Miscellaneous

Toolpath Side Tab

There have been some significant changes to the ArtCAM Pro 5.5 interface since ArtCAM Pro 5.1. The most important of these is the removal of the Toolpath and Machining toolbars. They have now been replaced by a single Toolpath Manager that is available using the Toolpath Side Tab.

See Toolpath Management for more information.

Import Vectors

There is a new button in the File section of the Assistant page, and on the File toolbar, for importing vectors. The DXF, EPS and AI translators have all been updated and improved. ArtCAM can now import AutoCAD's native DWG format and DUCT picture output has also been enhanced.

Toggle 2D/3D Views

There are new buttons on the 2D and 3D Views that allow you to switch between the 2D and 3D views quickly and conveniently (a keyboard shortcut is also provided by the F2 and F3 keys respectively).

Snap to Objects

When working in the 2D View, ArtCAM automatically snaps to the nearest node or span of existing objects to improve accurate drawing. To temporarily stop snapping mode while drawing, hold down the Shift key. To switch the mode off completely, untick the Snap To Objects option in the 2D View menu.

Improved Printing

Printing in ArtCAM Pro 5.5 has been greatly enhanced. Vector artwork now prints at the highest available printing resolution and can be scaled precisely. Use Print Setup... from the File menu to access the new printing options.

Model Previews and Thumbnails

ArtCAM Pro 5.5 now provides previews of your models in the File Open dialog. You can also enable thumbnail views of your ArtCAM models within the normal Windows folder views.

On Windows 2000/ME simply select Thumbnails from the View menu. You can also see previews of files if you are in Web View and you select a file.

On Windows NT/98/95 thumbnails are also available, but they have to be enabled for each folder. Right click in a blank space in the folder and select Properties. Select Enable Thumbnail View then click OK. Turn thumbnails on and off as for Windows 2000/ME, described above.

Lights & Materials

Rendering of the 3D relief within ArtCAM Pro 5.5 is controlled using the Lights and Material assistant page. This can be accessed via Lights and Materials Setup from the Model menu, or using the Lights and Material button on the Assistant tab.

Save Rendered Image

The image that has been rendered in the 3D view can be saved as either a .bmp, .tif or .jpg file using the Save 3D View Image... from the Window menu.