Toolpaths and Machining: Profile

Carveco Tutorial: Profile Toolpath

The Profile Toolpath is used to cut around vectors — whether that's along, inside, or outside a shape. It's ideal for cutting out letters, logos, panels, or final parts from your material.

🔹 Accessing the Profile Toolpath

• Click the Toolpath Operations icon.
• Use the Toolpath dropdown menu.
• Or access from the Project Tree under “Toolpaths”.

🔹 Creating a Basic Profile Toolpath

1. Select Create Profile Toolpath.
2. Select your vector (e.g. a 6" × 6" square).
3. Choose to machine Outside, Inside, or Along the vector.
4. Set your Finish Depth (e.g. 0.25").
5. Click Select to choose a tool from your Tool Database.
6. Set Safe Z and Home X/Y as needed.
7. Click Calculate to generate the toolpath.

🔹 Material Setup

Click Setup to define your material thickness and Z-zero position. The model position is only required for 3D work.

🔹 Viewing and Editing Toolpaths

• Use 2D view to inspect layout and vectors.
• Switch to 3D view to see toolpath depths and passes.
• Use the light bulb icon to toggle wireframe previews.
• Middle-click and drag to rotate in the 3D view.

🔹 Adjusting Stepdown

Toolpath passes are calculated based on tool stepdown. For example, cutting 0.25" with a 0.1" stepdown results in 3 passes. Modify the stepdown to control the number of cuts.

🔹 Key Toolpath Settings

• Feed Rate, Plunge Rate, Spindle Speed – Apply per toolpath or globally in the Tool Database.
• Allowance Offset – Shrinks or expands the final cut relative to the vector.
• Sharp Corners – Helps maintain crisp corners with form tools.
• Final Pass Thickness – Leaves a thin layer for stability until the final pass.
• Final Pass Allowance – Improves cut quality by reserving finishing cuts.
• Start Depth – Begin cutting at a certain depth (e.g. when facing first).
• Tolerance – Sets how tightly toolpaths follow your vector (e.g. 0.001").
• Direction – Choose between Climb (clockwise) or Conventional (counter-clockwise).

🔹 Direction Tips

If your scrap looks cleaner than the part, reverse your cutting direction — this adjusts where the best edge quality appears.

🔹 Modifying Toolpaths

• Double-click a toolpath to edit its settings.
• Use Node Editing and press P to change the start point of the toolpath.
• Use 3D view to verify the depth and path of each pass.

🔹 Adding Vectors to Existing Toolpaths

1. Double-click the toolpath you want to modify.
2. Shift + Click to add new vectors.
3. Carveco will auto-detect if it's an inside or outside cut.
4. Click Recalculate to update.

💡 Tip

For best results when cutting out parts, use both Final Pass Thickness and Final Pass Allowance. This helps reduce chatter and improve edge finish.