Toolpath List This area at the top of the page displays the calculated toolpaths and any toolpath templates which are loaded. Double Clicking on a toolpath will enter edit mode where you can edit parameters, tool choices etc. and recalculate the toolpath.
Toolpath Commands This area in the centre of the page contains all the commands which can be used to create, edit, save and simulate toolpaths. The commands are arranged in logical groupings such as '2D Toolpaths' and 3D 'Toolpaths'.
Toolpath Summary The bottom section of the page displays information about the currently selected toolpath. If a single toolpath is selected theis section will display the feed rate, tool number safe z etc. for the toolpath and will also allow these parameters to be changed without recalculating the toolpath.
button
or include it in a batch calculation.
button.
This will open the Batch Calculate Toolpaths Dialog.
This is also known as Prismatic lettering. Two toolpaths are produced. The first toolpath uses a
V-bit tool to create the angled top of the letters, and then a Profile toolpath is created with an
End Mill, to produce the straight walls and cut the letters out.
Drilling has been much improved in ArtCAM Pro 5.5, and is accessed
via the Drilling button on the Toolpath tab. This page now allows you to define the drill
hole parameters and positions (using selected vector centres or nodes), then calculate or store the resulting
toolpath in the usual way.
Smart Engraving is a strategy for machining inside vectors with a series of tools starting with the largest.
Each tool only machines the areas left behind by the previous, larger tool. If a conical tool is selected,
then Corner Sharpening is also available. Smart Engraving is available by clicking the Smart
Engraving button on the Toolpath tab.
The Machine Along Vector 2D machining strategy allows the user to machine vector shapes directly.
This strategy is available from the Machine Along Vector button on the Toolpath tab. Simply
select a vector and ArtCAM will use it to form the toolpath.
Simple profiling passes to cut-out a 3D shape can be created quickly using the new 3D Cut-Out toolpath.
This allows absolute Z levels for each profiling pass to be specified without having to define a material block
(unlike 2D profiling passes which are always specified according to their depth from the top of the material).
Bridging is a function that allows 'tabs' to be left in the material when machining a Profile Toolpath.
This prevents the part being cut out from moving while being machined.
The part can be 'popped' out of the material after machining.
When there are many parts to be cut out using a Profile Toolpath, ArtCAM Pro will generally select the best
order to machine the parts. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to change this order, so Toolpath Ordering
allows the user to define the desired sequence.
Ramp moves can now be added to any toolpath to allow the tool to move slowly down to the start of the toolpath.
This avoids excessive stress on the tool, and is useful if using a tool that has no cutting edge on the bottom.
On each relevant Toolpath Page there is an Add Ramping Moves tickbox, ticking this box will expand
the section to show the relevant options.
Linear or Circular leads paths can be added to a Profile toolpath so that the tool moves into and out of the
toolpath smoothly. On the Profiling toolpath page there is an Add Lead In/Out Moves tickbox,
ticking this box will expand the section to show the relevant options.