Hi All. Just returned from Vectric deal (well done, Vectric staff) in Denver. A lot to take in for a relative newbie...fortunately I can revisit via USB stick as I'm nearly green-as-grass.
This got me to thinking about optimization. I grasp the concept, but don't know all the tools at my disposal, so looking for guidance.
I have a multi component speaker design I'm reproducing with varying options. I've drawn the individual components multiple layers in the same file. Optimally, I'll cut full 4x8 sheets full of components which will vary somewhat. Not the component design, but the quantity and type.
My method has been to drag component to work space, array quantity as needed, nest entire sheet, toolpath and then merge paths as to tool type, which, of course, varies with each run and has resulted in omissions of detail, hence my query.
Is there a way to have individual component toolpaths follow through array and nesting functions?
How can I protect my "master" components from inadvertent modification?
Hopefully that's concise. I could add file if need be but that would be a new thing too, so bear with me.
Archive and Access Strategy
- carbidetooth
- Vectric Apprentice
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:01 am
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopSabre Pro 408
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 14650
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
- Location: Surrey, UK
Re: Archive and Access Strategy
Rather than using the array to generate multiple copies use the Copies feature of the Nesting itself.
You can put a copy of your master components (do you really mean components in the VCarve sense or do you mean vectors?) on a hidden layer and lock it to prevent modification by accident.
If you use the vector association features of the toolpaths you can link the toolpaths to layers and then the toolpaths will automatically follow through nesting and can be recalculated with a single click in future.
Check out the Nesting Guide and Nested Cabinet Files videos here - https://www.vectric.com/support/tutoria ... ctionTools - to see more detail on the above.
You can put a copy of your master components (do you really mean components in the VCarve sense or do you mean vectors?) on a hidden layer and lock it to prevent modification by accident.
If you use the vector association features of the toolpaths you can link the toolpaths to layers and then the toolpaths will automatically follow through nesting and can be recalculated with a single click in future.
Check out the Nesting Guide and Nested Cabinet Files videos here - https://www.vectric.com/support/tutoria ... ctionTools - to see more detail on the above.
- carbidetooth
- Vectric Apprentice
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:01 am
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopSabre Pro 408
Re: Archive and Access Strategy
Thanks, Adrian.
As to my "components" nomenclature. Perhaps better described as "groups of vectors on several layers that I want to preserve". How's that for ostentation? Not sure how that may differ from Vcarve's definition. Would appreciate clarification.
I think I've watched that video, but admittedly not recently...will revisit.
I'll investigate using other tools you mentioned, as they are new to me. Finding new tools or new ways to use familiar ones has been a near constant stream of aha! moments for me. I sometimes wish I knew it all, but the good folks at Vectric and my ever evolving digital woodworking knowledge will prevent that, methinks.
As to my "components" nomenclature. Perhaps better described as "groups of vectors on several layers that I want to preserve". How's that for ostentation? Not sure how that may differ from Vcarve's definition. Would appreciate clarification.
I think I've watched that video, but admittedly not recently...will revisit.
I'll investigate using other tools you mentioned, as they are new to me. Finding new tools or new ways to use familiar ones has been a near constant stream of aha! moments for me. I sometimes wish I knew it all, but the good folks at Vectric and my ever evolving digital woodworking knowledge will prevent that, methinks.
- martin54
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 7349
- Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:12 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Gerber 48, Triac PC, Isel fixed gantry
- Location: Kirkcaldy, Scotland
Re: Archive and Access Strategy
Components within Vectric software would generally be understood as 3D models or parts of models, if you click on the modeling tab then you are presented with a component tree.
I am guessing Adrians comment about components & vectors stemmed from the fact that you said you were drawing the various components & 3D modeling isnt something you can do in Vcarve
I am guessing Adrians comment about components & vectors stemmed from the fact that you said you were drawing the various components & 3D modeling isnt something you can do in Vcarve