Machining

Machining

Machining

Use toolpaths to machine both two-dimensional and three-dimensional models. 2D toolpaths are used to machine all or part of a model from the vectors you have created. 3D toolpaths are used to machine all or part of a model from the three-dimensional shapes you have combined to make the relief.

It is assumed that you already know how to operate your machine tool, and that you are able to select the appropriate tools and the necessary cutting conditions for the job you are doing. If you are not confident about any aspect of operating your machine tool, consult a member of staff or your machine-tool supplier.

Toolpaths are available from the Toolpaths panel, which is displayed below the splitter bar in the Project panel when you select the Toolpaths item in the Project Tree, for example:


The availability of some toolpaths is license dependent.

Carveco provides a database containing a broad selection of tools that you can use when creating your toolpaths. You can edit the machining parameters of these tools and add new tools to the database if necessary.

You can calculate a toolpath strategy individually or as part of a batch. Calculating toolpath strategies in a batch enables you to automatically process a collection of different toolpaths at once. This gives you the freedom to work continuously on creating a model, and calculate its corresponding toolpaths outside of working hours.

You can simulate any toolpath after it has been calculated. This allows you to display the surface finish and the machining passes that are used to machine all or part of your model.

You can save a toolpath strategy as a template. This enables you to apply the same toolpath settings to different parts of a model without having to create a toolpath strategy over and over again. A template can be applied to a vector or relief in a model.

To machine the model, you must create a toolpath file from the calculated toolpaths. A toolpath file contains one or more calculated toolpaths. Each toolpath is made up of a sequence of commands, which tell a CNC machine tool or laser engraving system the path it is required to produce your model.

You can save the toolpath file in a format recognized by your machine tool or engraving system. This ensures that the commands within the toolpath file are interpreted accurately by your system.

  • If your CNC machine has a tool changer, you can group the toolpath strategies for a series of tools into one machine-specific file.
  • If your CNC machine does not have a tool changer, you must generate separate toolpath files for each tool used.

See also

  • Using the Tool Database
  • Creating a toolpath template
  • Saving a toolpath

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