct and select ‘OK’.

Completed Rotation Copy Transformation

Mirror

Create a mirrored version of a toolpath across a selected plane.

For symmetrical parts, this removes the need to recreate operations for opposite-hand features, maintaining consistency while cutting programming time in half.

Example

A plate with a company logo to be mirrored onto the back face.

A prismatic roughing toolpath has cut the logo on one side.

Company logo toolpath – prismatic roughing

Enter the copy transformation tool and specify mirror in the transformation type dropdown.

For this case, leave the number of copies count at 1.

Select the mirror plane/face.

Run the toolpath simulation and select ‘OK’.

Mirror copy transformation dialogue box

The copied toolpath is an exact mirror of the initial toolpath.

Final toolpaths for mirror transformation

Axis to Axis

Reapply a toolpath by aligning it from one coordinate system or axis to another.

This is especially valuable in multi-face machining, where the same strategy can be reused across different orientations or setups.

Example

A six-sided dice each with the same hemisphere cuts across all faces.

After creating the initial toolpath, multiple machining axes have been created for repeating the toolpath.

Six-sided dice with toolpath and axes

Select the copy transformation tool and select the axis to axis option from the transformation type dropdown menu.

Select ‘from’ to choose the initial toolpath machining axis system and ‘to’ to place the copied toolpath machining axis system.

Select the plus symbol and choose the operations to be copied.

Axis-to-axis over planar face

Axis-to-axis is not restricted to the same face. So long as the tool axis is pointing in the correct direction, the toolpath can be applied at any angle.

Axis-to-axis over 90 degrees

Conclusion

Together, these transformation options reinforce a simple but powerful principle: once a toolpath works, it can work everywhere—accelerating programming, improving consistency, and unlocking a more efficient machining workflow