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  • ArtCAM Insignia 2008 Training Course

    Delcam plc, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, B10 0HJ.

    www.delcam.com

  • Important Notice

    This document is supplied as part of a Delcam Training Course. It is not intended to be

    distance learning material: rather as an aid for Tutors when presenting material to course delegates and as a subsequent aid memoir to those delegates.

    Delcam does not accept responsibility for any personal belongings / valuables whilst on the

    premises. Delegates are advised to keep their belongings on their person at all times.

    Delcam plc. has no control over the use of the software described in this document and cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or damage howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users are advised that all results from the software are checked by a competent

    person in accordance with good quality control procedures.

    The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be used only in accordance with the terms of such license.

    Copyright 2008 Delcam plc. All rights reserved.

    Training Centre Customer Support Tel: 0121 683 1050 Tel: 0121 683 1010 Fax 0121 766 5511 Fax: 0121 766 5542

  • ArtCAM Insignia Contents

    ArtCAM Insignia 2008 Contents Chapters Page Number

    1. Introduction 1.1 1.6

    2. Creating Vectors 2.1 2.10

    3. Further Vector Creation 3.1 3.10

    4. Vector Editing 4.1 4.12

    5. Pictures 5.1 5.8

    6. Machining Basics 6.1 6.8

    7. Machining Text 7.1 7.20

    8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors 8.1 8.6

    9. Generating NC Programs 9.1 9.4

    Appendix

    Machining Project

    Nesting Vectors

    Multiple Plates

    Machining Inlays

    Font Creator

    3D Machining

    Feature Machining

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 1

  • Contents ArtCAM Insignia

    2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 1. Introduction

    1. Introduction

    Introduction. ArtCAM Insignia is a program that allows you to create 2D and 3D products quickly and easily from 2D vector artwork or 3D imported models. With ArtCAM Insignia you can engrave in metals, machine wooden pieces or run a production orientated environment. ArtCAM Insignia is accessed through the Start Menu within Windows, or a shortcut on the desktop. Load ArtCAM Insignia by Start - Programs ArtCAM Insignia 2008

    ArtCAM Insignia.

    ArtCAM Insignia appears.

    The Assistant is on the left hand side and the empty graphics area on the right. To start working in ArtCAM Insignia you need to create a new model, open and existing one or the last model. Click on the icon Create New Model.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 1.1

  • 1. Introduction ArtCAM

    The job dimensions must be set up at the start. This is the physical size of block that will be put in to the machine. The origin needs to be set at this stage and either the top or bottom of the block needs to be defined.

    Change the Width to 50, Height to be 50 and Thickness to be 10. Set the Material Z Zero at the top of the block and Model position on

    the Machine bed. Click in the centre of the block diagram to select the origin.

    Click on OK to accept the settings.

    1.2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 1. Introduction

    The main screen appears, showing the options available in the Assistant on the left and on the right a 2D view of the job. There are two new tabs at the bottom with the Assistant page called Project and Toolpaths. On the Right hand side there is the Layers Tab and Toolbox.

    Assistant Tab The Assistant is where you find the tools for working in ArtCAM Insignia. These tools are grouped into Topics to make them easier to find and are all selected by clicking on the left mouse button. Model Information - this shows the actual size of the artwork and height of the relief File These options are applied when creating new, or opening existing ArtCAM models. Model - This controls, the editing of the model attributes and also includes Lights and Materials for shading the relief. Bitmap Tools - These bitmap commands work with colours, directly on the defined resolution. Vector Tools - Vectors are flat 2D lines, independent of resolution. These command control the creation of the vectors. Position, Combine, Trim Vectors - These are the tools to modify vectors. Relief Tools- These are the tools for importing a relief.

    Vectors and Bitmaps can be assigned to Layers, which is controlled by the Layers assistant on the right hand side of the screen.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 1.3

  • 1. Introduction ArtCAM

    Fly - out menus Some menu options are hidden within a fly - out menu to save space. They are accessed via an arrow located to the right of an existing icon. To lock them in positon, click the pin at the end of the fly out menu.

    pin Fly out menus will change dependant upon the last command you used in the menu. For example, if you select a star, then the star moves to the left side of the menu, so when the fly - out is closed, the star icon is the one shown.

    To hide a fly-out menu reselect the pin.

    There is a Toolpath Tab, which controls the creation, editing and ordering of the toolpaths. Click on the Toolpaths tab. All of the machining is generated and simulated using the toolpaths page. 2D toolpaths are generated from these options. ArtCAM 2008 now allows the machining of a 3D relief

    1.4 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 1. Introduction

    Click on the Assistant tab.

    Graphics Windows

    The graphics window on the right displays the 2D view and is used for displaying the vectors and Preview toolpaths. The 2D view can be zoomed in and out using the middle mouse wheel. Behind the 2D views is a 3D view, which displays the material, the toolpaths and the simulation of the machining. These views can be brought to the front by clicking on the view name on the top left hand corner.

    Click on the 3D text.

    The 3D view is brought to the front. It displays the material that was set up and the origin. The 3D view can be rotated dynamically holding the left mouse button and moving the mouse. The view can be zoomed in and out using the right mouse button.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 1.5

  • 1. Introduction ArtCAM

    The top left hand corner contains the words 2D, and by pressing it the 2D window is brought to the front. To move easily from Window to Window, the Function buttons F2 (2D view) and F3 (3D view) can be used. Press F2 and then F3. Press F2 twice. By pressing either F2 or F3 twice, this will minimise or maximise the view. The view can also be laid out sided by side by using the Tile option from the top menus. Select Window Tile Vertically.

    The 2D and 3D view are now side by side. To return to one view, just maximise the view you require.

    1.6 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 2. Creating Vectors

    2. Creating Vectors

    Introduction. Vectors can be generated in ARTCAM Insignia, imported from other software packages or generated from pictures using Bitmap to Vector. The following example uses all of these methods to generate a forest sign.

    Forest Example In the Assistant, select the Set Model Size icon.

    The job dimension screen appears and allows you to change the size of your job as when you generate a new model. For this model, the X and Y size needs to be increased.

    Change the Width to be 200 and Height as 100. Put the Material Z Zero in the Centre at the Top of the Block and press

    OK. The graphics screen is updated to show the new size. In Vector Creation, select the Create Ellipse icon.

    The Assistant page changes so that it displays the Ellipse Creation page. This page has additional help, which can be displayed by clicking on the text Show Help.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 2.1

  • 2. Creating Vectors ArtCAM

    Click on the Text 'Show Help'.

    More Help is displayed in this page, giving a description of how the command works and sometimes a video clip. The Help text has been changed to 'Hide Help'. By pressing 'Hide Help' the additional text is removed, leaving the basic forms. Vectors can be drawn freehand by clicking with the mouse in the graphics area and stretching a size, or they can be given exact values in the forms. Once a vector is displayed, to actually put it into the graphics window, the Create button can be used. Closing this window will return the Assistant back to the main page.

    Click on the Text 'Hide Help'. Enter an Ellipse Height of 80 and Width of 180.

    A temporary ellipse is drawn in the graphics window. The middle of the ellipse shows a line with a circle on the end of this control can be used to dynamically change the angle of the ellipse.

    2.2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 2. Creating Vectors

    Click Create and then Close. Select N for Node Mode.

    The ellipse is created and selected by default. The blue points are called nodes, and by dragging these around the shape of the ellipse changes. The lines connected to these nodes can be pulled, changing the angle of the curve through the point.

    Click to the side of the ellipse. From the Layers assistant select Open from

    the Vector layer tab

    The Load vector Layer form appears, which allows you to browse through your computer to find the relevant file. From D:\users\trainingArtCam Data, select the file called squirrel-

    silhouette.dxf and press Open. As this is imported data it will be converted into Vectors by a tolerance factor. The tolerance is how closely the new vectors will match up with the original data.

    Select OK.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 2.3

  • 2. Creating Vectors ArtCAM

    The squirrel is displayed in pink in the graphics area, and is selected. It is imported as a group vector, which makes it easier to move around and resize.

    From Position Size Align Vectors section, select Transform Vector(s) icon (press twice).

    This assistant page allows you to move the selected around using the slider bars or by entering values. A temporary version of the Vectors is produced, this updates as you change the values. By pressing Apply it will fix the change and the grey outline becomes the new vectors.

    Change the Position to be X -60 and Y 0 and press Apply. Change the New Width to be 28 and press Apply and then Close.

    The squirrel is now smaller and is in a new position.

    2.4 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 2. Creating Vectors

    Click away from the vector to deselect it. From the Layers assistant select Open from

    the Bitmap layer tab.

    From D:\users\trainingArtCam Data, select the file pinetree.tif and press

    Open. The Bitmap is loaded onto a new layer called Pinetree, and displayed on screen.

    Vectors can be created quickly by selecting the colour, and then using the Bitmap to Vector

    icon. in the Bitmap tools tab. This traces a vector around the edges of the selected colour in the bitmap. The 4 colours used in the image are displayed at the bottom of the screen. To select a colour; for generating a vector around the boundary; use mouse button 1 and click in the coloured square. Click the dark green square. Select the Bitmap to Vector icon.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 2.5

  • 2. Creating Vectors ArtCAM

    This form allows you to define how closely and how smooth the vectors will be produced around the selected colour. By choosing a finer tolerance, more vector points will be created. Select Create Vectors.

    A black vector line is generated around the green area of the tree. This can be selected and copied to ArtCAM Insignia. However the trunk of the tree is also required. The vector can be deleted by selecting it and pressing the delete key, or there is an undo Option on the Edit Menu. The brown colour can be temporarily linked to the dark-green so the whole area goes dark green. A new vector can be produced.

    Select Edit Undo. Double right mouse click on the brown square.

    The two colours are now linked.

    The tree trunk turns green as the brown is linked to the green. To un-link the

    colours, press the link icon again. Several colours can be linked to the main colour. The main colour is picked with the left mouse button and the secondary colour is picked by the right mouse button.

    Select the Bitmap to Vector and select Create Vectors on the form.

    2.6 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 2. Creating Vectors

    Select the new black tree vector. The size and location of the tree vector will be adjusted. To move and position the tree vector the Transform Vector command is used.

    From the Assistant, select the Transform Vector icon. Enter X position as 60, y position of 0 and new height to be 50. Press Apply and then Close. Zoom in and de-select the vector. The original pinetree bitmap is no longer required and can be deleted. In the bitmap layers tab, Ensure the pinetree

    layer is selected. Select delete

    The tree vector sits to the right of the squirrel. Text will be entered into the middle of these vectors to finish the sign.

    From the Assistant, Click on the Text icon.

    The Text page of the Assistant appears. This allows you to specify the text height in mm, points or inches, text font, spacing (Kerning), justification, etc. By clicking in the graphics area a standard text entry line appears and any typed text appears after the line.

    Change the Font to Arial and Style to be bold and Size to be 15mm.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 2.7

  • 2. Creating Vectors ArtCAM

    Click in the graphics area, near the squirrel and type 'FOREST.'

    The words appear in a selected box. This is not in the correct place and will be moved dynamically to suit.

    Press Done to return to the main Assistant. Move the mouse over the text edge until the cursor changes to four

    arrows. Drag the text into place between the two vectors. Click to the side of the text.

    The sign is almost complete. A border is required around the ellipse and is made by copying the ellipse and then changing the size of the pasted in ellipse.

    Click on the ellipse Select Edit Copy. Select Edit Paste. Hold down the right mouse on the pasted vector, away from any node.

    The pasted in vector is automatically selected. Holding down the third mouse button on the selected vector brings up another menu, which contains a variety of edit options.

    Select Edit Ellipse (or E off the keyboard). Select an Ellipse Height to 90 and Width to 190.

    2.8 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 2. Creating Vectors

    Press Apply and Close. De-select the vector by clicking in the graphics area.

    The sign is completed. This needs to be saved.

    Select File Save As and enter the name as training-forest in

    D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs. This form allows you to browse through your computer to find an area to save the ArtCAM model. Otherwise, you can save it in the default area so ArtCAM can find it easily.

    Press Save. Select File and then Close.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 2.9

  • 2. Creating Vectors ArtCAM

    2.10 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 3. Further Vector creation

    3. Further Vector Creation

    Introduction ArtCAM Insignia has its own set of vector generation tools, to design your own model.

    Mobile Cover Example

    Press Create New Model. Set the size as Width 80, Height 150 and thickness as 20. Set the Datum in the middle of the model.

    Once the model size has been set, the design can begin.

    Select OK. From the Assistant, select the Create Rectangle icon.

    The rectangle creation page appears, showing the options available. The rectangle can be created by clicking in the screen and dragging to a size, or by entering in the values. Several rectangles can be created without closing down the page.

    Each Assistant Page has help available, indicated by the word Show Help.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 3.1

  • 3. Further Vector creation ArtCAM

    Press down the left mouse button in the 2D view and drag a rectangle

    of any size. The rectangle appears as dotted. The length and height can be dragged by moving the big squares in the middle of the sides. A radius can be put on the corners by dragging in one corner. The rectangle can be rotated by dragging around the lever in the centre.

    Click on a corner and drag inwards.

    A radius has been given to the corners of the rectangle. If you press Create the rectangle will be generated, leaving you still in creation mode.

    Press Create. Generate more rectangles, pressing space bar after each one (instead of

    create. Press Close on the Assistant.

    There are now several vectors in the 2D view. Vectors are removed by selecting them individually, using the left mouse button or by picking a group and then pressing delete on the keyboard or the cut icon in the assistant.

    Stretch a box completely over all of the vectors so they turn pink. This means they are selected.

    Select Cut From the File area of the Assistant.

    ArtCAM has an Undo facility , which will allow you to go back many steps.

    3.2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 3. Further Vector creation

    Select the Create Rectangle icon. Click on the option rectangle. Enter a Width of 50, a Height of 120 a Corner Radii of 3 and a centre

    point of X 0 and Y 0. Press Create.

    The main shape of the cover is generated. The rectangle form is available to create more rectangles or squares.

    Change the Width to 40, Height to 30, Corner Radii to 1 and the centre point to X 0 and Y 20.

    Press the right mouse button. By pressing the right mouse button, the rectangular vector is generated and the Rectangle Assistant page is closed. The second rectangle will represent the window. The buttons to represent the dialling numbers will be generated by producing a single button and then copying it.

    Click on the ellipse icon. Enter a Start Point of X 14 Y 50 with a Height of 7, Width of 10 and an

    Angle of 140 degrees. Select Create and then Close.

    This first ellipse will be copied to form all of the holes for the number buttons.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 3.3

  • 3. Further Vector creation ArtCAM

    With the ellipse selected, click on the block copy icon from

    Vector Editing on the Assistant. The Block and Rotate Copy form appears. This allows you to create a block copy in X and Y or to generate a rotated copy. Select Block Copy. Select Distances are offsets. Select an X Offset of 14, number of Columns as 3. Select a Y Offset of 10, number of Rows as 4. Press Apply and then Close.

    The button positions are generated. The option button needs to be generated. This is a combined design of two circles merged together.

    Click on the circle icon. Set the Circle centre as X 0 Y 4, Radius as 4 and press Create. Change the Circle centre to X 0 Y 8, and press Create and then Close.

    The two circles are ready to be merged together.

    Select both circles and select the Weld command from

    Group Merge Join Vectors on the Assistant.

    3.4 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 3. Further Vector creation

    A new single vector has been made from the two circles. Note: The Weld command only works on two selected closed vectors.

    Zoom in to see the vector more clearly. With the new vector selected, press Node Editing icon from the

    Vector Editing area of the Assistant. (or press N on the keyboard) The vector nodes are displayed. At each point (node) the position and shape of the polyline can be altered. At each span (between the nodes) the polyline shape can be altered. Nodes can be added or removed to change the shape.

    Hover the mouse over a black node and select the right mouse button. From the menu select Smooth Point (or press S on the Keyboard). Move the mouse over the other black node and press S. Select N to return to select mode and click away from the vector.

    The vector is now suitably smooth at the edges. The next buttons will be generated from an offset triangle vector.

    Select Create Polygon command. Select No. of Sides to be 3, Angle 0, polygon centre at X 14, Y 2 with a

    radius of 4. Select Create and then Close.

    The triangle can be offset with a radius to produce the desired relief.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 3.5

  • 3. Further Vector creation ArtCAM

    With the triangle vector selected, select the offset vector(s)

    icon. The offset vector form appears in the assistant. Vectors can be offset inwards, outwards or both and can; at the junction between straight lines; be given a chamfer or radius.

    Select an Offset Distance of 1, Direction as Outwards, Corners as

    Radiused and select Offset and then Close.

    The new vector is radiused at the corners.

    Select the inner vector and press Delete on the keyboard. Select the new Vector and select the Mirror Command.

    The mirror form appears in the assistant. This allows you to mirror the selected vectors about themselves or around a selected line. Note: The line must be selected first before the selected vector if the about line option is used.

    3.6 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 3. Further Vector creation

    Tick Copy the Original Vector and press Bottom and then Close.

    The vector has been copied and mirrored. The new vector needs to be moved downwards. This can be nudged using the down arrow or moved by a value using the Transform Vector command.

    Select the Transform icon (or hit T twice on the keyboard). Enter Move Y as 1 and press Apply and Close Select both triangular vectors and select the Group command. The two items can now be treated as one. Select create a Polyline command.

    Polylines can be generated by entering absolute co-ordinates in the X and Y area, by angles and line length, as relative co-ordinates using the dx and dy (distance from last point) or by clicking with the cursor. Note: if you hold the cursor down and move the mouse then ArtCAM allows you to freehand sketch.

    Press Add. (Enters a point at 0 0). Enter 30 in dy (30 mm in y direction) and press Add and then Close.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 3.7

  • 3. Further Vector creation ArtCAM

    The polyline can be used to mirror the triangular buttons around.

    Select the poly line and shift select the group Select the Mirror Command. Tick Copy the Original Vector and press About Line and then Close. Delete the polyline.

    The triangle buttons have been copied.

    Select the icon Vector Text. Select Font as Arial, Script Western, Size as 3 mm. Click at the bottom of the 2D view and type ARTCAM VECTOR TEXT. Select Done.

    This text will be wrapped around the outer vector, with the text inside, using wrap text around a curve.

    Select the text and shift select the outer vector. Select the command wrap text around a curve. The text is wrapped around the curve, but generally needs some fine adjustment.

    3.8 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 3. Further Vector creation

    Select the option Specify and enter 1mm. Press Update. Select the option Single Words. Move the text using the cursor to align on the three sides. Select OK.

    The text is now wrapped. The top part is generated by pasting copies of vectors along a vector.

    Select Create Polyline. Hold the mouse down and sketch similar as shown. Select Close.

    This polyline will be used to paste vectors along.

    Select Create a star. Select 5 points, star centre as X 28, Y 62, first point radius as 4.5 and

    second point radius as 2. Select Create and then Close. Select the star vector and shift select the sketched polyline. Select paste along a vector command.

    The vector is pasted along the curve with the centre of the vector a number of times or by a specified distance.

    Select Specify Number and Enter number of Copies as 5. Select Paste and Close. Delete the original star vector and the sketched polyline.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 3.9

  • 3. Further Vector creation ArtCAM

    Save the model in

    D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs as training-phone-cover.

    Close the model.

    Exercise Open a new model of height 150, width 100. Generate the vectors for this apple juice model, using your own values. Save the model in D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs

    as apple.

    3.10 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 4. Vector Editing

    4. Vector Editing

    Vector Editing Vectors can be edited in many ways within ArtCAM. The following example will show you how to use these options.

    Shield Design Example Create a new model with a Height 20, width 20 and a thickness of 10. Set the datum to the middle and press OK. Grids are a useful feature to help generate vectors. Grids are drawn and undrawn from the pull down 2D view menu. From the Top menu select BitmapsViewsSnap Grid settings

    The grid spacing can be set at any value, for smaller models or a finer grid the spacing needs to be reduced.

    Switch on Draw Snap Grid, switch on Snap to Grid, set the Grid Spacing

    to 1 and press OK. This shows a grid on the model. Create a polyline vector and snap to the grid points, similar to as shown.

    The grid helps to align the point position. The vector will be smoothed.

    Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008 4.1

  • 4. Vector Editing ArtCAM

    Select File Save As - D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-

    Jobs\ train-shield. Select 2D view Snap Grid settings Switch off Draw Snap Grid, switch off Snap to Grid and press OK. Select the Fillet command.

    The fillet is generated at a node point or from two polylines that would intersect.

    Enter a fillet radius of 5 and select either side of the bottom point to

    generate the fillet. Change the fillet radius to 1 and create a fillet at the top two corners. Change the fillet radius to 2.5 and create a fillet at the last two corners.

    The main shield shape is generated.

    Select Close. With the Vector selected, select Offset Vector. Select Inwards, a Distance of 0.5, Radiused and press Offset and then

    Close. A constant offset has been generated. For the middle part, instead of using grid lines, instead, guidelines at actual values will be used. Guidelines are pulled from the rulers, around the border of the model

    4.2 Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 4. Vector Editing

    Hold the left button down in the top ruler and drag down a horizontal

    guideline, releasing the mouse, when it is near the centre of the model (0 on the vertical ruler).

    Right mouse click on the guideline.

    The guideline can be moved to a defined value, by

    typing the value in the New position box and pressing Apply. Note: Guidelines can also be deleted from this menu.

    Enter a New Position of 0 and press Apply. Generate a vertical guideline at 0 by pulling them from the left ruler.

    There are now 2 guidelines in the model. These can be snapped onto for creating vectors. These guidelines can be shown or hidden by clicking the guidelines icon. This is at the top left hand corner of the rulers.

    Create a horizontal and a vertical polyline by snapping to the

    guidelines outside of the shield. Switch off the guidelines.

    These polylines will be offset. The horizontal one upwards and the vertical one either side.

    Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008 4.3

  • 4. Vector Editing ArtCAM

    Offset the horizontal line by 1.5mm upwards. Offset the vertical line by 0.5mm either side using the ridge option. Delete the original vertical polyline. Select the limit icon and limit the polylines to make a cross within the

    shield. The shield design is finished by importing a vector group.

    Select File Import and select the file shield.eps from D:\users\training\ArtCAM Data\

    Select File Save and then File Close

    4.4 Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 4. Vector Editing

    Vector Layers A model can have many layers, which can be displayed or hidden. Vectors can be assigned to different layers. The advantage of this is when you have many vectors; you can put them on different layers and switch the layers on and off accordingly, providing you with a clearer view. Layers can be named, deleted and merged together.

    Phone Cover Example2. Open the model training-phone-cover.art from

    D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs. Parts of this model will be moved to other layers. Also new vectors will be imported into other layers.

    Vector layers are controlled by this toolbar. The current layer is highlighted and any generated or imported vectors will be displayed , providing the layer in switched on (light bulb).

    The active sheet control is used with the nesting command. Select the stars vector group.

    Layers need to be generated before vectors can be placed into them. It is good practise to give the layer a sensible name.

    Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008 4.5

  • 4. Vector Editing ArtCAM

    Select New on the Layers toolbar. Vector Layer 2 appears allowing you to change the name, by double-clicking on the name..

    Double click on Vector Layer 2 and overwrite as stars and select the green tick to confirm.

    The new level is now named and switched on.

    Right mouse click on the selected star vector group and pick Move to Layer > stars.

    Switch off the layer stars by clicking the light bulb on the layer stars.

    The star vectors are now hidden. The other vectors on the default level are still displayed Note: When a layer is current any vectors that are pasted are automatically placed on that layer.

    Create a new layer and change the name to buttons. Create a new layer and change the name to holes Select the 12 ellipse vectors.

    These selected vectors will be placed on another layer. Note: Layers can have the snapping facility switched on or off. For example if you had vectors close together and wanted to be sure you snapped to the correct vector on a layers, then you would switch snap off for all the other layers

    4.6 Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 4. Vector Editing

    Right mouse click on the selected star vector group and pick Move to Layer > buttons.

    Select the other shaped vectors as shown. These selected vectors will be placed on another layer. Note: Layers can be locked, so any vectors on that layer cannot be moved until the layer is unlocked.

    Right mouse click on the selected star vector group and pick Move to

    Layer > holes. Switch off the Default Layer, leaving on the layer stars and holes. Make current the layer called holes.

    The vectors displayed are going to be combined into the one current layer called holes.

    Select Merge Visible.

    The layer called buttons has disappeared as it has merged into the layer holes. The vectors on the layers can be coloured for identification.

    Select the black spot to the left of the layer

    name holes. The colour form appears. This allows you to select the colour for the vectors on that layer.

    Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008 4.7

  • 4. Vector Editing ArtCAM

    Select a light green and select OK. Switch on all the layers using the toggle visibility. All the vectors on the layer holes are now shown as green. Imported vectors are automatically put on the current layer. Make the layer called Default layer current. Select Open. From ArtCAM Data, select the file tel-insert.eps and select Open.

    The saved vectors have been placed onto the current layer. When they are input, they are placed at the same location they were saved in, so if the model size has changed you may need to zoom in or out to find them. The vectors are imported as a group, so to use them they need to be ungrouped. To save vectors, select the vectors you want and from the file menu select Export.

    Select File Save and then Close.

    4.8 Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 4. Vector Editing

    Envelope Distortion Envelope distortion allows you to take a vector or vector text and distort it; by using its own boundary or envelope. If a piece of vector text has been distorted, then it is turned into vectors and cannot be edited as text.

    Distortion Exercise. Create a new model. Create the Text Insignia using any

    similar font. With the text selected, pick Envelope Distortion icon.

    The envelope distortion page appears and the envelope is shown around the text. This is shown as a normal vector made up of node points. These nodes can be moved, the angles changed and additional nodes added. Move the node points until the text resembles the picture below. Press Apply to accept the change.

    The text is now turned into a grouped vector. The vector can be distorted again by pressing E on the keyboard.

    Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008 4.9

  • 4. Vector Editing ArtCAM

    Vector Library An easy way to access vectors that you might want to use many times is by using the Vector Library. The vectors should be saved as .eps or .ai and need to be in the selected area for ArtCAM to find them. In Windows in C:/Temp, create a folder called mylibrary. In the folder mylibrary create 2 folders called vectorshapes and

    vectortext. Copy the file dolphin.eps from Examples2 into

    C:\temp\mylbrary\vectorshapes. Copy the file curved-text.eps from Examples2 into

    C:\temp\mylbrary\vectorshapes. In ArtCAM, create a new model of size 100 x 100. Select Vector Library.

    The vector library assistant page appears. If there are no libraries set, as shown, the assistant explains how to set on up.

    Select New and select the directory c:/Temp/mylibrary. Press OK.

    The vector library had found the two named folders called vector-shapes and vector-text and listing the available vectors. When using the vector library it is a good idea to give the folder and vectors suitable names. The vectors are imported into the current model by just clicking on the relevant name.

    Select the vector called curved-artcam. Select the vector called dolphin.

    4.10 Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 4. Vector Editing

    Both of the vectors are inserted into the new model. To add to the Vector library, we can use export vector within ArtCAM, or within windows, you can just copy the vector file to the correct folder and press Rescan.

    Select the Back arrow to return to the Assistant page. Copy the dolphin, scale it down half size and mirror it to the right.

    Select File Export and Save as baby-dolphin.eps in the folder C:/Temp/mylibrary/vectorshapes.

    Open the Vector Library. Baby-dolphin appears in the list.

    Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008 4.11

  • 4. Vector Editing ArtCAM

    4.12 Issue ArtCAM-Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 5. Pictures

    5. Pictures

    Introduction. Coloured Pictures can be generated or edited within ArtCAM using the Bitmap toolbar or they can be loaded in using any of the following formats bmp, .tif, .pcx, .gif, and .jpg and now pdf. ArtCAM can also generate vectors of the boundaries of the selected colour, and the power to link colours together temporarily which enables you to define different areas, to make a vector from, without destroying the picture. This is called colour linking. Pictures are loaded directly into ArtCAM by using FileOpen, or loading the image (onto a new layer) from the Bitmap layers tab. The following exercise illustrates the above functionality on a complex scanned image.

    African Map Example Select File Open Select the option Bitmap files for File Type. From D:\users\training\ArtCAM Data, select Africa.gif and press Open.

    The model dimensions and origin can be changed at this stage if required. Leave the form as default and select OK.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 5.1

  • 5. Pictures ArtCAM

    On the Setup Job form, input 5mm for the job thickness and select OK.

    The gif file has been loaded into ArtCAM and all of the colours used have also been loaded into the bottom of the screen. The number of colours can be reduced to make the vector generation easier

    From Bitmaps Colour main pull down menu select Reduce number

    The Reduce number of colours form appears with the number of colours given. The number of colours you want to reduce to is entered here. ArtCAM will change the image so that similar colours are the same.

    Enter 20 and press OK The number of colours has been reduced to a level where you can still see the individual areas. If the numbers were reduced too low, then some of the definition would be merged together.

    5.2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 5. Pictures

    These commands can be un-done using the Undo function. You can zoom in and out to see areas more clearly using the zoom icons. For the first part of this example, the blues are going to be linked together, apart from the blue landmass whose colour will be changed.

    From the bitmap toolbar select Add colour Select Red then OK.

    Red has been added into the colours at the bottom of the screen and has become the active colour. There are now 21 available colours. Zoom into the blue country called Mali.

    Mali is made up of a shade of blue and some purple. Using the paint selective tool we can change the purple dots to be red, and then using the flood fill, change the blue area to red to make Mali red apart from the text.

    Click on the Pick colour icon. Move the dropper mouse over Mali and click on the blue.

    The picked colour has been loaded into the Primary colour. If shift was held down, the secondary colour is picked.

    Hold down shift and pick a purple dot. Click on the paint selective icon. Move the mouse over the purple dots, holding down the left mouse

    button. Zoom out and carefully paint over Ethiopia and Zambia

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 5.3

  • 5. Pictures ArtCAM

    The purple dots have been changed to blue so the area is painted in one colour. Paint selective can now be used to colour, just this blue area as red, by setting the primary colour as red and the secondary colour as this shade of blue.

    Zoom into Mali. Click in the Red square to make red the Primary colour. Use the Pick colour and Shift to make the blue the secondary colour. Select paint selective and make the Blue area Red. Zoom out and paint over Ethiopia and Zambia. Now all of the land masses are defined, the lighter blues can be linked together.

    5.4 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 5. Pictures

    Select the lightest blue with the left mouse button. Select another light blue with the right mouse button and select link. Select the next light blue with the right mouse button and select link.

    The sea areas are more defined. If a trace around the light blue area was selected it would generate vectors around each bit of text. We can paint over the unwanted areas with a thick brush and then do the finer details with a smaller brush.

    Select the brush icon. Select the brush size slider and set to 21.

    The brush size can be set by moving the slider or selecting the down arrow and filling in the form.

    Move the brush over the sea and paint roughly around Africa.

    The finer detail can be painted using a smaller brush.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 5.5

  • 5. Pictures ArtCAM

    Select the brush size slider and set to 5. Move the brush over the sea and paint carefully around Africa

    The blue sea can be picked to make vectors from the outline.

    Select the bitmap to vector icon and press OK.

    From the Bitmaps layers tab switch off visibility.

    Your vectors should look similar to those shown. Any vectors not required can be selected and deleted.

    Select and Delete vectors to leave as shown.

    Vectors can also be traced by eye directly around the bitmap.

    5.6 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 5. Pictures

    From the Bitmaps layers tab switch on visibility. Zoom into the area around Chad. Select the create polyline icon. Hold the mouse down and trace the border of Chad and release.

    Nudge the vectors into place and save the model as training-africa in D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 5.7

  • 5. Pictures ArtCAM

    5.8 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 6. Machining Basics

    6. Machining Basics

    Introduction. ArtCAM insignia uses selected vectors to machine with a set of tools defined in a tools database. Each tool has it's own properties that are used within ArtCAM insignia such as tool stepover. Open the file training-forest from D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs created in chapter 2 Hold down Shift and select the inner ellipse, the squirrel, the tree and

    the text.

    Holding down the shift key allows you to select additional vectors. These turn pink when selected. These vectors are chosen to define the area between the ellipse and the outside of the inner shapes. If this area is machined away it will leave the text, tree and squirrel standing up.

    Select the Toolpaths tab. Select the Area Clearance icon. The 2D Area Clearance page appears. Everything that needs to be set up for the machining of the selected vectors is on this page. If one vector was selected then ArtCAM insignia would machine the inside of that vector, if the tool is small enough to get in. If there are vectors within vectors that are selected, as in this example then the outer vector is taken as being machined inside and the other vectors machined on the outside. For a complicated model, several toolpaths are usually generated to machine everything. A big tool is used to clear out most of the material and a smaller tool is used to pick out the finer areas.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 6.1

  • 6. Machining Basics ArtCAM

    Set the Start Depth as 0, Finish Depth as 2 and Allowance as 0.25. Set the Final Tool Allowance as 0 and Tolerance as 0.02.

    The top of the job is set at 0, so the Start Depth is 0. To machine down 2mm into the job, a finish depth of 2mm is set. The Allowance is the amount of material to be left on the job, until the Final Tool Allowance, which is used with the smallest tool. The tolerance value is how closely the tool follows the vector.

    Click on the down arrow by Machine Safe Z.

    The Safe Z part is expanded to display the tool home position. The Safe Z is the height above any clamps where the tool can safely move and the home position is the position where the tool starts and finishes.

    Set the Safe Z as 15 and the Home Position to be X -100 Y-50 Z20. Select Add from the Tools List.

    This is the area where the tools to be used are displayed. Tools can be added into this list or removed from it. By selecting the Add button the tool groups database appears.

    This form displays a whole range of tools, separated into various groups to make them easier to find. This database of tools can be edited within this form to allow you to set up your own defined tool database. Once a tool has been highlighted from the list, the values attributed to the tool are displayed.

    Select Wood or Plastic Roughing and 2D Finishing End Mill 6mm.

    6.2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 6. Machining Basics

    The tool parameters are loaded into this form. The tool stepover between machining paths is 2.4mm, which is just under half the diameter of the tool, which is fine for Roughing the model.

    Press the button Select. The Tools List is updated with the 6mm tools. This tool will remove most of the material, but a smaller tool is required to get into the finer details.

    Press the Add button. Select Metric Wood or Plastic Roughing and 2D Finishing End

    Mill 1.5mm. Press Select.

    The tools list now has 2 tools in it. When the toolpath is calculated, the 6mm tool is used first. The next toolpath calculated with the smaller tool only removes the areas that the 6mm tool missed.

    Select a Raster strategy.

    There are two types of machining strategy, Raster which goes backwards and forwards across the job or Offset, which goes around the vectors. Raster strategy is suitable, as we just want to remove the material as quickly as possible.

    Click on Calculate Now.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 6.3

  • 6. Machining Basics ArtCAM

    Calculate Now will automatically create and name the toolpath and generate a preview in the 2D view. Calculate Later stores the values for calculation at a later time.

    The toolpaths are calculated, with this window showing the progress. To stop calculating, press the cancel button.

    A toolpath is generated and named as Area Clear.

    In the 2D view a preview of the toolpath is displayed, which also shows the tool direction by arrows and the tool start points as green squares. ArtCAM insignia can simulate the toolpath as it would be machined.

    Select Close. Click on the Toolpaths tab, if not already selected.

    The Toolpath tab now contains the two toolpaths and are set to be displayed in both the 2D and 3D view. Save Toolpath Generates a NC program. Delete Toolpath deletes the toolpath. Edit Toolpath loads the toolpath for editing. Calculate Selected Toolpath Calculates the Toolpath that was saved using Later. Batch Calculate Toolpaths Calculates all toolpaths in the model that used the Later option. Toolpath Summary prints machining summary. Tool database opens the tools form. Save Toolpath as Template save the toolpath as a Template to disc. Load Toolpath Template loads in the toolpath template. Toolpath Transform moves the toolpath Toolpath Merge joins toolpaths together if they use the same tool. Toolpath Copy Copies the toolpath. Toolpath Panelling divides toolpath into panels

    6.4 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 6. Machining Basics

    Click on the Simulate Toolpath Fast icon.

    The toolpaths are drawn over the block. Then the toolpaths are simulated, so that it represents the job after the toolpath has finished.

    If only one toolpath was selected then only that toolpath would be simulated. Click on the Show in 3D to display the toolpaths.

    The toolpaths are displayed. Red moves are actual machining moves, where the tool is removing material and blue moves are rapid moves. This is useful as it allows you to see the tool home position and check the rapid moves are above the job.

    Select the 2D view and select the outer ellipse.

    This outer edge is seen as the outside of the sign. If Area clearance were chosen for this vector, it would machine the inside of the vector, destroying the sign. A profiling pass will be used to drive the tool around the outside of the vector.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 6.5

  • 6. Machining Basics ArtCAM

    Click on the 2D Profiling icon.

    A profile toolpath can be generated on the inside or outside of a vector, to a defined depth. How deep the tool cuts on each profiling pass is defined by the tool's characteristics, for example if the tool had a step down of 2mm maximum, it would take 5 profiling passes to get down to 10mm. With a Profile pass you can have the option to generate a tool lead in or lead out of the job. Instead of plunging down into the first position on each depth, the tool would go down to depth away from the first point and travel horizontally towards it. This is a good method if you are using a non-plunging tool. Care must be taken when using this option to make sure the lead in or out does not cut into the job. The Ramping option allows the tool to move into each depth with an angled move rather than a vertical move. This is also a useful for non-plunging tools. Sequencing order tries to reduce rapid moves by keeping the order that it select vectors to machine together.

    Select an Outside Profile toolpath. Select a Start Depth of 0, Finish Depth of 10 and Allowance of 0. Click on the Select button for a Profiling Tool. Select the same 6mm End Mill as used before and press Select.

    The cut direction can be specified as Climb Milling, which is more suitable to harder materials or conventional machining.

    Select Climb Milling. Click on Calculate Now to generate the toolpath.

    6.6 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 6. Machining Basics

    The toolpath has been generated and is displayed in the 2D view outside the outer ellipse.

    Select Close. Select Simulate Toolpaths Fast.

    The simulation shows that this final profiling pass down to the depth of 10 will release the sign from the rest of the job material.

    Save the file using File Save. Close the file using File Close. The toolpaths are saved with the model.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 6.7

  • 6. Machining Basics ArtCAM

    6.8 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    7. Machining Text

    Introduction. In ArtCAM insignia there are bevelled machining techniques, which enable text to stand out or be engraved using a v-bit tool. This can add another dimension to your text and is generated from standard vector text. The following example generates a road sign; half will be machined with raised features and half with recessed features.

    Mountains and Valley Example Create a New model. Set Job dimensions to be 1100 width, 360 height, 20 depth with the

    origin at the top centre. The actual size of the finished model is to be 1m x 0.35 metres, so this size allows 100mm all around to cut out the sign.

    Create a rectangle with a width of 800 and a height of 350 at 0 0. Select Node Mode. Input a new point near the middle of each vertical side.

    These points will be moved out to the sides to generate a pointed effect.

    Edit the positions of the new left point to be X -500 Y 0. Edit the positions of the new right point to be X 500 Y 0

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.1

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    The outer sign shape is completed. The text vectors will be generated for the sign.

    Select the Text icon. Set Text as Bold, Font Tahoma, Script Western, Size 35mm and

    Kerning Character as manual 100%. Click on the Screen and enter the text MOUNTAIN RAILWAY. Click on Done.

    This text can be edited by using the menu on the third mouse button.

    Click on the right mouse button on the text. Select the option Edit Text Block. Click to the left of the R and press enter.

    Text can also be entered into this text block and individual words or characters can be given different fonts.

    Click to the left of the letter M and press enter. Type in the Text APEX. Drag the mouse over all the text and select Centre justification icon.

    The Word APEX is going to have a different font.

    7.2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    Drag the mouse over the word APEX. Select Impact Font, Kerning 100% and press Done. Move the Text Block to appear in the left area.

    The text is completed for the mountain sign. Text for the other side is required for the valley.

    Select the Text icon. Set Text as Bold, Font Tahoma, Script Western, Size 35mm and

    Kerning as Manual 100%. Click on the Screen and enter the text DAISY VALLEY in two lines. Click on Done. Move the text to the right of the sign and centre justify it.

    The text is now in place. Add in some saved dxf geometry to finish the sign creation.

    Import the Vectors train.dxf and daisy.dxf from

    D:\users\trainingArtCam Data Move them to a suitable location.

    The Mountain text and the train will be raised text and the valley text and the daisy will be machined into the sign. To enable the text to be seen the base level of the sign has to be machined away.

    Save the job as training-mountain-valley in

    D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.3

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    Select the outer shape, the mountain text and the train. Select the Toolpaths tab and then Area Clearance. Set the values as given on the next page.

    These values will remove the material to a depth of 7.5mm. The Safe Z and tool home position is set at 5mm above the top of the job. A 12mm End Mill is chosen to remove the majority of the material, and a 1.5mm finishes off the fine detail. Press Calculate Now. The toolpaths appear. Simulate the toolpaths.

    Note: When each tool is selected, a different strategy can be set for each tool.

    Close the Area Clearance page. Select the mountain text. Select the bevel carving icon.

    7.4 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    This form allows you to set the finish depth of the bevel. A bevel can be produced with or without a side wall. If a side wall is selected, then that will activate the Profiling tool. This allows you to define a tool to run around the side walls with a profiling pass. If a wall height is left at 0, the profile tool is not available. The carving tool has an angle, generally from 90 degrees to 150 degrees. The smaller the angle, the steeper the bevel will be. When the toolpath is calculated, the actual centreline of the text is generated. On this form there is a More Help button when pressed will give a step to step guide.

    Select a Start Depth of 0, a Wall Height of 0 and a Finish depth of 7.5. On the Carving Tool press Select.

    If the tool you want is not defined it can be easily made by selecting a similar, tool, using Copy on the Form and then Editing the Tool. Do not forget to change the tool description. If you only use a few tools, you can delete all other tools to enable you to rapidly select the required tool.

    Select a 32mm V-Bit Carving tool with 120 degrees. Click on Calculate Now.

    Each vector letter is calculated and is shown in blue as this appears.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.5

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    The centreline of the bevel is drawn. You can see on the edges of the I how it spreads out to the corners.

    Select Close and then Simulate the Toolpath.

    The bevelled letters are shown. For the valley lettering we will be engraving with a V-Bit tool.

    Switch off the display toolpaths in 2D. Return to the 2D view, the Assistant and Close the page. Zoom into the valley area and select the Valley Text. Select the V-bit carving icon.

    The V-Bit Carving page appears and allows you to specify the depth from where the V-bit carving is produced. A larger angled carving tool will produce a shallower wider engraving. A small angle will produce thin, deep engraving.

    7.6 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    Select a start depth of 7.5. In Carving Tool Press Select. Select a 32mm V-Bit Carving tool with 120 degrees. Leave Sequencing as Auto and click on Calculate Now.

    The toolpath is produced.

    Select Close and Simulate the Toolpath.

    The words have bee engraved into the sign. For the daisy vectors, an engraving tool will be used.

    Return to the 2D view and Close the page. Select the daisy vectors and select the Engraving icon.

    The Engraving page appears. This allows you to specify boundary areas to machine inside. With this option you need to specify the start and bottom depth for the engraving. With this option, if you have a sharp corner, you can use the corner sharpening option to force ArtCAM insignia to generate as sharp a corner that the tool will allow.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.7

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    Select a start depth of 7.5, a finish depth of 9.5 On the Tools List press Add. Select the 0.13 flat conical tool from Wax (Jewellery). Untick the option Do Corner Sharpening and Select Profile Only. In Roughing Tool Press Select. Select an End Mill 1.5mm, and enter an allowance of 0.1. Tick the option Offset for Engraving Tool. Press Calculate Now.

    The toolpaths are calculated inside each vector.

    Select Close and then Simulate the Toolpath. The daisy pattern has been engraved into the sign. This type of approach is most useful for finely detailed vectors.

    In the 2D view, select the outer vector. Select the 2D profiling icon.

    7.8 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    Set the machining options as shown.

    Press Calculate Now.

    The profile machining path has been generated. However, when this is machined, the sign will be cut out completely. This may cause unstability so bridges can be added.

    Select Close and select the Profile Options icon.

    Bridges, start points and leads can be altered on a profile toolpath.

    Select the profile toolpath (turns blue), and click on the option Bridges.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.9

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    The bridging part of the form appears. Bridges are areas where the tool lifts up, moves along the toolpath by a certain value and then goes down to continue cutting. This leaves small areas un-machined that can be broken off by hand. 3D bridges, instead of having a lift up across and down, have an angle move to the middle of the bridge, up to height and then an angled move down. This leaves a triangular shaped bridge, with the thickest part in the middle of the bridge. This page allows you to specify the number and length of bridges. With this page open you can also directly click on area of the toolpath to modify the bridges interactively.

    Set the Bridge length to be 10 and the Thickness to be 2. Under Constant number of Bridges, enter a Number of 3. Select Create Bridges.

    3 bridges have been created around the profile, but not in the best places.

    Zoom into the bridge at the top left corner.

    The bridge is shown as a round tool in between two arcs. These arcs indicate when the tool moves up and down to generate the bridge. Bridges are also displayed in the 3D view.

    7.10 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    Select Window Tile Vertically.

    In this view you can see very clearly the profile toolpaths moving around and down the job, until the final pass where the tool lifts up and down to generate the bridge. If a bridge is edited the simulation view automatically updates.

    Click on the bridge to select it. Drag the bridge (from it's centre) down the side of the sign.

    The bridge is moved along the toolpath. The toolpath is automatically updated. The bridge can also be lengthened automatically.

    Select one end of the bridge and drag it to increase the gap.

    The bridge has been lengthened. Extra bridges can be added in by selecting I, for insert or d, for delete, over the toolpath.

    Move the mouse over the other bridge at the right top corner. Select d to delete it Move the mouse to the middle of the top and select i to insert a new

    bridge.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.11

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    The bridges are now in place.

    Close the Bridges page. Select F3 on the keyboard to bring up the 3D view.

    The sign has been cut out apart from the small bridges that have been left. Use mouse button 1 in this view to rotate the simulation to see the bridges. Rotate the view using the left mouse button. Save the job as training-mountain-valley in

    D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs

    7.12 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    Engraving Example The model contains vectors that will be used to create the panel. Open the model arch.art from D:\users\trainingArtCam Data Select the Assistant tab. Select the curved vector shown.

    This will be the vector to be smart engraved. Note: with smart engraving, corner sharpening appears where there is an internal corner that has a discontinuity. Discontinuities are shown in ArtCAM as black node points. Note: External corner are not corner sharpened.

    To add discontinuities to a vector, the node needs to have smooth taken off, by right mouse clicking on the node and un-selecting the smooth option. This makes it black.

    To remove discontinuities to a vector, the node needs to have smooth taken off, by right mouse clicking on the node and selecting the smooth option. This makes it blue.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.13

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    Select the toolpaths tab and select Engraving. Select a Start Depth of 0 and a Finish Depth of 5mm. Set tolerance as

    0.01. The selected vector is the top edge of the detail. The option to offset the End Mill for the engraving tool (it leaves additional material on) is used to give the v-bit finish tool some material on each side to cut out, to balance the loading on the v-bit tool. Select Vectors are on Surface and Offset End Mills for Engraving

    tools. Set Machine SafeZ as 0 0 5. Add a small V-bit 12mm 90 degree tool. Set the tool Stepover to 0.1mm and the Stepdown to 5mm.

    With corner sharpening on, the tool will raise at the edges to produce the sharpened shape.

    Set Allowance as 0 and select only Do Corner Sharpening. Add a 6mm End Mill. Set the tool Stepover to 4mm and the Stepdown to 5mm. Select Offset for Engraving tool. Select Material and press Ok for the set values. Press Calculate Now and then Close. Simulate both toolpaths.

    7.14 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    The main shape has been cut out to a depth of 5mm. If you draw the toolpath in the 3D view you can see the toolpath rising up at the internal corners. If you used a conical tool with a small flat nose you would get a smoother result at the base of the corners, but not a sharp edge, using the corner sharpening.

    Select the 2D view and select the four triangular vectors and the text

    arch.

    As these are only small indentations, just the v-bit tool will be used.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.15

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    Select Engraving. Select a Start Depth of 0 and a Finish Depth of 3mm. Set tolerance as

    0.01. Select the 6v-bit 6mm 90 degrees tool. Change the Stepdown to 3mm. Select Do Corner Sharpening. Press Calculate Now and then Close. Simulate the toolpath.

    The triangle design and the text have been machined.

    The panel can now be cutout by using a profile toolpath, down to depth.

    7.16 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    Toolpath Panelling. Toolpath panelling will cut the ArtCAM toolpaths into panels sizes to suit your machine. It is important that the datum is set at the lower corner of the sheet. If the datum is elsewhere the model has to be move, the vectors moved and the toolpaths re-calculated.

    Example Open the model training-breadbin-lid.art from D:\users\trainingArtCam Data. Simulate the toolpaths. Draw the toolpaths over the simulation.

    These toolpaths are going to be cut into panels using toolpath panelling.

    From the toolpaths tab, select Toolpath Panelling.

    The panelling page appears. The size of the panels are set here and are displayed by dashed lines in the 2D view and a number in the middle of the panel.

    Enter a Panel Width of 200 and a Height of 200.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.17

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    Press Update Panels. Select the 2D view.

    The panels can be seen clearly. They can be moved manually by dragging the lines, for example if the panel goes through a feature in the wrong place.

    Drag the panel borders around to miss going through the end of the side

    details. This is the best solution with reasonable panels of approximately the same size.

    Select Include Toolpath Summary. Select Display Panel Info. A html file appears with the panel information on. This can be printed. Select the 3D view. Select Display

    7.18 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 7. Machining Text

    Selected. Select Panel : 2 and Select In Finished Job.

    The toolpath is shown in the job with the extended toolmoves from the left corner datum.

    Select Panel : 2 and Select At Origin.

    The toolpath is shown at the origin as if you put panel 2 in your machine. All of the toolpaths in the panel are not displayed in the toolpaths list as there may be lots of them. The toolpaths are saved to disc. The original toolpath is selected and then ArtCAM saves the panelled post processed toolpath is a named directory.

    Press Save Toolpaths. Select the Area Clear toolpath, a suitable Machine option and press

    Save. Enter the name ac and press Enter. The 6 toolpaths called ac1 to ac6 are generated for panels 1 to 6.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 7.19

  • 7. Machining Text ArtCAM

    7.20 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors

    8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors

    Introduction. In ArtCAM insignia there is a machine hole command, which automates the drilling of selected vectors. ArtCAM insignia can also machine along a vectors, so the centre of the tool moves along the vector. This is useful for very detailed vectors where it is important to show all of the lines and curves to define the shape.

    Safari Example Open the model safari.art from D:\users\trainingArtCam Data.

    This model contains vectors for the giraffe shape, text and the holes, marked by the vectors.

    Select the Giraffe and Text vectors. Select the Machine Along Vector icon.

    Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008 8.1

  • 8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors ArtCAM

    The Machine Vectors page appears. This allows you to set the finish start and depth of the machining and the profiling tool.

    Set a finish depth of 1mm. Select a Ball Nose tool with a diameter of 1.5mm. Press Calculate Now. Simulate the Toolpath.

    The vectors have been machined with the ball nosed tool, giving the effect as shown. The 4 circular vectors will now be drilled.

    8.2 Issue ArtCAM Insignia 2008

  • ArtCAM 8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors

    Select the four circle vectors. Select the drilling icon.

    The Drilling Page appears. This allows you to specify the drilling tool, start and finish depth and what type of vector you are drilling. The centre of the selected vectors are found to generate the toolpath. Peck Drilling allows the tool to drill small depths at a time and retracting upwards at each stage until the final depth is reached. This is useful to cool the tool so that it stays concentric and to allow the drilled material to be removed from the hole.

    Select a Finish Depth of 10mm. Select a 6mm Ball nose Tool to Drill centre of Circular vectors. Select Peck Drilling with a retraction of 2mm. Press Calculate Now.

    Each circular vector has a drilling preview shown inside it.

    Simulate the drilling toolpath. Save the model as training-safari in D:\users\training\COURSEWORK\ArtCAMPro-Jobs

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  • 8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors ArtCAM

    Toolpath Copy and Toolpath Transform.

    These two options allow you to copy and/ or move the selected toolpath. This is useful for repeated toopaths.

    Exercise Open the model quarter-sun.art.

    This model contains a quarter design of a sunflower.

    Select the petal vectors. Generate a raster Area Clearance toolpath with a 3mm end mill tool to a

    depth of 5mm. As this is a repeat pattern, the Toolpath Copy can be used.

    Select the toolpath and select toolpath copy.

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  • ArtCAM 8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors

    This form lets you specify the type of copy required and the number.

    Select Rotate Copy, around X 0 Y 0 with a total angle of 360 degrees, with 4 objects.

    Select Apply and then Close. As well as the toolpaths being copied, the vectors that were used are also copied so the toolpaths can be edited at a later date if required.

    Select toolpath Area Clear 1 and re-calculate to change the tool direction. Select toolpaths Area Clear 2 and 3 and re-calculate to change the tool

    direction. Simulate the toolpaths.

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  • 8. Machining Holes and Along Vectors ArtCAM

    Exercise Experiment with the Toolpath Transform option to move the toolpaths

    10mm in X.

    The vectors also move with the toolpath.

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  • ArtCAM 9. Generating NC Programs

    9. Generating NC Programs

    Introduction. Toolpaths that have been saved as an NC program can be machined using ARTSpool.

    Machining Savannah Example. Open the model training-savannah from D:\users\trainingArtCam Data

    From the Toolpaths page, select the icon Save Toolpaths. The toolpath form appears and displays the calculated toolpaths saved in this model. This form allows to select one or a variety of toolpaths and turn them into an nc program using a selected machine output type.

    Select the top toolpath and click on the right arrow icon.

    The toolpath is now displayed in the right half, selected to be saved. The other arrows are highlighted and available to allow you to de-select the toolpath.

    Click on the Down Arrow for Machine Output File.

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  • 9. Generating NC Programs ArtCAM

    Listed are the types of machine output that ArtCAM insignia will support.

    Select Heidenhain and press Save.

    The Save As form appears. This allows you to save the machine outputs, and automatically adds the file extension in this case it is .tap. The name will contain the tool type, for ease of recognition.

    Enter inlay-bn-1.5 and press Save. The output file has been generated and is called inlay-bn-1.5.tap. Press the left black arrow. The selected toolpath is removed from the select list. The red arrow would remove all the toolpaths from the select list. Select the third and fourth toolpath, holding down shift. Press the Right arrow to put them both in the selected list.

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  • ArtCAM 9. Generating NC Programs

    These two toolpaths can be saved into one file. A spool directory can also be set up.

    Enter pocket-bn-1.5 and press Save. Press Close. From Windows Start Menu select Programs Arcam Insignia 2008

    ArtSpool

    The ArtSPool program appears, this program, spools the data to your machine. Select the file pocket-bn-1.5.tap.

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  • 9. Generating NC Programs ArtCAM

    When you are connected up, press Transfer to begin machining.

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  • ArtCAM Machining Projects

    Appendix - Machining Project

    Machining Project 1. Open the model cap-table-insig from D:\users\trainingArtCam Data. Group together the text Captains Table. Create another group of the text Restaurant & Bar. Create a square at X 50, Y50 with a height of 95.

    An area clearance toolpath and four profile toolpaths will be calculated together and then the profile toolpaths merged into one.

    Select the square, the text groups and the two star vectors. Specify an Area Clearance Toolpath as given.

    Start Depth =0 , Finish Depth = 3, Allowance= 0.25, Tool =End Mill 6mm, Strategy = Raster, Name = Area Clear Press Calculate Later and then Close. Select the text group Captains table. Specify a Profile Toolpath, using the values as given.

    Profile = Outside, Start Depth =0 , Finish Depth = 3, Allowance= 0

    Tool = End Mill 1.5mm, Name = cap-text

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  • Machining Projects ArtCAM

    Press Calculate Later. Select the text group Restaurant & Bar. Generate a profile toolpath with the same values called rest-text. Press Calculate Later. Select the star vectors. Generate a profile toolpath with the same values called stars. Press Calculate Later and then Close.

    4 new toolpaths have been generated and are displayed in red. This means that the actual toolpath has not been calculated.

    Select Batch Calculate toolpaths.

    The form appears which allows you to select which toolpath to process. By default they are all selected.

    Press Start and then Close.

    The toolpaths have now been calculated.

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  • ArtCAM Machining Projects

    The toolpaths cap-text, rest-text and stars, all use the same tool and to save time can be merged together into one single toolpath, where the tool does not retract to home position between toolpaths. Switch off the Vector Layer and undraw the area clear toolpath. Select the three toolpaths in the 2D view.

    These selected toolpaths will be merged into one.

    Select Toolpath Merge

    The merge toolpaths form appears. As the toolpaths are already selected, the As List option is chosen. Note: When toolpaths are merged, they cannot be further edited like single toolpaths.

    Enter the name combined-text and press Calculate and then Close.

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  • Machining Projects ArtCAM

    The 3 toolpaths have been merged into the one.

    Simulate the combined-text toolpath.

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  • ArtCAM Nesting Vectors

    Appendix - Nesting Vectors

    Introduction. Nesting is an automatic procedure, which re-arranges the selected vectors within the first vector to use as little space as possible. This is especially useful if you have expensive material and you need to make the maximum use of it. Offsets for the tool radius and an offset between the toolpath are used, so there is enough room to machine out the vectors.

    Text Example Create a new model of width 150 and height 50, with the datum in the

    centre. Create a rectangle of width 145 and height 45 at a position of X0 Y0. Create the text all text to fit into this space, using font Bookman Old

    style, size 10mm.

    Select the rectangle vector. Hold shift and select

    the vector text. Select the Nesting icon. The Nesting form appears. This form defines, what tool will be used and the allowance between the toolpaths, to stop them overlapping. To allow ArtCAM insignia to find the optimum nesting, the angle that the vectors can be rotated by can be set. If a step angle of 10 degrees is chosen, each vector will be rotated by 10 degrees and then by another 10, until the optimum nesting is found. Mirror parts and parts in parts are alternative nesting options, which if suitable may nest the vectors more tightly.

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  • Nesting Vectors ArtCAM

    There is an option to generate a single vector of the left over material, which can be used again. Select a tool diameter of 4mm, a clearance of 1mm. Select Part Rotation and set an angle of 15 degrees. Select Nest.

    The text has been nested in.

    Select undo (Ctrl + Z). Select the rectangle vector. Hold shift and select the vector text. Select Create Leftover material. Select Nest.

    The leftover material vector is made up of several small bits and is therefore grouped together.

    Select Close. Create the text 7, using font Bookman Old style, size 10mm. Select the left over material vector and copy onto a different layer and

    then select ungroup. Select the leftover vector on the right and the text 7.

    Select the Nesting icon. Untick Allow Parts in Parts and Create Leftover material Vector Select Nest Multiple Copies and enter a value of 7. Select Nest and then Close.

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  • ArtCAM Nesting Vectors

    The Ne