VS3D Machine Mode

1.7.3 Cutting Path.

Once a cutting tool bit has been defined (or loaded), and a machining protocol has been initialized, cutting tool paths can be created.

"Type" : This setting specifies the basic type of path - "Traverse Horizontal", "Traverse Vertical", "Pogo Stick" (peck), "Radial", "Spiral", "Contour XY", "Contour Z", or "Region Perimeter". All the path types use the Data Coordinate origin (0,0) as the point to measure from. The "Radial" path, for example, uses the data coordinate origin as the center (starting) point for all radials. The "Spiral" (tangential) path consists of a spiral starting at the data coordinate origin.

The "Contour XY" path consists of multiple concentric contours. The outer contour is a "waterline" of the original sculpted surface, calculated at the specified depth. A prompt to enter that depth will appear when the path is generated. Each concentric contour is separated by the XY distance specified by the path "Step-Over Spacing" field. The "Contour XY" path type will offset the tool positions (in the XY plane) by the tool's specified offset ("O" value). This makes the tool path more effective for "pocketing". The contour path will ride over the original sculpted surface, up to the maximum path depth.

The "Contour Z" path consists of multiple contours of the original sculpted surface at various depths, each depth level separated by a Z value specified via the path "Step-Over Spacing" field. The "Contour Z" path type will offset the tool positions (in the XY plane) by the tool's specified offset ("O" value). In general, for best results with pockets that have steep walls, specify a flat-bottomed tool bit with the bit's Offset ("O" parameter) equal to the Radius ("R" parameter). The "Contour Z" path will only cut material that is close to the sculpted surface, so it is best used as a finishing pass.

The "Region Perimeter" path is similar to the Contour paths, except that the center of the tool bit follows the XY coordinates of the current Region perimeter. The Z coordinates of the Region Perimeter path, like other path types, are determined by the specified Maximum Path Depth, the tool's Maximum Cutting Depth, and the heights of the sculpted surface that the region preimeter passes over. That path will be offset in the XY plane (inside of the region) by the tool bit's specified Offset ("O" parameter). This type of path is effective for cutting out shapes. If necessary, use the Region "Swap in/out" function from the Region "Modify" drop-down menu to turn a region inside-out before cutting the shape. For Region Perimeter paths, the path "Spacing" setting is ignored as well as the "Entire Surface | Region Only" setting.

The Region Perimeter path is very useful for engraving text, etc. For example, use the Region mode tools to create text (and/or other types of) regions. Start a new Machining Protocol using a small Offset for the existing material height. Then just apply a Region Perimeter path using a Cone tool type. A Text Engraving Example can be found on the VS3D web page.

"Entire Surface | Region Only" : This controls where the tool path is allowed to go. In cases where it is desired to limit machining to certain areas, it can be useful to use a region to do that. This setting has no effect if the tool path type is "Region Perimeter".

1.7.3 A