Trace milling strategy

The Trace toolpath can be used for engraving scroll-work or text. You can select edges from the model or a sketch. You can also use the trace toolpath to follow a 3D curve.

You can machine on the center of the selected geometry when using a sketch selection, or use left and right compensation when using an edge selection. Using left and right compensation might create disconnected passes at the corners due to sudden changes in the Z position.

Trace toolpath following a 3D curve

The Trace toolpath is suited for single-line fonts, whereas the Engrave toolpath can be used for a font that does not have a constant width. The Trace toolpath generates a smaller G-code file size when compared with Engrave.