Save Toolpaths

This option allows toolpaths to be saved in the appropriate file format needed to drive the CNC machine. Toolpaths can be saved as individual files for each tool used or as a single file containing multiple toolpaths for CNC machines that have automatic tool changers.

Watch this video to see this in action:

CNC machines that require the tooling to be changed manually will typically need a separate toolpath for each cutter used. The procedure for saving this type of toolpath is to:

• Select the toolpath to save from the Toolpath List
• Click on the Save option and the Save Toolpaths form is displayed.
• Select the desired Machine from the pull-down list.
• Select one of the Postprocessors associated with that machine from the pull-down list.
• Click the Save Toolpath(s) button.
• Enter a suitable Name and click the Save button.

When Machine is selected from drop-down list, the Postprocessor list is updated to only show those relevant for the selected machine. Before this can happen Postprocessors have to be associated with given machine.

The Postprocessors can be associated with Machine using Machine Configuration Dialog that can be accessed by clicking on

You can also select <Add Post-Processors> option from the Postprocessor drop-down list to quickly associate Postprocessors with currently selected machine.

For more details please refer to Online Machine Configuration and Manual Machine Configuration.

Saves all of the visible toolpath to individual files. You will be prompted to provide a filename. This filename will be used as a prefix for each of the files.

If the option Group where possible is chosen then consecutive toolpaths which use the same tool will save out to the same file. In this case then the chosen name will be applied, as well as numbers which indicate which toolpaths have been saved. For example, if you decide to name your files Toolpaths and the first 3 toolpaths can be all output in single file, then that file will begin: Toolpaths_1-3 to indicate that it is toolpaths 1- 3 which are being saved out.

CNC Machines that have Automatic Tool Changing (ATC) capabilities can work with a single file that contains multiple toolpaths, each having a different tool number.

The postprocessor must be configured to support ATC commands for your CNC machine. Contact your software or machine supplier for more details.

• The procedure for saving these toolpaths is,
• Use the Up and Down arrows to order the toolpath list in the cutting sequence required.
• Tick each toolpath to ensure it is drawn / visible in the 3D window as shown:
• Click on the Save option and the Save Toolpaths form is displayed. Select the option Output all visible toolpaths to one file

The names of the toolpaths that will be written into the file are displayed along with the tool number in square brackets [1]. If a calculated toolpath is not required, simply tick to undraw it.

Click the Save Toolpath(s) button Enter a suitable Name and click the Save button

The postprocessor automatically checks to ensure:

• It has been configured for saving files that include ATC commands
• A different tool number has been defined for each different cutter being used.

An error message will be displayed to indicate the problem if either of these items is not correct.