Vectric: Creating toolpaths from the drawn features

Overview

Now the features are drawn in Vectric, we will assign toolpaths. For this tutorial we will assume we are using a biro with a nib diameter of 0.5mm.

Creating a profile for Biro

To draw the first toolpath using a biro, we will first select the profile

Click on the text and arrow outline to select it (hold shift while clicking the mouse) and then click on the Toolpaths tab on the right hand side of the job screen. Select Profile Toolpath.

Input the following parameters for Profile

• Select a tool (diameter of 0.5mm)

• Start depth: 0.0mm

• Cut depth: 0.1mm

• Machine vectors: Outside/ Right

Click calculate. Note that the “Profile 1” toolpath will appear in the list

The preview of the toolpath will also appear in the 3D View tab at the top of the job screen.

Creating a profile for Sharpie

Switch back to 2D view

Click on every circle while holding the Shift key on the keyboard to select all of them. Selected circles’ outlines will change to dotted magenta lines. 

Click on the Profile Toolpath

Input the following parameters for Profile

• Select a tool (diameter of 0.5mm)

• Start depth: 0.00mm

• Cut depth: 0.1mm

• Machine vectors: Outside/ Right

Click calculate. Note that the “Profile 2” toolpath will appear in the list

The preview of the toolpath will also appear in the 3D View tab at the top of the job screen.

The job is now ready to be exported to a G-code file.