# Toolpath Management

| All toolpath operations are now accessed using the Toolpath tab in the Assistant window. This tab manages all toolpath operations within ArtCAM Pro 5.5. It is divided into 3 logical sections. Toolpath List This area at the top of the page displays the calculated toolpaths and any toolpath templates which are loaded. Double Clicking on a toolpath will enter edit mode where you can edit parameters, tool choices etc. and recalculate the toolpath. Toolpath Commands This area in the centre of the page contains all the commands which can be used to create, edit, save and simulate toolpaths. The commands are arranged in logical groupings such as '2D Toolpaths' and 3D 'Toolpaths'. Toolpath Summary The bottom section of the page displays information about the currently selected toolpath. If a single toolpath is selected theis section will display the feed rate, tool number safe z etc. for the toolpath and will also allow these parameters to be changed without recalculating the toolpath.

## Toolpath Templates

Uncalculated toolpaths can now be stored as templates. This allows frequently used toolpath types and parameters to defined once, saved to disk, and then reused time and time again. Alternatively, all the toolpaths for a project can be defined and then calculated in one go, using the Batch Calculate Toolpaths tool.

| To create a template, define the toolpath as normal then simply click the Later button instead of Calculate Now. On returning to to the toolpath management page the toolpath template will be displayed in red. This template can be edited at any time by double clicking it.
| To calculate a template, select it then press the button or include it in a batch calculation.

## Batch Calculate Toolpaths

To calculate a set of templates in one go, use the button. This will open the Batch Calculate Toolpaths Dialog.

| Tick the toolpath templates that you wish to calculate and then press the Calculate button. The progress of the calculation process is reported in the Status window, as are any problems encountered. Note that the batch calculation process will continue even if a particular template cannot be calculated. A summary of the process, including any problems, is provided on completion.

## Bevelled Carving

This is also known as Prismatic lettering. Two toolpaths are produced. The first toolpath uses a V-bit tool to create the angled top of the letters, and then a Profile toolpath is created with an End Mill, to produce the straight walls and cut the letters out.

## Hole Drilling

Drilling has been much improved in ArtCAM Pro 5.5, and is accessed via the Drilling button on the Toolpath tab. This page now allows you to define the drill hole parameters and positions (using selected vector centres or nodes), then calculate or store the resulting toolpath in the usual way.

## Smart Engraving

Smart Engraving is a strategy for machining inside vectors with a series of tools starting with the largest. Each tool only machines the areas left behind by the previous, larger tool. If a conical tool is selected, then Corner Sharpening is also available. Smart Engraving is available by clicking the Smart Engraving button on the Toolpath tab.

## Machine Along a Vector

The Machine Along Vector 2D machining strategy allows the user to machine vector shapes directly. This strategy is available from the Machine Along Vector button on the Toolpath tab. Simply select a vector and ArtCAM will use it to form the toolpath.

## 3D Cut-Out Pass

Simple profiling passes to cut-out a 3D shape can be created quickly using the new 3D Cut-Out toolpath. This allows absolute Z levels for each profiling pass to be specified without having to define a material block (unlike 2D profiling passes which are always specified according to their depth from the top of the material).

## Bridging

Bridging is a function that allows 'tabs' to be left in the material when machining a Profile Toolpath. This prevents the part being cut out from moving while being machined. The part can be 'popped' out of the material after machining.

## Toolpath Ordering

When there are many parts to be cut out using a Profile Toolpath, ArtCAM Pro will generally select the best order to machine the parts. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to change this order, so Toolpath Ordering allows the user to define the desired sequence.

## Ramping

Ramp moves can now be added to any toolpath to allow the tool to move slowly down to the start of the toolpath. This avoids excessive stress on the tool, and is useful if using a tool that has no cutting edge on the bottom. On each relevant Toolpath Page there is an Add Ramping Moves tickbox, ticking this box will expand the section to show the relevant options.

## Lead In and Out

Linear or Circular leads paths can be added to a Profile toolpath so that the tool moves into and out of the toolpath smoothly. On the Profiling toolpath page there is an Add Lead In/Out Moves tickbox, ticking this box will expand the section to show the relevant options.

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