Art Cam Insignia User Guide 3

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ArtCAM Insignia

User Guide

By Delcam plc

Issued 04/11/03


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Disclaimer

Delcam plc has no control over the use made of the software described in

this manual and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage

howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users are advised that

all the results from the software should be checked by a competent

person, in accordance with good quality control procedures.

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice

and does not represent a commitment by Delcam plc. The softwaredescribed in this manual is furnished under licence agreement and may be

used or copied in accordance with the terms of such licence. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any

means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording,for any purpose without the express permission of Delcam plc.

Copyright © 2003 Delcam plc. All rights reserved.

Delcam plc

Talbot WaySmall Heath Business Park

Birmingham B10 0HJ

England

Tel: (UK) 0121-766-5544

(Int) +44 (0) 121-766-5544


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Contents • i

Contents

Overview 1ArtCAM Insignia Overview .......................................................... 1Information about ArtCAM Insignia..............................................1

Comparing Vector and Bitmap Data..............................................3Vector Data .........................................................................3

Bitmap Data ........................................................................4

ArtCAM Insignia Layout 5ArtCAM Insignia Layout...............................................................5Adjusting the Window View .........................................................8

2D View Manipulation .................................................................. 9

3D View........................................................................9

Zoom In Tool .............................................................. 10

Zoom Out Tool............................................................10 Zoom Previous ............................................................ 10

Window Fit .................................................................11

Zoom Object(s) ...........................................................11Scrolling the 2D View ....................................................... 11

2D View Options.........................................................................11Using Rulers......................................................................12

Using the Snap Grid .......................................................... 12

Using Guidelines ............................................................... 14

Snapping to Objects...........................................................173D View Manipulation ................................................................ 18

2D View......................................................................18

Twiddle Tool...............................................................18

Pan View.....................................................................19

Zoom...........................................................................20

Zoom Out....................................................................20

Scale To Fit ................................................................. 20 Isometric View............................................................20


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ii • Contents ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

View Along X ............................................................. 21

View Along Y ............................................................. 21

View Down Z..............................................................21

Origin..........................................................................21 Objects To Draw .........................................................21

Managing ArtCAM Insignia’s Preferences..................................22

Tutorial – Aston Martin 27Overview.....................................................................................27

Aston Martin ...............................................................................27

Preparing the Model .......................................................... 28Creating a Frame for the Sign............................................29

Importing the Vector Artwork ........................................... 31Creating the Vector Text ...................................................33

Wrapping the Vector Text .................................................34Creating an Offset Vector..................................................35

Machining the Vectors.......................................................37

Marking the Drill Holes with Circles.................................45Creating the Drill Holes.....................................................46

Saving the Toolpaths ......................................................... 48

Tutorial – Engraving 51Overview.....................................................................................51

Engraved Text .............................................................................51

Preparing the Model .......................................................... 52Defining the Outer-Edge of the Engraved Area ................. 53

Creating the Vector Text ...................................................53Machining the Model ........................................................54

Tutorial – Bevelled Carving 57Overview.....................................................................................57Bevelled Letter B.........................................................................57

Preparing the Model .......................................................... 57

Creating the Vector Text ...................................................58Machining the Vector Text................................................59

Tutorial – Nesting Vectors 63Overview.....................................................................................63

Nesting Vectors ...........................................................................63


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Contents • iii


Defining the Material Shape .............................................. 64Creating the Vector Text ...................................................65

Nesting the Vector Text.....................................................66

Machining the Nested Vector Text .................................... 67

Tutorial – Bridging 71Overview.....................................................................................71

Bridged Letter B..........................................................................71Preparing the Model .......................................................... 71

Creating the Vector Text ...................................................72Machining the Vector Text................................................73

Adding the Bridges............................................................75

Editing the Bridges............................................................76Viewing the Toolpath ........................................................ 76

Tutorial – ArtTrace 79Overview.....................................................................................79Converting a Bitmap to Vector Objects ....................................... 79

Preparing the Model .......................................................... 80Opening the Bitmap File in ArtTrace.................................81

Reducing the Colours in the Bitmap Image........................ 82

Linking the Colours...........................................................83Creating the Vector Objects...............................................84

Exporting the Vector Objects to ArtCAM Insignia ............ 85

Tutorial – Manipulating Toolpaths 89Overview.....................................................................................89

Manipulating Toolpaths...............................................................89


Viewing the Vector Objects...............................................90Loading the Toolpath Templates ....................................... 91Calculating the Toolpaths..................................................92

Copying the Toolpaths.......................................................93

Merging the Toolpaths.......................................................95

Working with Models 97Getting Started.............................................................................97

Creating a Model...............................................................97

Opening an Existing Model ............................................... 99Opening Recent Models ..................................................100


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iv • Contents ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

Closing a Model .............................................................. 100

Shutting Down ArtCAM Insignia .................................... 100Managing a Model.....................................................................101

Creating a New Model.....................................................102

Opening a Model............................................................. 103Saving a Model................................................................103

Editing the Model Dimensions ........................................ 104Importing Vector Artwork............................................... 105

Exporting Vector Artwork............................................... 110Creating a Multiplate.......................................................111

Correcting an Action .......................................................119Mirroring a Model ........................................................... 119

Rotating a Model............................................................. 120

Printing a Model.............................................................. 120Working with Layers ................................................................. 124

Creating a New Layer...................................................... 125Naming a Layer............................................................... 125

Assigning a Colour to a Layer ......................................... 126

Manipulating Layers........................................................ 127

Using the Font Editor ................................................................ 130

Working with Vectors 137

Overview................................................................................... 137Drawing with Polylines ............................................................. 138

Creating a Polyline .......................................................... 138

Completing Polyline Creation.......................................... 140

Closing a Polyline to Create a Polygon............................ 140

Amending a Polyline ....................................................... 141

Creating Simple Shapes.............................................................141Creating a Rectangle........................................................141Creating a Circle.............................................................. 144

Creating an Ellipse ..........................................................146Creating a Polygon .......................................................... 149

Creating a Star................................................................. 152

Creating an Arc ...............................................................154

Editing Vector Objects .............................................................. 156Selecting Vectors.............................................................157Moving Vectors............................................................... 159

Editing Vector Spans.......................................................160

Editing Vector Nodes ...................................................... 168

Deleting Vector Objects ..................................................177

Copying and Pasting Vector Objects ............................... 178


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Contents • v

Offsetting Vector Objects ................................................ 184

Splining Vector Objects................................................... 186Filleting Vector Objects................................................... 188

Trimming Vector Objects................................................192

Locking and Unlocking Vector Objects...........................194Fitting Arcs to Vector Objects ......................................... 194

Nesting Vector Objects.................................................... 195Distorting Vector Objects................................................199

Pasting Vectors Along a Curve........................................ 201Converting Vector Objects .............................................. 202

Creating a Vector Border................................................. 203Using the Vector Doctor.................................................. 204

Working with Vector Text......................................................... 207

Creating Vector Text ....................................................... 208Selecting Vector Text ...................................................... 209

Editing Vector Text ......................................................... 209Formatting Vector Text ...................................................211

Wrapping Text Round a Curve ........................................ 215

Measuring Vector Objects ......................................................... 221

Transforming Vector Objects .................................................... 221

Using Transform Vectors Mode ...................................... 222

Using the Transform Vector(s) Page................................ 223Manipulating Vector Objects..................................................... 232

Mirroring Vectors............................................................233Aligning Vectors .............................................................235

Centring Vectors.............................................................. 237

Merging Vectors..............................................................238

Joining Vectors................................................................ 240

Closing Vectors ............................................................... 243Grouping Vector Objects........................................................... 245

Viewing the Properties of a Vector Object................................. 246Reversing a Vector Object’s Direction ...................................... 247

Ungrouped Vectors.......................................................... 248Grouped Vectors..............................................................249

Importing Vector Artwork......................................................... 249

Exporting Vector Artwork......................................................... 250

Machining Models 251Overview...................................................................................251

Using Toolpaths ..............................................................253

Toolpaths...................................................................................253

Profiling .......................................................................... 255


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vi • Contents ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

2D Area Clearance .......................................................... 264

V-Bit Carving.................................................................. 270Bevel Carving.................................................................. 275

Engraving........................................................................281

Machine Vectors.............................................................. 288Inlay Wizard.................................................................... 295

Drill Holes....................................................................... 328Managing and Modifying Toolpaths.......................................... 334

Selecting Toolpaths ......................................................... 335Transforming Toolpaths .................................................. 337

Copying Toolpaths .......................................................... 343Merging Toolpaths .......................................................... 351

Creating Toolpath Panels................................................. 354

Editing a Profile Pass....................................................... 358Setting the Machining Order............................................368

Adjusting the Machining Parameters of a Tool................371Saving a Toolpath............................................................ 374

Editing a Toolpath...........................................................376

Deleting Toolpaths .......................................................... 377

Calculating a Single Toolpath..........................................380

Calculating a Batch of Toolpaths.....................................380

Using a Toolpath Summary ............................................. 382Using the Tool Groups Database ..................................... 385

Creating a Toolpath Template ......................................... 393Loading a Toolpath Template.......................................... 394

Loading Toolpath Data.................................................... 395

Simulating Toolpaths................................................................. 396

Viewing a Toolpath ......................................................... 401

Hiding a Toolpath............................................................ 402Resetting a Simulation..................................................... 404

Deleting a Simulation...................................................... 404

ArtTrace 405Using ArtTrace..........................................................................405

Importing a Bitmap Image......................................................... 405

Setting the Image Size and Origin ............................................. 406Working with Colours ............................................................... 408

Selecting the Primary and Secondary Colours ................. 408

Reducing Colours............................................................ 409

Colour Merging............................................................... 410

Colour Linking ................................................................ 411

Edge Marking.................................................................. 412


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Contents • vii

Colour Thinning .............................................................. 412

Colour Thickening...........................................................413Adding Colours ............................................................... 414

Editing a Bitmap Image............................................................. 416

Using the Paint Brush...................................................... 416Flood Filling.................................................................... 418

Converting a Bitmap into Vectors.............................................. 419Editing the Vector Objects...............................................420

Exporting Vectors to ArtCAM Insignia ..................................... 422

ArtSpool 425Using ArtSpool..........................................................................425

Setting Up ArtSpool .................................................................. 425

Selecting the Communication Settings............................. 426Selecting the Spool Directory .......................................... 427

Sending Toolpath Files..............................................................428Deleting Toolpath Files ............................................................. 430

Index 431


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viii • Contents ArtCAM Insignia User Guide


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Overview • 1

Overview

ArtCAM Insignia OverviewArtCAM Insignia is a powerful 2.5D machining solution forprofessional CNC engravers and router users. Designs can be createdusing ArtCAM Insignia’s comprehensive vector drawing tools orimported from other graphics packages. Bitmap images and scans can

also be imported, vectorized and edited.

ArtCAM Insignia handles complex designs with ease and provides

flexible machining strategies that are fast, accurate and, most

importantly, very reliable. Integrated Nesting automatically positions

multiple objects inside a user-definable block of material, ensuring

minimal material wastage when the objects are manufactured.Realistic 3D toolpath simulation can be used to verify all toolpaths,

and visualise the end product, before sending them to the CNCmachine.

Information about ArtCAM InsigniaYou can find information about working in ArtCAM Insignia usingthe following resources:

1.

The ArtCAM Insignia Assistant. Click on thebutton on each page displayed in the Assistant window to


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2 • Overview ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

view In-Line Help. For further details, see "ArtCAM

Insignia Layout" in the ArtCAM Insignia Layout chapter.

2. The ArtCAM Insignia On-Line Help pages. From the Mainmenu bar, click on the Help menu, followed by the Index

option.

3. The Assistant’s Getting Started page. Click on theicon in the Other Features area to display details of thelatest features in ArtCAM Insignia.

4. The ArtCAM Insignia User Guide (this manual).

5. The ArtCAM Insignia Website. From the Main menu bar,click on the Help menu, followed by the ArtCAM On The

Web > ArtCAM Home Page option.6. The ArtCAM User Forum. From the Main menu bar, click

on the Help menu, followed by the ArtCAM On The Web> ArtCAM Forum option.

If you have not yet registered as a Forum member, pleaseclick on the Join option on the Forum’s Home Page.

ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

This manual provides you with instructions on how to create,manipulate and machine a 2D model design.

This User Guide is divided into the following parts:

• Overview. This section provides an overview of whatArtCAM Insignia can be used for.

• ArtCAM Insignia Layout. This section explains thelayout of ArtCAM Insignia, how to use its design windowsand manage its preferences.

•

Tutorials. This section contains tutorials designed to helpyou to understand the practical uses of the design tools and

toolpaths available in ArtCAM Insignia.

• Working With Models. This section explains how tocreate and manage an ArtCAM model, as well as edit fonts

for use within ArtCAM Insignia.

• Working With Vectors. This section explains how tocreate and manipulate vector artwork in a model. This canthen be used to machine the model.


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Overview • 3

• Machining Models. This section explains how to machinea model from the vector artwork that you have created.

• ArtTrace. This section explains how to use the ArtTracetool to edit bitmap images and convert them into vector

objects for use in ArtCAM Insignia.

• ArtSpool. This section explains how to use the ArtSpooltool to send toolpath data to your CNC machine tool

through a serial cable.

Comparing Vector and Bitmap DataVectors and bitmaps are two different methods of reproducing

particular types of images. Although ArtCAM Insignia uses vectorobjects to generate 2D models, the ArtTrace tool available within the

application allows you to convert a bitmap image to a vector object.

For details, see "Using ArtTrace" in the ArtTrace chapter.

Vector Data… Bitmap Data

Vector DataVector data is defined mathematically by a drawing language. Objectsare geometrical, being made up of a number of points mapped on a

grid connected by lines or curves. In being geometrical objects,vectors are extremely flexible and can be manipulated with both ease

and accuracy.

The amount of data required to display all of the attributes of a vector

object is very little, so graphics made up of vector objects can have

very small file sizes. As the objects become more complex, the sizesincrease.

As you can see in the previous images, vector data is ideal for

producing smooth features. The vector letter not only has greater

definition than the bitmap; vector objects can also be used to drive anassigned machining tool directly, which produces a far superior finish.


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4 • Overview ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

ArtCAM Insignia can read files containing vector data saved in the

following formats:

• Drawing Interchange files, including PowerSHAPE and

AutoCAD 2D (.dxf)

• AutoCAD 2D Drawing files (.dwg)

• PostScript format (.eps)

• Adobe Illustrator image (.ai)

• Windows Metafile (.wmf)

• DUCT picture (.pic)

Bitmap DataBitmap data is made up of a set of binary values specifying the colourof individual pixels (picture elements) that make up an image. Bitmap

data is characterised by resolution and bit depth.

Resolution relates to the detail in an image and is expressed in dots per

inch (.dpi) or pixels per inch (.ppi). The higher the resolution (i.e. themore dots used to describe the image), the more detail possible.

Bit depth has to do with the number of colours the image can display.

Bits are the building blocks of binary data. A black and white image is

1 bit, meaning it can be off or on, black or white. As bit depth

increases, more colours are available.

Unlike vector data, bitmap data is large. For example, a simple object

like the letter in the previous image is 32,838 bytes as vector data inArtCAM Insignia. When rasterized (changed to a bitmap), the file size

changes to 40,078 bytes in ArtCAM Insignia. For small compositionsthe increase in file size may not matter greatly, but for larger

compositions the difference in file size seriously impacts machining

times.

ArtCAM Insignia can read bitmap files generated by other drawingand desktop publishing packages or those scanned from paper based

artwork saved in any of the following formats:

• Windows Bitmap (.bmp)

• TIFF image (.tif)

• CompuServe image (.gif)

• JPEG image (.jpg or .jpeg)


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide ArtCAM Insignia Layout • 5

ArtCAM InsigniaLayout

ArtCAM Insignia LayoutThe ArtCAM Insignia screen layout has been designed to let you work

effectively and efficiently.

The hub of ArtCAM Insignia is the innovative Assistant window.When you have an open model, the Assistant’s Home page displaysa collection of tools to help you create, edit and machine a 2D/2.5Ddesign. These tools appear in the form of buttons.

Grouped in a logical arrangement, you are able to navigate to thebutton that you require quickly. To find out more about most of the

buttons on the Assistant's Home page, click on the button to displaya page showing In-line Help. The In-line Help informs you of exactly

where, when and how to use the button, thus reducing the learning

curve.

The screen layout is divided into five regions:


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6 • ArtCAM Insignia Layout ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

1. Main menu bar - Click on a menu to display a drop-downmenu that contains a range of sub-menus and commands

relating to the features in ArtCAM Insignia. If an item in a

menu is greyed-out, then it is does not apply to the currentlyactive 2D View.

2.

Assistant Window - On starting ArtCAM Insignia, theAssistant’s Getting Started page is displayed. This pagecontains four main icons. These allow you to create a new

model or a font, work on an existing model and read about

the latest features in ArtCAM Insignia. You can also open

any of the last four models that you have been working on.When an ArtCAM model has been created or opened, theAssistant’s Home page is displayed.

The Assistant’s Home page contains buttons for each of the features in ArtCAM Insignia, as well as a summary of your model dimensions.

These buttons are divided into four areas:

• File - You can use these buttons to manage yourmodel files, and the vector or bitmap artwork that

you want to use as part of a model.

• Vector Creation - You can use these buttons to

create, measure and manipulate the vector objectsthat make up the artwork in your model.


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• Position Size Align Vectors - You can use thesebuttons to transform, mirror, align and centre vector

objects, as well as wrap vector text around a curve.

• Group Merge Join Vectors - You can use these

buttons to group, merge and join vector objects.

You can change the appearance of the Assistant’s Homepage in the following ways:

• Click on the Toggle Display icon in theProject Information area to reveal or hide textlabels naming each of the buttons on theAssistant’s Home page.

•

Click on the arrow displayed in each of the four areasof the Assistant’s Home page to either hide ordisplay the buttons within that particular area.

You can also change the appearance of each page displayed

in the Assistant window when you click on any of thefollowing buttons on the Assistant’s Home page:

• Click on to hide all In-line Help shown on

the page.

You can also click on the icon in the top-right

corner of the page to hide the In-line Help shown.

• Click on to display In-line Help on the

page.

You can also click on the icon in the top-right

corner of the page to display the In-line Help.

• Click on the icon in the top-right corner of the

page to return to the Assistant’s Home page.

You can play a video tutorial on how you can use the pagethat is currently displayed in the Assistant window if you:

• Click on the video icon when the In-line Help is

shown.

3. Design Windows - This is the central area of the screen.ArtCAM Insignia uses two types of view. The 2D Viewwindow displays the vector artwork in your model and

previews of any calculated toolpaths, while the 3D View

window displays a three-dimensional representation of themachined model and any simulated toolpaths.


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4. Layers - This tab displays the Layers page in theAssistant window. You can use this page to organise thevector artwork in your model into layers. Each layer youcreate can be given its own name and colour. You can also

toggle the visibility, snapping and locking for the vectorartwork on each layer.

5. Toolpaths - This tab displays the Toolpaths Home pagein the Assistant window. You can use this page to createmachining toolpaths, drill holes, add bridging and lead

moves, manage the machining order, produce a toolpathsummary, create toolpath panels and manage the tools

database.

You can also use this page to simulate toolpaths, save

toolpaths, edit toolpaths, load or save a toolpath template,and edit the machining parameters relating to a tool.

Tip: You can toggle between the Assistant, Layers andToolpaths tabs using the F4 key on your keyboard.

Tip: You can toggle between the Assistant and Layers tabs usingthe F7 key on your keyboard.

Adjusting the Window ViewWhen you create or open a model in ArtCAM Insignia, the 2D Viewand 3D View design windows are automatically displayed. You usethe 2D View window to create the vector artwork you need toproduce a 2/2.5D model. This model is shown in the 3D Viewwindow.

Note: You can maximise the design windows by default using theArtCAM Options page. For details, see "Managing ArtCAMInsignia’s Preferences" on page 22.

You can adjust the appearance of the 2D View and 3D Viewwindows in ArtCAM Insignia:

1. From the Main menu bar, click on the Window menu,followed by the option that you want to use to adjust the

view of the design windows:


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• Cascade - Click on this option to display both the2D View and 3D View windows overlapping oneanother.

• Tile - Click on this option to display both the 2D

View and 3D View windows beside one another.

• 2D View - Click on this option to display the 2DView window only.

Note: You can also display the 2D View window by pressing the F2key on your keyboard when the 3D View window is displayed.

Tip: You can toggle between minimising and maximising the 2DView window using the F2 key on your keyboard when the 2D Viewis displayed.

• 3D View - Click on this option to display the 3DView window only.

Note: You can also display the 3D View window by pressing the F3key on your keyboard when the 2D View window is displayed.

Tip: You can toggle between minimising and maximising the 3DView window using the F3 key on your keyboard when the 3D Viewis displayed.

2D View ManipulationYou can change the 2D View of a model using the tools above thewindow:

3D View

Click on the 3D View button to display the 3D View window.

Note: You can also move from the 2D View to the 3D View windowby pressing the F3 key on your keyboard.


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Zoom In Tool

You can use the Zoom In Tool button in two ways. You can:

• Enlarge the area directly beneath the cursor by 50%.

• Zoom in on a defined area of the model.

To enlarge an area directly beneath the cursor by 50%:

1. Click on the Zoom In Tool button , move the

magnifying cursor over the area of the model that you

want to zoom in on and then click.

Note: You can also magnify the area directly beneath the cursor by50% if you hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and right-click.

To zoom in on a defined area of the model:

1. Click on the Zoom In Tool button and move the


want to zoom in on.

2. Click and drag the mouse to create a bounding box aroundthe area of the model in which you are interested.

3. Release the left mouse button to view the area in thebounding box only.

Zoom Out Tool

Each click on the Zoom Out button reduces the size of the imageby 50%.

Note: You can also reduce the area directly beneath the cursor by50% if you hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and right-

click.

Zoom Previous

Click on the Previous Zoom button to restore the previous zoomsetting.


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Window Fit

Click on the Window Fit button to automatically adjust thezooming to view the whole model.

Zoom Object(s)

Click on the Zoom Object(s) button to focus in on the vectorobjects currently selected in the model. For details, see "Selecting

Vectors" in the Working with Vectors chapter.

Scrolling the 2D ViewIf you cannot see all of a model in the 2D View window, often as aresult of zooming in, ArtCAM Insignia displays scrollbars along the

vertical and horizontal axes:

To view a different area of the model, you can:

• Click on the arrow at either end of the scrollbar.

• Drag the thumb in the scrollbar to the appropriate position.

•

Click directly in the scrollbar on either side of the thumb to

page back and forth.

2D View OptionsWhen drawing vector objects in ArtCAM Insignia, there are three

invaluable features available to help you create a vector object

according to an exact set of measurements. These are:

•

Rulers. For details, see "Using Rulers" on page 12.

• The Snap Grid. For details, see "Using the Snap Grid" on

page 12.

• Horizontal and vertical guidelines. For details, see "Using

Guidelines" on page 14.

These features help consistently align and size vector objects.


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Using RulersYou can use the rulers adjacent to the X and Y-axis of the 2D Viewwindow to make measurements.

The ruler along the X-axis also displays the units of measurement(millimetres or inches) selected for the model that is shown in the 2DView window. For details, see "Creating a Model" in the Workingwith Models chapter.

To disable the rulers:

1. From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu,followed by the Show Rulers option to deselect it. Therulers along the X and Y-axis of the 2D View window arehidden.

To enable the rulers:

1. From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu,followed by the Show Rulers option to select it. Rulersappear adjacent to the X and Y-axis of the 2D Viewwindow.

Using the Snap Grid

The snap grid is a network of fixed points that govern the placementof vector objects, making it easier to consistently size and align them.

You can use the Snap Grid Settings dialog box to adjust thespacing of gridlines, to activate or deactivate the grid, or to force

vector objects to automatically align themselves to the snap grid.

Displaying the Snap Grid

To display the snap grid in an active 2D View window:

1. From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu,followed by the Snap Grid Settings option. The SnapGrid Settings dialog box is displayed:


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2. Click to select the Draw Snap Grid option .

3. Click on the OK button to close the Snap Grid Settings

dialog box and draw the snap grid.To hide the snap grid in an active 2D View window, repeat theprevious steps, clicking on the Draw Snap Grid option to deselect it

.

Setting the Grid Spacing

You can set the spacing between grid points using the model’s units of measurement, as selected in the Setup Job Dimensions dialog. Fordetails, see "Creating a Model" in the Working with Models chapter.

To set the grid spacing:

1. From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu,followed by the Snap Grid Settings option. The SnapGrid Settings dialog box is displayed:

2. Define the distance you want to set between each grid pointin the Grid Spacing box.

3.

Click on the OK button to close the Snap Grid Settingsdialog box and set the grid spacing.


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Snapping to the Grid

To make the cursor snap to the nearest point on the grid during thecreation or editing of a vector object:

1.

From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu,followed by the Snap Grid Settings option. The SnapGrid Settings dialog box is displayed:

2. Click to select the Snap To Grid option .

3. Click on the OK button to close the Snap Grid Settingsdialog box and activate grid snapping.

Note: To temporarily disable the snapping behaviour, press and holdthe Shift key down on your keyboard.

Using GuidelinesWhile a Snap Grid is made up of a network of fixed points, aguideline is a solid line parallel to either the horizontal (X) or vertical(Y) axis that can be moved to any position in the 2D View window.

To create guidelines, the rulers option must be selected. For details,

see "Using Rulers" on page 12.

To create a horizontal guideline:

• Click and hold down the left mouse button on the top ruler

to display a guideline in the 2D View window, and thendrag it into position.

To create a vertical guideline:

• Click and hold down the left mouse button on the left-handruler to display a guideline in the 2D View window, andthen drag it into position.


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To reposition a guideline:

• Move the cursor over the guideline you want to move.

When the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow ,click and drag the guideline into its new position.

Warning: You must have the both the Show Rulers and the ShowGuidelines options selected in the 2D View menu to see guidelinesin the 2D View window.

Defining a Guideline’s Position

You can define the position of a guideline using the Position Guidedialog box. This is a more accurate method than clicking and dragging

a guideline into position.To display the Position Guide dialog box, move the mouse cursorover a guideline and click the right mouse button:

The Selected Guide area of the Position Guide dialog box allowsyou to:

• Reposition a guideline.

•

Delete a guideline.• Lock a guideline into position.

To reposition a guideline:

1. Define the new position for the guideline in the NewPosition box, and then click on the Apply button.

To delete a guideline:

1. Click on the Delete button.

To lock a guideline in its current position:1. Click to select the Locked option .


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The Insert Parallel Guide(s) area of the Position Guide dialogbox allows you to:

• Create a guideline at an absolute position.

•

Create any number of guidelines at a position relative to theselected guideline.

To insert a parallel guideline at an absolute position:

1. Click on the Absolute position radio button .

2. Define the position of the parallel guideline in the Positionbox.

3. Click on the Add New Guide(s) button to draw theguideline.

4.

Click on the OK button to close the Position Guidedialog box.

To insert any number of parallel guidelines at a relative position:

1. Click on the Relative to guide radio button .

2. Define the number of guidelines that you want to draw

using either of the following methods:

• Type the number of guidelines in the Count box.

•

Use the and buttons on the right of the Countbox to set the number of guidelines.

3. Define the distance that you want to set between each of the

parallel guidelines in the Position box. You can set therelative position for the new guidelines using a positive or

negative value.

For example, if you want to create a new guideline to the

right of an existing vertical guideline, or above an existing

horizontal guideline, you must type a positive value in the

Position box e.g. 10.0.

If you want to create a new guideline to the left of an

existing vertical guideline, or below an existing horizontalguideline, you must type a negative value in the Positionbox e.g. -10.0.

4. Click on the Add New Guide(s) button to draw theguidelines.


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Tip: If you want to carry out more than one action in the PositionGuide dialog box, instead of clicking on the OK button, click on theApply button. This applies the change and keeps the dialog box open.

Snapping to ObjectsUsing snapping, you can align a vector object relative to another

vector object on any visible layer or guideline shown in the 2D Viewwindow. For further information on guidelines, see "UsingGuidelines" on page 14. For further details on layers, see "Snapping

on a Layer" in the Working with Models chapter.

Snapping is enabled by default. You can enable and disable snapping

as follows:

• From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu,followed by the Snap to Objects option.

When enabled, the Snap to Objects option is selected, and vice versa.

Note: Make sure that the Toggle Snapping button for the layer isalso enabled . For details, see "Snapping on a Layer" in the

Working with Models chapter.

Tip: To temporarily disable snapping, press and hold down the Shiftkey on your keyboard.

With the Snap to Objects option enabled, the mouse cursor shownin the 2D View changes when it snaps to any of the following places:

• A point (node) in another vector object. This is shown by

the cursor changing to a .

•

The mid of a linear or arc span within another vector object.

This is shown by the cursor changing to a .

• The centre of another vector object, defined by a bounding

box. This is shown by the cursor changing to a .

• The point at which two guidelines intersect. This is shown

by the cursor changing to a .

• A horizontal guideline. This is shown by the cursor

changing to a .


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• A vertical guideline. This is shown by the cursor changing

to a .

• Directly above or below the X co-ordinate of a polyline’s

Start Point (node). This is shown by the cursor changingto a .

• Directly above or below the Y co-ordinate of a polyline’s

Start Point (node). This is shown by the cursor changing

to a .

Note: The and cursors only appear when you are creatingpolylines. For details, see "Creating a Polyline" in the Working with

Vectors chapter.

3D View ManipulationYou can change the view of a model using the tools above the 3DView window:

2D View

Click on the 2D View button to display the 2D View window.

Note: You can also move from the 3D View to the 2D View windowby pressing the F2 key on your keyboard.

Twiddle Tool

The Twiddle Tool button allows you to rotate the model arounda central point, adjust the viewpoint (pan) and zoom in on or out from

the current viewpoint.

To rotate the model:

1. Click on the Twiddle Tool button .

2. Move the cursor over the model, click and hold downthe left mouse button, and then drag the model to the

required viewing angle.


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To pan the model:


2. Move the cursor over the model, click and hold down

both mouse buttons, and then drag the model to the requiredviewing position.

To zoom in on the model:


2. Move the cursor over the model, click and hold downthe right mouse button, and then drag upwards.

3. Release the mouse button to set the viewpoint.

To zoom out from the model:


2. Move the cursor over the model, click and hold downthe right mouse button, and then drag downwards.

3. Release the mouse button to set the viewpoint.

Pan View

The Pan View button allows you to adjust the viewing position of the model:

1. Click on the Pan View button .

2. Move the cursor over the model, and then click and

drag the model into the required viewing position.

Note: You can also adjust the viewpoint of the model by holding

down the left and right mouse buttons simultaneously and thendragging into the required viewing position.

Note: You can also use the Twiddle Tool to adjust the

viewpoint of the model. For details, see " Twiddle Tool" on page

18.


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Zoom

You can use the Zoom button to zoom in on a defined area of themodel:

1.

Click on the Zoom button , and then move the


want to zoom in on.

2. Click and drag the mouse to create a bounding box around

the area of the model that you are interested in.

3. Release the left mouse button to view the area defined by

the bounding box.

Note: You can also hold down the right mouse button and push themouse forwards to zoom in on the model shown in the 3D Viewwindow.

Note: You can also use the Twiddle Tool to zoom in on the model

shown in the 3D View window. For details, see " Twiddle Tool"on page 18.

Zoom OutClick on the Zoom Out button to reduce the size of the image by50%.

Note: You can also hold down the right mouse button and push themouse backwards to zoom out from the model shown in the 3D Viewwindow.

Scale To FitThe Scale To Fit button resizes the model so that it fits in the 3DView window.

Isometric View

The Isometric View button displays the model in the standardisometric view. The viewing angle is shown by the XYZ

representation on the button.


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View Along X

The View Along X button displays the model from the X-axis.

View Along YThe View Along Y button displays the model from the Y-axis.

View Down Z

The View Down Z button displays the model from the Z-axis.

Origin

Click on the Origin button to display/hide the origin in the 3DView window. The X-axis is red, the Y-axis is green and the Z-axis isblue.

Objects To Draw

Click on the Objects To Draw button to display the ObjectsTo Draw list box.

The Objects To Draw list box lists the block of material, all of yourcalculated toolpaths and all of your toolpath simulations:

All items in the Objects To Draw list box are highlighted in blue inthe Objects To Draw list box. If an item is not highlighted, it is notshown in the 3D View window.

You can hide any of the objects displayed in the 3D View:

1. Click on the object in the list box that you want to hide. The

selected object is highlighted in blue.

2. Click on the Apply button to hide the object in the 3DView window.


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3. Click on the in the top right corner of the Objects ToDraw list box to close it.

To show any of the hidden objects in the 3D View:

1. Click on the object in the list box you want to show. Theselected object is highlighted in blue.

2. Click on the Apply button to show the object in the 3DView window.

3. Click on the in the top-right corner of the Objects ToDraw list box to close it.

Managing ArtCAM Insignia’s

PreferencesMany of the default settings in ArtCAM Insignia can be controlled

from one central location. Using the ArtCAM Options page, youcan:

• Choose the colours associated with vector objects used to

indicate their current state.

• Define the default settings used for machining strategies

within toolpaths.• Instruct ArtCAM Insignia to check for or ignore self-

intersections in imported vector artwork.

• Control the size of the design windows when ArtCAM

Insignia is started.

To adjust the aforementioned display settings in ArtCAM Insignia:

1. From the Main menu bar, click on the Edit menu and thenon the Options Page… option to display the ArtCAM

Options page. The default colours and settings currentlyused in ArtCAM Insignia are shown on the page.

2. In the 2D Drawing Colours area, click on the arrow todisplay its settings:

• To change the colour associated with a selected

ungrouped vector object, click on the Selectedoption to display the Color dialog box:


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•

To change the colour associated with two or moreselected ungrouped vector objects, click on theMultiple Selected option to display the Colordialog box. For details on how to select a colour, see"Assigning a Colour to a Layer" in the Working with

Models chapter.

• To change the colour associated with two or more

overlapping vector objects, click on theOverlapping option to display the Color dialog

box. For details on how to select a colour, see"Assigning a Colour to a Layer" in the Working with

Models chapter.

• To change the colour associated with toolpath

previews, click on the Toolpath Preview option todisplay the Color dialog box. For details on how toselect a colour, see "Assigning a Colour to a Layer"in the Working with Models chapter.

• To change the colour associated with a selected

grouped vector object, click on the Selected optionin the Grouped area to display the Color dialogbox. For details on how to select a colour, see

"Assigning a Colour to a Layer" in the Working with

Models chapter.

• To change the colour associated with locked vector

objects when selected, click on the Selected optionin the Locked area to display the Color dialog box.

For details on how to select a colour, see "Assigning


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a Colour to a Layer" in the Working with Models

chapter.

• To change the colour associated with locked vector

objects when deselected, click on the Unselected

option in the Locked area to display the Colordialog box. For details on how to select a colour, see"Assigning a Colour to a Layer" in the Working with

Models chapter.

3. In the Machining area, click on the arrow to display itssettings:

• Climb Milling rotates the toolbit in the same

direction as the feed motion. To set climb milling as

the default cutting direction used in toolpaths, click to select the Use Climb Milling by Default option

.

• A raster machining strategy machines in passes back

and forth along a specified angle. To set the default

angle for toolpaths that use a raster machining

strategy, define the angle in the Default RasterAngle box.

• When using an offset machining strategy in a

toolpath, machining inwards from the outside edge of the block of material by default, click to select theStart Offset Machining at Edge option .

• If you are machining small areas of material with

very fine detail, click to select the Use EngravingEngine for Area Clear option . This option alsoadds tails to remove up-stands when the stepover is

greater than the tool radius.

•

To show the cutting direction in all 2D toolpathpreviews shown in the 2D View window, click toselect the Cutting Direction option .

• ArtCAM Insignia shows rapid and plunge moves in

all simulated toolpaths by default. To hide all rapid

and plunge moves, click to deselect the Rapid &Plunge Moves option .

• If you are machining small areas of material wih fine

detail, click to select the option .


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4. In the File Import area, click on the arrow to display itssettings:

• ArtCAM Insignia identifies all self-intersections

within imported vector artwork by default. To ignore

any self-intersections, click to deselect the Checkfor Crossings option .

Note: You can use the Vector Doctor tool to check for self-intersections in vector artwork. For details, see "Using the Vector

Doctor" in the Working with Vectors chapter.

5. In the Text Defaults area, click on the arrow to displayits settings. These settings allow you to control the default

increments used in the Size area of the Text Tool page inArtCAM Insignia:

• In the Point spin increment box, define theincremental value used between each click on either

the or arrow whenever the points option isselected.

• In the MM spin increment box, define theincremental value used between each click on either

the or arrow whenever the mm option isselected.

• In the Inches spin increment box, define theincremental value used between each click on eitherthe or arrow whenever the inches option isselected.

6. In the 2D Drawing Options area, click on the arrow todisplay its settings:

•

ArtCAM Insignia replaces a selection of points(nodes) with a single vertical or horizontal linearspan by default. To align a selection of points

(nodes) with either the X or Y-axis whilst preservingthe points, click to deselect the Align Nodes –replace with a single line option .

• ArtCAM Insignia numbers toolpath panels and

profile toolpath segments displayed in the 2D Viewwindow. To set the size of the font, in which each

integer is displayed, define its size in points in the ptbox.


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7. In the Miscellaneous area, click on the arrow todisplay its settings:

• To maximise both of the design windows when

ArtCAM Insignia is started, click to select the

Maximise Views on Startup option .

8. Click on the Apply button to confirm your settings.

If you want to restore the default settings at any time, click on the Reset button.

9. Click on the icon to return to the Assistant’s Homepage.

Note: You can also press the Esc key on your keyboard or the

icon at the top of the page to return to the Assistant’s Home page.


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Tutorial – Aston Martin • 27

Tutorial – Aston Martin

OverviewThe following tutorial demonstrates how to create an Aston Martinsign from imported vector artwork, using the vector drawing andtoolpath tools available in ArtCAM Insignia.

The design is courtesy of Holmes & Cottrell Graphic Technologies.

Visit their website www.vectorart.com for high quality designs.

Aston MartinThe stages that you will cover in this tutorial are:

• Preparing the model.

• Creating a frame for the sign.

• Importing the vector artwork.

• Creating the vector text.

• Wrapping the vector text.

•

Creating an offset vector.

• Machining the vectors.

• Marking the drill holes with circles.

• Creating the drill holes.

• Saving the toolpaths.

The tutorial will lead you through each of these stages, guiding you

through the complete process of creating the Aston Martin sign shown

below.


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28 • Tutorial – Aston Martin ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

Preparing the Model

First, we will set up the model dimensions needed for this particular job:

1. Click on the Create New Model icon on theAssistant’s Getting Started page to display the SetupJob Dimensions dialog box:

2. Click on the Units option that you want to use

(millimetres or inches).3. Type 500 mm (20") in the Width (X) box, 300 mm (12") in

the Height (Y) box and 50 mm (2") in the Thickness (Z)box.

4. Make sure that the Material Z Zero option is set to Topof Block.

5. Set the position of the Job Origin by clicking on thefront-left corner of the box diagram.

6.

Click on the OK button to close the Setup JobDimensions dialog box.


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A 2D View window automatically fills the previouslyempty design window area. This window represents the

block of material viewed down the Z-axis.

Creating a Frame for the SignNext, we will create the vector objects that represent the sign’s frame.

Creating the Outer Rectangle

First, we will draw the outer rectangle of the sign’s frame:

1. Click on the Create Rectangle button in the VectorCreation area to display the Rectangle Creation page.

2.

Make sure that the Rectangle option is selected byclicking on it.

3. Type 450 mm (18 ") in the Width box and 250 mm (10") inthe Height box.

4. Click on the Preview button to view the rectangle. It iscentred on the model's origin, which is in the bottom leftcorner.

Note: All newly created vector objects are centred on the model's

origin.

5. Click on the Create button to create the rectangle in yourmodel:

6. Click on the Close button to return to the Assistant’sHome page.

7. Make sure that the rectangle is selected by clicking on it.

The rectangle should be magenta and surrounded by a

bounding box.


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8. Click on the Centre In Page button in the PositionSize Align Vectors area to move the rectangle to thecentre of your model.

This rectangle represents the total area of the sign that youare creating in your model.

Creating the Outer Ellipse

Second, you will draw the outer ellipse of the sign’s frame:

1. Click on the Create Ellipse button in the VectorCreation area to display the Ellipse Creation page.

2. Type 225 mm (9") in the Ellipse Height box and 425 mm

(17 ") in the Ellipse Width box.

3. Make sure that the value in the Angle box remains at thedefault setting of 0°.

4. Click on the Preview button to view the ellipse.

5. Click on the Create button to create the ellipse, centred onthe origin.


7. Make sure that the ellipse is selected by clicking on it.

8. Press the F9 key on your keyboard to place the ellipse in thecentre of your model.

Creating the Inner Ellipse

Now we will draw an inner ellipse to complete the sign’s framework:

1. Make sure the ellipse you have just created is selected by

clicking on it.


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2. Click on the Copy button in the File area of theAssistant’s Home page to create a duplicate of theselected ellipse and place it on the clipboard.

3.

Click on the Paste button in the File area to place theduplicate ellipse in your model, overlaying the original.

4. Click on the Transform Vector(s) button in thePosition Size Align Vectors area to display theTransform Vector(s) page.

5. In the Size area, click to deselect the Link Width andHeight option .

6.

Type 375 mm (15") in the Size’s New Width box.

7. Type 175 mm (7 ") in the Size’s New Height box.

8. Click on the Apply button to create a preview image of thesecond, scaled ellipse.

9. Click on the Close button to create the second, scaledellipse in your model and return to the Assistant’s Homepage:

All three of the vector objects that you have drawn, as illustratedabove, complete the frame for the Aston Martin sign.

Importing the Vector ArtworkThe next stage is to import the Aston Martin vector artwork:

1. Click on the Import Vector Data button in the Filearea to display the Vector Import dialog box:


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2. Click on the Look In list box and select ArtCAM Insignia3.0\Examples.

3.

Click to select the .eps file named AstonCar , and then click on the Open button to import the vector artwork.

The Aston Martin artwork is purple, showing that it is agrouped set of vector objects:

4. Make sure that the grouped vector objects that make up theAston Martin are selected by clicking anywhere on the

Aston Martin.

The grouped vector objects are purple and surrounded by a

bounding box.

5. Press the F9 key on your keyboard to move the AstonMartin to the centre of your model.

Since the Aston Martin overlaps the inner ellipse inside the

frame, we will now reduce its size so that it fits.

6. Click on the Transform Vector(s) button to displaythe Transform Vector(s) page.

7.

Make sure that the Link Width and Height option isselected .


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8. Type 150 mm (5.91") in the Size’s New Height box.

9. Click on the Apply button to create a preview image:

A value of 236.235 mm (9.3112") automatically appears in

the Size’s New Width box. This is because the LinkWidth and Height option is selected .

10. Click on the Close button to resize the vector objects andreturn to the Assistant’s Home page.

Creating the Vector TextThe next stage is to create vector text for the writing on the sign:

1.

Click on the Create Vector Text button in theVector Creation area to display the Text Tool page.

2. Click on the Font list box, and then on the Arial fontoption to select it.

3. Click on the Size list box, and then click on the appropriateunit of measurement option (millimetres or inches).

4. Type 18 mm (0.71") in the Size box.

5. Click anywhere in your model (the white area in the 2DView window), and then type Aston Martin DB5.

6. Click the Done button to create the vector text and return tothe Assistant’s Home page.


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Wrapping the Vector TextNext, we will wrap the vector text around the inner ellipse:

1.

Click to select the inner ellipse in your model.

2. Hold the Shift key down on your keyboard, and then click to select the vector text.

3. Click on the Wrap Text Round A Curve button inthe Position Size Align Vectors area to display theText On A Curve page.

4. Click on the Specify radio button to select it.

This option allows you to position the block of vector textaround the inner ellipse, using a positive or negative valuethat you type in the Specify box.

5. Type 3 mm (0.12") in the Specify box.

6. Click on the Update button to offset the vector text fromthe inside edge of the inner ellipse.

7. Click to select the Text on Other Side option . Thevector text is moved to the outside edge of the inner ellipse.

8.

In the Text Alignment area, click on the list box and thenon the Sweep Around Curve option to select it. ArtCAMInsignia distorts the original shape of characters by fitting

arcs around them and then offsetting them from one another.

9. Click and drag the vector text approximately into the centre

of the frame, as shown below:


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10. Click on the OK button to return to the Assistant’s Homepage.

Creating an Offset VectorNext we will create a vector object, offset from the outline of the

Aston Martin. This is referred to as the 'offset vector':

1. Click to select the group of vector objects that make up the

Aston Martin.

2. Click on the Ungroup button in the Group MergeJoin Vectors area of the Assistant’s Home page.

By ungrouping the group of vector objects, you can see thatthe Aston Martin is made up of a number of separate vector

objects.

3. Click on the Zoom In Tool button in the 2D Viewtoolbar.

4. Click and drag to form a bounding box around the front

wheel of the Aston Martin artwork, then release the mouse

button to zoom in on it.

5.

Click to select the outer vector object of the Aston Martin:


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6. Click on the Window Fit button in the 2D Viewtoolbar to view the whole of the model:

The offset vector you will now create from the selectedvector object acts as a boundary for the Area Clearance tool

you will use to machine this area of the sign.

7. Click on the Offset Vector(s) button in the VectorCreation area to display the Offset Vector(s) page.

8. Type 5 mm (0.20") in the Offset Distance box.

9. Make sure that the Outwards/Right option is selectedfor the Offset Direction.

10. Make sure that the Sharp option is selected for theOffset Corners, and the Max. Sharp Offset Distanceis set to 100 %.


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11. Click on the Offset button to create the offset vector.


You are now ready to regroup the vector objects that make

up the Aston Martin car so that they can be machined at thesame time.

13. Click and drag around the Aston Martin car and its offsetvector to select all of the vector objects.

14. Hold the Shift key down on your keyboard, and then click on the offset vector to deselect it.

The offset vector is now black, whilst the vector objects thatmake up the Aston Martin remain magenta:

15. Click on the Group button in the Group Merge Joinarea to group the vector objects that make up the Aston

Martin. The Aston Martin artwork turns purple.

Machining the VectorsNow that we have positioned and resized the Aston Martin car, you

will create the toolpaths that will be used to machine your model, andthus create your sign.

Clearing the Unwanted Material

First, we will create an Area Clearance toolpath that will remove theunwanted material in your model:

1. Click to select the rectangle.

2. Hold the Shift key on your keyboard, and then click oneach of the ellipses and the offset vector in turn to selectthem:


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3. Click on the Toolpaths tab to display theToolpaths Home page.

4.

Click on the Area Clearance button to display the2D Area Clearance page.

5. Type 10 mm (0.39") in the Finish Depth box.

6. Type 0.02 mm (0.001") in the Tolerance box.

7. Click on the arrow in the Machine Safe Z area todisplay the Safe Z box.

8. Type 3 mm (0.12") in the Safe Z box.

9. Click on the Add button beneath the Tool List window to

display the Tool Groups Database:

10. Click on the End Mill 6mm (End Mill ¼ Inch) tool in theWood or Plastic\Roughing and 2D Finishing toolgroup to select it.

11. Click on the Select button to close the Tool Groups

Database and add the tool to the Tool List on the 2DArea Clearance page.


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12. Type 5 mm (0.20") in the Stepover box.

13. Make sure that the Raster option is selected in the ToolClearance Strategy area.

14. Make sure that the Create 2D Preview option is selected.

15. Click on the Now button to calculate the Area Clearancetoolpath.

The Area Clearance toolpath appears in the 2D Viewwindow as follows:

16. Click on the Close button to return to the ToolpathsHome page.

Simulating the Toolpath

Now we can simulate the Area Clearance toolpath. A toolpath

simulation allows you to visualise the machining passes used tomachine your model.

1. Click on the 3D View button in the 2D View toolbar todisplay an isometric view of the Area Clearance toolpath in

the 3D View window:


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2.

Click on the Simulate Toolpath Fast button tosimulate the Area Clearance toolpath.

As you simulate each individual toolpath, you will see in the3D View window what the machined sign would look likeafterwards.

Carving the Aston Martin

We are now ready to create a V-Bit Carving toolpath that will carve

the Aston Martin vector artwork in your model:

1. Click on the 2D View button in the 3D View toolbar todisplay the 2D View window.

2. Click to select the Aston Martin vector artwork:

3. Click on the V-Bit Carving button to display the V-Bit Carving page.



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5. Click on the Select button in the Carving Tool area todisplay the Tool Groups Database:

6. Click on the V-Bit 32 mm 90 degree (V-Bit 1.25 Inch 90degree) tool in the Wood or Plastic\V-Carving toolgroup to select it.

7. Click on the Select button to close the Tool GroupsDatabase and display the selected tool in the CarvingTool area of the V-Bit Carving page.

8. Click on the arrow to display the machining parameters

of the selected tool.

9. Type 2 in the Tool Number box.

This number should correspond with the position of the tool

in your CNC machine’s tool changer.

10. Click on the Now button to calculate the V-Bit Carvingtoolpath.

The Aston Martin vector artwork is colour-filled in cyanduring the centreline calculation process. A progress bar

appears beneath the 2D View window indicating theprogress ArtCAM Insignia is making in calculating the

centreline.

The V-Bit Carving toolpath appears in the 2D Viewwindow as follows:


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Now we can simulate the V-Bit Carving toolpath:

1. Click on the 3D View button in the 2D View toolbar todisplay an isometric view of the V-Bit Carving toolpath inthe 3D View window:

2. Click on the Simulate Toolpath Fast button tosimulate the V-Bit Carving toolpath.

Carving the Text

Next, we will create a V-Bit Carving toolpath that will carve the Aston

Martin DB5 vector text in your model:

1. Click on the 2D View button in the 3D View toolbar todisplay the 2D View window.

2. Click to select the Aston Martin DB5 vector text:


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3. Click on the V-Bit Carving button to display the V-Bit Carving page.


5. Click on the Select button in the Carving Tool area todisplay the Tool Groups Database:

6. Click on the V-Bit 32 mm 90 degree (V-Bit 1.25 Inch 90degree) tool in the Wood or Plastic\V-Carving toolgroup to select it.

7. Click on the Select button to close the Tool GroupsDatabase and display the selected tool in the CarvingTool area of the page.




10. Click on the Now button to calculate the V-Bit Carving

toolpath.


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The Aston Martin DB5 vector text is colour-filled in cyan

during the centreline calculation process.

The V-Bit Carving toolpath appears in the 2D Viewwindow as follows:



Now we can simulate the V-Bit Carving toolpath:

1. Click on the 3D View button in the 2D View toolbar todisplay an isometric view of the V-Bit Carving toolpath in

the 3D View window:

2. Click on the Simulate Toolpath Fast button tosimulate the V-Bit Carving toolpath.


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Marking the Drill Holes with CirclesNow we will mark the position of the drill holes that you want to

machine using circles:

1.

Click on the 2D View button in the 3D View toolbar todisplay the 2D View window.

2. Click on the Assistant tab to display the Assistant’sHome page.

3. Click on the Create Circles button in the VectorCreation area to display the Circle Creation page.

4. Type 50 mm (2") in the Circle Centre’s X box.

5.

Type 150 mm (6 ") in the Circle Centre’s Y box.

6. In the Circle Size area, click to select the Radius radiobutton , and then type 9 mm (0.35") in the Circle Radiusbox.

7. Click on the Create button to create a circle between themiddle of the inner and outer ellipse on the left side of the

model:

8.

Type 450 mm (18 ") in the Circle Centre’s X box.9. Type 150 mm (6 ") in the Circle Centre’s Y box.

10. Type 9 mm (0.35") in the Circle Radius box.

11. Click on the Create button to create a circle between themiddle of the inner and outer ellipse on the right side of the

model, opposite the first circle.

12. Click on the Close button to return to the Assistant'sHome page.


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Creating the Drill HolesIn this next stage, we will create drill holes inside the selected circles:

1. Hold the Shift key down on your keyboard, and then click

on the circle on the left, so that both circles are nowselected.

The circles turn magenta and are surrounded by a bounding

box:

2. Click on the Toolpaths tab to display the ToolpathsHome page.

3. Click on the Drilling button to display the Drilling

page.

4. Type 50 mm (2") in the Finish Depth box.

5. Click on the Select button in the Tool area of the page todisplay the Tool Groups Database.

6. Click on the End Mill 12 mm (End Mill ½ Inch) tool in theWood or Plastic\Roughing and 2D Finishing toolgroup to select it.

7. Click on the Select button to close the Tool Groups

Database and display the selected tool in the Tool area of the Drilling page.




10. Click on the Circular Vectors radio button in the DrillCentre of… area of the page to select it.

This option is used because you have selected circles todefine the position of the drill holes.


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11. Make sure that the Create 2D Preview option is selected.

12. Click on the Now button to calculate the Drilling toolpath.

The Drilling toolpath appears in the 2D View window,shown as a cross in the centre of both circles.


14. Press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete the twocircles, leaving just the toolpath preview of the drill holes:


Now we can simulate the Drilling toolpath:

1. Click on the 3D View button in the 2D View toolbar todisplay an isometric view of the Drilling toolpath in the 3DView window:


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2. Click on the Simulate Toolpath Fast button tosimulate the Drilling toolpath.

You have simulated all of the toolpaths you will use to

create the Aston Martin sign. The 3D View window nowgives an impression of what the model will look like after

all of the toolpaths have been machined:

Saving the ToolpathsWe are now ready to save the toolpaths that you have created tomachine the Aston Martin sign.

We will save the toolpaths as separate files, grouping together thosethat use the same tool. Both of the V-Bit Carving toolpaths have thesame tool number because the V-Bit 32 mm 90 degree (V-Bit 1.25Inch 90 degree) tool is used in each of them.

1. Click to select the Area Clear toolpath.

The toolpath name at the top of the Toolpaths Home pageis highlighted in blue.

2. Click on the Save Toolpaths button to display theSave Toolpaths dialog box.

3. Click on the Machine output file is formatted for listbox and then click to select the format compatible with yourCNC machine.


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4. If you want to save the toolpaths to the spool directory,make sure that the Save files to spool directory optionis selected .

5. Click on the Save… button to open the Save As… dialog

box.

6. Type Area Clearance in the File Name box.

7. Click on the Save button to save the toolpath to theselected directory.

8. Click on the button to send the Area Clear toolpath tothe Calculated Toolpaths window.

9. Hold the Shift key down on your keyboard, and then click

on both of the V-Bit Carving toolpaths in the CalculatedToolpaths window to select them.

10. Click on the arrow to send both of the selectedtoolpaths to the Toolpaths to save to a single filewindow:

Both of the V-Bit Carving toolpaths are saved as a singlefile because the V-Bit 32 mm 90 degree (V-Bit 1.25 Inch90 degree) tool is used in each of them.

11. Click on the Save… button to open the Save As… dialogbox.

12. Type V-Bit Carving in the File Name box.

13. Click on the Save button to save the toolpath.

14. Click on the button to send both the V-Bit Carvingand the V-Bit Carving 1 toolpath to the Calculated

Toolpaths window.


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15. Click to select the Drilling toolpath.

16. Click on the button to send the selected toolpath to theToolpaths to save to a single file window:

17. Click on the Save… button to open the Save As… dialogbox.

18. Type Drilling in the File Name box.

19. Click on the Save button to save the toolpath.

20. Click on the Close button to close the Save Toolpathsdialog box.

These three toolpath files can now be sent to your CNC machine toolto create the Aston Martin sign.


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ArtCAM Insignia User Guide Tutorial – Engraving • 51

Tutorial – Engraving

OverviewThe following tutorial demonstrates how to create engraved text usingthe vector creation tools and the Engraving toolpath available in

ArtCAM Insignia.

An Engraving toolpath allows you to produce engraved vector text

effectively and efficiently.

Engraved TextThe stages that you will cover during the course of this tutorial are:

• Preparing the model.

• Creating the outer-edge of the engraved area.

• Creating the vector text.

• Machining the model.

The tutorial will lead you through each of these stages, guiding you

through the complete process of creating the engraved text below:


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52 • Tutorial – Engraving ArtCAM Insignia User Guide

Preparing the ModelFirst, we will set up the model dimensions needed for this particular

job:

1. Click on the Create New Model icon on theAssistant’s Getting Started page to display the SetupJob Dimensions dialog box:

2. Click on the Units option that you want to use(millimetres or inches).

3. Type 90 mm (3.5") in the Width (X) box, 50 mm (2.0") inthe Height (Y) box and 1

Documents

Art Cam Insignia User Guide 3