Toolpaths and Machining: Creating Bridges

Carveco Tutorial: Creating Bridges (Tabs)

Bridges (also called tabs) are small areas of uncut material that hold your part in place during a cut-out. Carveco allows both automatic and manual bridge placement, with control over their size, position, and shape.

🔹 How to Add Bridges

1. Open or create a Profile Toolpath.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the toolpath settings and enable Add Bridges.
3. Select a placement option:
   • Constant Number – Places a set number of bridges evenly.
   • Adaptive Spacing – Spaced apart while avoiding corners.
   • Constant Spacing – Evenly spaced, regardless of vector shape.
4. Set your desired Length and Thickness.
5. Choose 2D Bridges (flat) or 3D Bridges (ramped).
6. Click Add to generate bridges.

🔹 Bridge Types Explained

• 2D Bridges: Flat, vertical tabs that span the full material thickness. Ideal for consistent holding.
• 3D Bridges: Ramped tabs that lift the tool slightly. These look cleaner but depend on accurate Z-zeroing.

🔹 Editing Bridges

1. Click Edit Bridges.
2. Drag blue markers to reposition bridges.
3. Use white handles to adjust bridge length.
4. Right-click to Insert or Delete bridges.
5. Use shortcuts: I to insert, D to delete.
6. Click Update Bridges to apply edits.

🔹 Previewing Bridges

After calculation, switch to 3D view to preview your toolpath. Raised toolpath sections indicate where bridges are located. Simulate the toolpath to confirm placement.

💡 Tip

Use 2D Bridges when cutting into a spoil-board to ensure full material thickness and better holding.

🔹 Manual Bridge Placement (Before Toolpath)

1. Go to Toolpaths > Create Bridges.
2. Set your desired bridge size and click Add.
3. Edit bridge positions before creating your toolpath.
4. Once placed, create your Profile Toolpath — bridges will apply automatically.

🔹 Bridge Placement Tips

• Use Constant Number and manually reposition for full control.
• Avoid placing bridges directly on corners to reduce stress points.
• Adaptive Spacing automatically avoids corners.
• After changing values, click Update Bridges to apply the new settings.