Vcarve Pro

CAM

CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing which the software used to convert your 3D model or mesh like an STL into a toolpath or gcode that a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine can read. Even a 3D printer slicing software is a CAM software because it converts your STL file into gcode which instructs your printer where to move the nozzle and how quickly and when to extrude. There are different types of CAM software that will do the same for CNC milling or turning and these instruct the machine where and how quickly to move the tool to cut away material. Unfortunately these CAM software can have a higher learning curve than a 3D printer slicer because there is a lot more variability in types of tools and materials in subtractive manufacturing.

Vcarve Pro gives you the power to produce complex 2D patterns with profile, pocket, drill and inlay toolpaths, plus gives you the ability to create designs with v-carving textures.

2D Toolpaths

Within Vcarve, there are 2D and 3D toolpaths.

2D toolpaths require a vector drawing of some kind, svg, dxf, etc
3D toolpaths require an stl file and can take considerably longer to cut

Step 1 Setup

First, when you open vcarve you need to setup the job and workpiece.

Job Type: Single sided checked unless you are cutting on both sides of the wood.

Job Size: Size of the wood you will be cutting into

Z Zero Position: References where you Zero the Z axis, On the machine bed or Material surface. Always keep Material surface checked unless directed otherwise for a specific job.

Keep everything else as is and press OK

Step 2 Import

Once the job is setup you can import your vector files

Select File > import > Vectors

Step 3 Sizing

Important:
Always check sizing of vectors once imported. Sometimes the dimensions will be incorrect once imported and you have to resize your drawing.

Select your drawing first then on the left hand side under Transform Objects tab Select > Scale Selected Object Size

Step 4

You can see here the Height is at 8 inches when it's supposed to be 10 inches.

If the dimensions are wrong change and then press okay.

Step 5 Toolpaths

Next, Click the toolpath bar on the right hand side of the screen.

The Toolpath tab will pop up.

*Click the pin on the right side to keep the toolpath window open*

For this part I will use a Profile toolpath to cut out the drawing

Step 6 Toolpath settings

When you select a specific toolpath the settings will popup.

For the profile toolpath we need to change a few settings:

Depth: Where the cut first starts and ends within the workpiece
- Start depth - will always be 0 unless directed otherwise
- Finish Depth - Depends on how much you are cutting into the part

Tool Size: Selecting the tools for your specific cut

Machinable Vectors: Position of the tool based on the vector line
- Outside - Cuts offset to outside of the vector line.
- On - Cuts directly on the vector line
- Inside - Cuts to the inside of the vector line

*Generally Outside or inside will be used*

Step 7

If you are cutting all the way through the workpiece, a warning will be displayed. Click ok unless workpiece size or depth of cut is incorrect

Step 8 Preview cut

It's important to always preview the toolpath before moving forward.

If something looks off check your settings.

Step 9

This preview looks good so next we can check the time it will take to cut and then save it.

Step 10 Saving Toolpath

Once you are happy with your toolpath. Click the save icon

Step 11

Check the toolpath you want to save and make sure it's highlight. Then save toolpath.

It's good practice to save out each individual toolpath and run them one at a time. This gives you more control if there is an error.

Naming convention:
Projectname_typeoftoolpath_sizeandtypeoftool

Example:
Plantstand_Profile_1-4inchendmill

Check out Machine Operation Page to prepare your workpiece and start a cut.