Toolpaths and Machining: Inlays

Carveco Tutorial: Inlays

Inlays involve creating a female pocket and a matching male insert that fits precisely into it. Carveco's Inlay Toolpath simplifies this process by compensating for tool radius and providing clearance options for a perfect fit.

🔹 Why Use the Inlay Toolpath?

• Automatically adds corner radii to avoid sharp edge misfits.
• Applies precise offsets to ensure proper mating of parts.
• Supports straight and stepped pockets for added strength.

🔹 Creating the Female (Pocket) Toolpath

1. Open Create Inlay Toolpath from the Toolpaths menu.
2. Select Pocket (Female).
3. Enter a Finish Depth (e.g., 0.25").
4. Define your Material Thickness and Z-Zero position.
5. Select a Finishing Tool (e.g., 1/4" end mill). Optional: add a roughing tool.
6. Choose a strategy: Raster or Offset.
7. Click Calculate to generate the pocket toolpath.

🔹 Simulation Insights

• Corner compensation is visible in 3D simulation.
• Rounded corners make male part fitting easier and more reliable.

🔹 Creating the Male (Insert) Toolpath

1. Reopen the Inlay Toolpath and choose Straight (Male).
2. Set the Finish Depth to match the pocket (e.g., 0.25").
3. Use the same Material Thickness and tool.
4. Enable Ramping or Bridges if needed.
5. Click Calculate to create the male toolpath.

🔹 Applying Allowances

• Add a small Allowance (e.g., 0.005" to 0.01") to shrink the male part slightly.
• This ensures a clean fit and space for glue.

💡 Tip

Use the same cutting tool for both male and female paths to maintain consistent radius compensation.

🔹 Final Workflow Tips

• Save toolpaths separately for better organization.
• Preview both with Simulation to check fit and depth.
• Use stepped inlays for a stronger hold or when extra glue surface is needed.

The Inlay Toolpath in Carveco helps you achieve precise, clean results with less trial and error—great for decorative woodworking, signs, and layered designs.