VS3D Machine Mode

1.7.3 Cutting Path continued.

After the "Tool Path File Parameters" dialog is completed, another prompt will appear for entering the name of the output machine file. If the Automatic Tool Changer was previously enabled, then a tool path (with a tool change) can be appended to an existing machine file.

If the tool path type is "Contour XY", then one additional prompt will appear for specifying the "waterline" contour depth. The depth is an actual Z height in relation to the original sculpted surface. This value should be between the minimum and maximum Z heights of the original sculpted surface. This value should be entered as a negative number if all the original sculpted heights are below zero.

Once the dialog is completed, the tool path will begin. Fast tool moves above the material are shown as dotted blue lines. Slow cutting moves are shown as solid blue lines. Slow cutting moves straight down into the material are shown as purple circles (the circle diameter matches the tool diameter). Fast moves straight out of the material are shown as dashed green circles. It is often the case that green circles are drawn on top of purple circles.

If, at any time during the path, VS3D predicts that the tool bit will encounter material that is deeper than the tool bit's Maximum Cutting Depth, then the path will be adjusted upward at those points (in the +Z direction) so that the tool's maximum cutting depth is not exceeded.

When the tool path is complete, a confirmation dialog appears. This dialog will show the total cutting distance of the path, along with the total time (if the feed and jog rates are known). The units for these numbers are the same as those specified for the part dmensions (Data coordinates) and feed rates.

When "Ok" is clicked, the predicted results of the tool path are shown as tool cutting marks on the surface. If the results are undesirable, the main "Edit / Undo Cutting Path" menu can be used to undo the last cutting path. Multiple tool paths can be specified in succession (a different output file can be specified each time, or if the Automatic Tool Changer capability is enabled, multiple tool paths can be appended to existing files.). Most surfaces will require multiple tool paths, starting with a rough cut and ending with a final finish. As each new tool path is created, it is recorded in the Cutting Protocol history window. (The Cutting Protocol history is saved as an ASCII ".vsp" file when the sculpture is saved via the main "File / Save Relief..." menu).

Note: VS3D automatically predicts when the tool will not be moving through (cutting) any material. When this condition is detected, the tool is rapidly raised and rapidly moved to the next XY cutting location, and then slowly lowered into cutting position again. This avoids having the tool make slow cutting moves across expanses of the surface that don't need to be cut. But if the tool is moving across a choppy surface, this can result in excessive "lifting" and "plunging" of the tool. To prevent that from happening, define a region (or use the Region mode "Select All" button to put the entire surface in the region). Then put the tool path mode in "Region Only" and apply the tool path (by clicking on the "Make Cuts / Add To Protocol..." button). The tool will not lift from the surface while inside a region if the path mode is "Region Only".

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