Tips and Tricks: Machining A Relief in Sections

Brad Castle

10 June 2025 11:03

Carveco Tutorial: Splitting a Relief Toolpath into Sections

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to split a large Relief Toolpath into smaller sections using vector boundaries. This is useful when your relief is too large for your machine bed, or if you'd like to speed up machining by working in parts.

🔹 Step 1: Evaluate and Plan

Calculate your Relief Toolpath as normal and run a Simulation to confirm the full result looks correct.
If machining time or model size is too large, delete the simulation and switch to Plan View.

🔹 Step 2: Draw Section Boundaries

Use the Rectangle Tool to draw vector boundaries that divide the relief into sections. Overlap slightly to prevent visible tool marks or cusps.
Use Ctrl + Alt + drag to duplicate section boundaries for consistent layout.

🔹 Step 3: Apply to Machine Relief Toolpath

Edit your existing Machine Relief toolpath.
Change Machining Limit to Selected Vectors, then select the boundary vector for the first section.
Click Calculate to generate the partial toolpath.

🔹 Step 4: Repeat for Other Sections

Select the next boundary vector and repeat the process to generate additional toolpaths.
Use consistent tools and settings across sections for seamless transitions.
Simulate all sections together to verify a complete final result.

✔️ Key Takeaways

Use vector boundaries to split large relief toolpaths into manageable sections.
Overlap section edges slightly to avoid tool marks and ensure continuity.
Always recalculate toolpaths when reusing or modifying sections.

💡 Tips and Tricks

Use Guidelines or existing model features to align section boundaries symmetrically.
Rename each toolpath (e.g., Relief Section 1, Relief Section 2) to stay organized.
Use Node Edit to tweak vector boundaries for better fit and overlap.

🚀 Advanced Techniques

For more than two sections, group vectors into layers (e.g., Section A, B, C) and lock/unlock visibility to control toolpath limits.
Use Sliced Toolpaths if you're working with thick material and need Z-level division in addition to XY sections.
To create seamless transitions, apply a Boundary Offset or Slight Overlap between toolpaths.