Toolpaths and Machining: Fluting

Carveco Tutorial: Fluting Toolpath

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to use the Fluting Toolpath in Carveco Maker to create smooth, ramped toolpath entries for decorative or functional machining—commonly used for features like drainage channels or stylised grooves.

🔹 What is Fluting?

Fluting is similar to ramping, but with more control. It allows you to define how the tool ramps into and out of the material along a vector, using either a linear or curved approach.

🔹 Getting Started

• Draw a 2D vector line to define the fluting path.
• Open Toolpaths → Create Fluting Toolpath.
• Select a form tool like a Ball Nose or V-Bit (not a flat end mill).

🔹 Key Parameters

• Start and Finish Depths: Define the Z-depths for the beginning and end of the cut.
• Start Flute: Controls how the tool enters the material—options for Linear, Curve, or Custom Curve.
• End Flute: Controls how the tool exits the cut, also configurable with a percentage or actual length.
• Reverse Vectors: Change the tool direction without editing the vector manually.

🔹 Advanced Features

• Flute Length (% or Absolute): Specify how much of the path is used for ramping in/out.
• Stepdown Strategies: Choose between Scale or Translate for how cuts step into the material.
• Extend Above Start: Useful for non-flat surfaces, allows the tool to lift above the start Z height.
• Live Control Vector: Use another vector to define Z-depth variation along the fluting path.

🔹 Simulation Tips

• Use the Simulation Control Bar to preview the flute cut dynamically.
• Adjust the flute style and tool size for visual clarity in your simulation.
• Always simulate before machining to catch vector direction or ramping errors.