Texture Toolpath

The 3D Texture Machining functionality uses a specialized toolpath algorithm and the shape of the tool to generate a textured finish on the part. It should be noted this is a different technique than creating a 3D texture using the 3D model.

Textures can be calculated inside any selected vector boundaries or if nothing is selected the complete job size.

Large Ball nosed cutter and V-Bits typically give the best results when using this strategy.

The texturing options are based on calculating random patterns and the variables required may at first appear a little complicated. The best way to see what effect each variable has on the texture is to simply change the numbers, calculate and preview the results. It's important to note that the toolpath algorithm uses a random combination of the variables specified on the texturing form to calculate the toolpath.

Tool

Clicking the Select button opens the Tool Database from which the required tool can be selected. Clicking the Edit button opens the Edit Tool form which allows the cutting parameters for the selected tool to be modified, without changing the master information in the database.

Use selected vectors as pattern

By default this option is unchecked and the texture form will generate a random texture pattern using any selected vectors as a clipping area. If this option is checked, ✓ the currently selected vectors will be used as the pattern for the texture and the only options available will be 'max. Cut Depth' and 'min. Depth' to control the depth of the cuts along the selected vectors.

Ramp at start and end

This option is only available when using selected vectors as patterns. If this option is checked ✓ each of the selected contours is cut using a fluting move, otherwise each of the contours is cut with a regular profile move. The resulting textures may look very different because of this small change.

Ramp at start and end switched on

Ramp at start and end switched off

Ramp at start and end switched on

Ramp at start and end switched off

Texture Settings

Max. Cut Depth

The maximum depth any of the carved scallops will be machined to and is specified in the job units.

Min. Depth

Using the slider this is specified as a percentage (%) of the Max. Cut Depth and controls the minimum depth any of the scallops will be machined to.

Note: For example, with a Max Cut Depth = 0.200 inches and a Min Cut Depth of 0.050 inches, the depth of the carved scallops will range randomly between 0.200 inches and 0.050 inches.

Max. Cut Length

Specifies the maximum length for any of the carved grooves and is specified in the job units.

Max. Cut Length between the lines

Min Length

Using the Slider this is specified as a percentage of the Max Cut Length and controls the minimum length any of the carved grooves.

Note: For example, with a Max Cut Length = 3 inches and a Min Length of 0.150 inches, the length of the randomly carved scallops will range randomly between 3 inches and 1.5 inches long.

Max. Overlap %

The percentage (%) of the Max Cut Length that each scallop is allowed to overlap the adjacent scallop running along the cutting direction. Where, 1% will result in almost zero overlap of adjacent scallops 50% will result in some of the scallops being machined half way over the adjacent scallop.

Variation

Using the slider this is specified as a percentage of the Max Overlap. Overlap variation of 100% = the Max Overlap and random pattern Overlap variation of 1% = No Overlap and an almost constant pattern.

Note: For example, with a Max Cut Length = 1 inch, Max Overlap = 25% and Overlap Variation = 50%, the random overlap pattern calculated will range between 0.25 inches and 0.125 inches.

Stepover

The distance between each parallel set of lines of carved scallops.

Variation

Using the slider this is the percentage used to randomly change the stepover between each scallop. If a variation of 0% is specified the scallops will all be parallel to each other. And a variation of 50% will result in some scallops overlapping half way over others.

Angle

The direction the texture is machined across the surface, an angle of zero is parallel to the X axis, examples of setting the angle to 45 and 90° can be seen below.

45°

90°

Boundary Vector Offset

If you enter a value in this field, the texturing will be offset from the boundary by the specified amount. If you are texturing in a recess, you should enter a value here up to the radius of the tool to avoid the walls of the recess being damaged by the tool.

Note: As Texturing Toolpaths are calculated using a Random combination of the parameters and variables listed on the form the toolpath will change very slightly every time a toolpath is calculated.

Safe Z

The height above the job at which it is safe to move the cutter at rapid / max feed rate. This dimension can be changed by opening the Material Setup form.

Home Position

Position from and to that the tool will travel before and after machining. This dimension can be changed by opening the Material Setup form.

Project toolpath onto 3D Model

This option is only available if a 3D model has been defined. If this option is checked, ✓ after the toolpath has been calculated, it will be projected (or 'dropped') down in Z onto the surface of the 3D model. The depth of the original toolpath below the surface of the material will be used as the projected depth below the surface of the model.

Vector Selection

This area of the toolpath page allows you to automatically select vectors to machine using the vector's properties or position. It is also the method by which you can create Toolpath Templates to re-use your toolpath settings on similar projects in the future. For more information, see the sections Vector Selector and Advanced Toolpath Templates.

Name

The name of the toolpath can be entered or the default name can be used.