For several toolpaths, use the
Cut Sequencing settings in the
Options area of the toolpath's panel to specify the order in which each toolpath segment is machined.
To enable
ArtCAM to automatically specify the order:
- Select
Automatic.
- Choose an option in the list:
- Optimise — Select this option to instruct
ArtCAM to calculate the most efficient machining order.
- Use Text Order — If you are machining vector text, select this option to machine according to the typing order. The tool moves along the first line of text from left to right, until it locates a carriage return, where it then continues machining along the next line from right to left. This process is repeated until the last character in the last line of text is located.
- Left to Right — Select this option to machine from the left of the model area to the right.
- Right to Left — Select this option to machine from the right of the model area to the left.
- Bottom to Top — Select this option to machine from the bottom of the model area to its top.
- Top to Bottom — Select this option to machine from the top of the model area to the bottom.
- Spiral Out — Select this option to machine in a spiral motion, from the centre of the model area outwards. This is useful if you are using clamps to secure the material to your router.
- Spiral In — Select this option to machine in a spiral motion, from the outside-edge of the model area inwards.
To manually specify the order:
- Select
Manual.
- Draw a polyline directing the order in which you want the toolpath segments to be machined. Its Start Node should be positioned close to the toolpath segment from which you want to begin machining.
- Select the polyline, then click
Select Vectors. The
No vector selected message in red text changes to
Vector selected in blue text.
Note: You must select an ungrouped vector. If you select an ungrouped vector, a message dialog is displayed warning that an ungrouped vector must be selected as the sequencing vector. Click
OK to close the message dialog, and then repeat the step.