Messages

1

Third party software and hardware support forums. / VCarve Pro 5 and Aspire 2 Released!

« on: March 15, 2009, 06:28:27 PM »

Hi Everyone,

The Vectric Team are very pleased to announce that both VCarve Pro 5 and Aspire 2 have been released!

These are major new and exciting release of the both software products and include the following new tools,

            3D Model Slicing
            Improved Interactive Sculpting

            True Shape Nesting   
            Raised 3D Prism Machining
            Auto-Inlay Toolpaths
            Multi-colored 3D Toolpath Preview
            Fluting Toolpaths
            2 Tool Pocketing
            Open / Import 2D DWG files
            Dog-Bone and T-Bone corner filleting
            Vector Arc fitting and Node Reduction
            Save 3D model a 2D Grayscale image

            Plus many more useful tools and enhancements

All customers entitled to receive the new versions have been emailed details.

Aspire 2 is a Free upgrade for all Aspire customers
VCarve Pro 5 is a Free Upgrade to all customers who purchased version 4 after 1st March 2008

Let me know if you haven’t receive the upgrade information.
           
*********************************************************************************************

Please visit the updated web site to learn more about the new functionality in the new software and to review the What’s New Training Videos.

http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/aspire/whats_new/aspire_v2/whats_new_overview.htm

What’s New in Aspire 2 PDF > http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/aspire/whats_new/aspire_v2/pdf/Aspire_V2_Whats_New.pdf

            http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/vcp/whats_new/vcp_v5/whats_new_overview.htm

What’s New in VCarve Pro 5 PDF > http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/vcp/whats_new/vcp_v5/pdf/VCP_5_Whats_New.pdf


*********************************************************************************************
Notes   

Aspire 2 and VCarve Pro 5 are NOT compatible with Windows 98

The new versions are currently only available in English and we will look at updating the translations in the coming weeks.

*********************************************************************************************

Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Tony McKenzie
Vectric Ltd

2

Promote and discuss your product / New Affordable 2D Machining Software Released - Cut2D

« on: March 07, 2008, 03:26:00 PM »

The Vectric Team are very pleased to announce the release of Cut2D.
A new and affordable ($149) precision 2D machining package based on the
VCarve Pro toolpath engine.

Cut2D converts CAD DXF and graphics designs EPS, AI, PDF to GCode / CNC Toolpaths
for machining high quality parts and components.

Automatic cutter diameter compensation, machines designs precisely to size
without having to worry about manually offseting geometry for the cutter
being used.

Fantastic, high quality colour shaded 3D Preview with realistic material types
that show exactly what the job will look like when machined.

Affordable, easy to use software that's very functional and creates high quality
CNC toolpaths for virtually all CNC machines.

For more information > http://vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/cut2D/c2d_index.htm

A fully functional Trial version of Cut2D is available to download from the Vectric web site.

The Free Trial version includes sample files and associated video tutorials that
show how to use the software and the toolpaths for these models can be saved
and cut on your own CNC machine.

Let me know if you have any questions or we can help in any way.

Tony

3

Third party software and hardware support forums. / VCarve Pro 4.6 Released

« on: January 09, 2008, 07:04:18 AM »

We are very pleased to announce that VCarve Pro 4.6 has been released.

After releasing VCarve Pro 4.5 in November, a couple of usability issues surfaced that were primarily related to how the new 2D / 3D toolpath visibility behaved when opening saved files. This behaviour was annoying so we decided to fix it and version 4.6 now remembers the visibility state when opening files. While updating this behaviour we decided to take the opportunity to develop additional Profile and Pocket machining functionality that makes the software even more powerful and flexible.

Note - All customers who are licensed to run version VCarve Pro 4.0 / 4.5 should have received this update information. Please contact - support@vectric.com if you have not received this information or have any questions.

***********************************************************************************

Version 4.6 is a Free Upgrade for customers running VCarve Pro version 4.0 / 4.5 and the new software can be downloaded from the Vectric Forum.

***********************************************************************************

Click here to download the What’s New in version 4.6 + 4.5 PDF.

The Vectric web site has been updated to include the new features and functionality in version 4.6

The Free Trial version of 4.6 is also available to download from the web site.

Have fun and enjoy using the new software!


***********************************************************************************

Summary of What's New in 4.6

Pocket Machining Enhancements
• Stepovers greater than 50% can be specified
• Tails are automatically added to toolpaths to ensure all material is removed
• Results in more efficient toolpaths and significantly reduced machining times

Profile Machining Enhancements
• Machine Open vectors to the On, Left or Right side 
• Add Tabs when profiling open vectors
• Add Ramps to profile toolpaths
• Control cutting direction when machining open vectors

Send Toolpaths Directly to Mach3
• Select the Direct Output option and saved toolpaths automatically open in Mach3
• Requires Mach3 version 2.61 or newer

Offset Open Vectors
• Offset open shapes to the Left or Right

Miscellaneous
• Toolpath Visibility is retained when opening files - previously always displayed 2D previews
• Multi-page PDF files automatically create new layers for each page in the document
• 2D DXF files include the correct units

***********************************************************************************

I'm looking forward to attending the Mach3 Convention and hope to meet some of you in Knoxville.

Tony

4

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Steam Engine Name Plates

« on: November 27, 2007, 07:36:21 AM »

Great project Rob & John!

Just to clarify why the bottom edge of the logo hasn't been cleaned-up properly.

As John said, the cutter size and geometry are very important, especially when engraving small components. The software offsets the cnc code to allow for the specified cutter angle and flat diameter, so if these dimensions are different on the cutter actually used to engrave the piece, the results will not be correct.

As this project is relatively shallow it's the Flat diameter on the D-bit / engraving cutter that is more important. Looking at Robs picture and I'd say the flat on the cutter is a touch smaller than John specified in VCarve Pro. This has resulted in slightly less material being cut away all over the job.

Great to see the pictures of the actual engraved logo!

Thanks for the support John, it's very appreciated.

Tony

5

Third party software and hardware support forums. / VCarve Pro 4.5 has been released

« on: November 03, 2007, 11:41:52 AM »

Vectric is very pleased to announce that VCarve Pro 4.5 has been released.



VCarve Pro 4.5 includes new design and layout tools – Rulers, Guide Lines, Snap Grid and Snapping options – that make drawing and designing much easier and quicker. New 2D toolpath previews - wireframe and solid - instantly show where the cutter will remove material and make it very clear if the tool geometry is too large or the wrong toolpath strategy has been used.

***********************************************************************************

This is a Free Upgrade for all customers who are licensed to run version VCarve Pro 4.0 and the information has been emailed to these customers.

More details are available from the Vectric Forum >

If you have any questions about updating to 4.5 please email – support@vectric.com

***********************************************************************************

The What’s New in VCarve Pro 4.5 PDF can be downloaded from What’s New in 4.5 >

Summary

New 2D Drawing and Layout Tools for precise, quick and easier design work
• Rulers
• Guide Lines
• Snap Grid

Snapping Options when drawing and designing
• End points, mid-points, object centers
• Guides

2D Toolpath Preview that instantly shows where the cutter will machine and where material will be removed
• Wireframe with direction of machining
• Solid Fill shows where material maybe left

Additional drawing tools for creating designs
• Stars & Polygons
• Corner Filleting

Miscellaneous
• Multiple Node Smoothing
• Move objects using incremental distances
• Interactive Drag Copy
• Custom 2D / 3D view control
• Updated Help File

***********************************************************************************

Tony

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Fonts

« on: January 16, 2007, 08:12:57 AM »

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Single Stroke Fonts - VCarve Pro currently only supports True Type fonts and not single stroke fonts that are quite different. TTF's are always closed vectors that can be engraved using a 'Fill pattern' or vcarved. Single stroke fonts are open lines and arcs that ate typically machined with the tip of the cutter running 'on' the lines.

If you have a CAD / Design package that creates single stroke fonts these can be imported and machined using the Profile = On machining strategy.

We are planning to add single stroke fonts to VCarve Pro but it's going to be around the middle of the year before this is ready.


Rotary Axis Machining - We are also planning to add support to the postprocessors for saving rotary axis toolpaths, but again it's going to be around the middle of the year before this is ready. This will be based on locking one of the axes and wrapping the other moves, which is the way most rotary chucks are driven.

Thank you,
Tony

7

Promote and discuss your product / Re: Cut3D - New Low Cost 3D Model Machining Software

« on: December 10, 2006, 01:14:16 PM »

Thanks for the positive feedback.

Tony

8

Promote and discuss your product / Re: New Photograph Carving and Engraving Software

« on: December 08, 2006, 06:25:03 AM »

Many people are cutting fantastic lithophanes using PhotoVCarve that look stunning when held to the light, but then struggle to find a suitable method of back-lighting them.



PhotoVCarve customer Jeff E. has been researching this subject and came up with an excellent low cost way of back-lighting using Cold Cathode Lights. These are basically very small fluorescent tubes that have been used by computer nerds to light the inside of computer cases. They are small - less than 1/2" in diameter, come in various lengths (4 - 12 inches) and are inexpensive -- about 8 dollars for a pair of them which includes the inverter needed to drive them and generate almost no heat. Below are a couple of picture showing the tube and a litho that is back lit back by 2 12" tubes. Do an Internet search for cold cathode - you will find many suppliers.



Jeff has also written an excellent tutorial explaining how to build low cost and low energy / heat light boxes and this PDF can be downloaded from the Vectric Forum.

How to Build Litho Cold Cathode Lighting,

Very useful information - Thanks Jeff.

Tony

9

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: This is the machine i built

« on: December 06, 2006, 03:12:48 PM »

Hello ialbazae,

Great to see your machine and the results are excellent!

I sent you an e-mail message but it was bounced back?

Tony

10

Promote and discuss your product / Cut3D - New Low Cost 3D Model Machining Software

« on: November 27, 2006, 05:14:32 PM »

Hello Everyone,

We are very pleased to announce the release of our latest product Cut3D - Powerful, Quick and Easy 3D Model Machining.

Cut3D is the simplest way to machine 3D models from CAD or Graphics design products such as AutoCAD, Rhino3D, 3D Studio, Silo, Lightwave etc.

Scanned data from laser or touch probe devices such as the MaxNC and ShopBot Digital Probes as well as the vast number of 3D models available off the Internet can also be machined quickly and easily.

Cut3D is incredibly easy to use and includes z level roughing, finishing and cut out toolpath strategies, interactive tab placement plus high quality preview rendering that make the software perfect for cutting 3D models.


Multi-sided Machining - Single, Double and Four Sided machining

You can test Cut3D for yourself by downloading the Fully Functional Trial version and cutting the free 3D evaluation models on your own machine. This version will also open your own 3D models, calculate toolpaths create stunning 3D preview images but does not save toolpaths for these models.

 
High quality Toolpath simulation



Models can be sliced into machinable pieces

Large / thick models that do not fit under the gantry on your machine or you don't have thick enough material can very easily be 'sliced' into thinner sections. For example, a 24" high model can be sliced into 12 x 2" thick pieces that can then be machined and assembled.


Interactive Tab placement to hold the job in place

Let us know if you have any qestions about the new software.

Tony Mac
Vectric