Creating a block copy

When creating multiple copies of a selected toolpath in a grid format, ArtCAM enables you to set the distance and the direction at which each copy of the selected toolpath is created from any of the four edges of the previous copy in the block.

Warning: When creating a block copy of an Area Clearance toolpath, ensure the specified gap or offset between each copy in the block is greater than the diameter of the cutting tool. Otherwise, the allowance will be insufficient for the tool to clear each area without overlapping.

In the following example, a block copy of a merged toolpath is shown:

Before	After

To create a block of copies in a grid format:

1. In the Toolpath Operations area of the Toolpaths panel, click the Copy Toolpaths button to display the Toolpath Copy panel.

   A list of all calculated toolpaths is displayed at the top of the panel.

2. Select Block Copy to display the block copy options.
3. Select which of the toolpaths you want to block copy:

   If you want to block copy a toolpath, it must be visible in the 3D view. Turn off the visibility of all toolpaths other than the one you are copying.

   Note: If a toolpath group makes use of more than one tool, click the toolpath name to block copy all of its machining passes, or an individual tool name if you want to block copy a specific machining pass.

   In this example, the 3D View light bulbs for all three toolpaths are turned on, meaning that all of the listed toolpaths are visible:

4. Select the method you want to use to set the distance between each copy within the block:
   • Distances are offsets — This option enables you to set the distance at which each copy of a toolpath is created from the bottom left corner of the previous copy in the block. The overall distance between each copy is equal to the height or width of the toolpath plus the gap. The Distances are offsets option is selected by default.
   • Distances are gaps — This option enables you to set the distance and direction at which each copy of a toolpath is created from any of the four edges of the previous copy in the block. The overall distance between each copy equates to the specified gap. Click to select the Distances are gaps option to display its settings.
5. If you want to merge all selected toolpaths and their block copies into a single toolpath:
   1. Prioritise the toolpaths using and when a toolpath is selected. The order in which the toolpaths are listed on the panel reflects the machining order of the toolpaths that make up the merged toolpath. The toolpath at the top of the list is the first to be machined, and so on.
   2. Select Merge Results. This displays the Name box.
   3. In the Name box, type a name for the new merged toolpath.

      In this example, the merged toolpath is named Merged.

6. Click Apply to create the new block of toolpaths.

   In this example, the block of copied toolpaths is displayed in the 2D view, as shown below:

   Before

   After

   The Merged toolpath replaces all of the individual toolpaths previously listed on the panel:

   

See also

• Merging toolpaths