Specialist Sign and Engraving software developer Vectric Ltd - the creators of VCarve Pro and PhotoVCarve has released Cut3D, a low cost 3D model machining package for adding three dimensional detail to CNC routed and engraved products.

Cut3D is extremely easy to use CNC machining software that sign makers, engravers, wood and stone carvers can use to combine high quality and value 3D objects and carvings with their conventional day-to-day flat machining, at the very affordable price of £160 - $299.

Cut3D machines 3D models from most CAD and 3D graphics design packages, with import filters for industry standard mesh files - STL, 3D Studio, 3D DXF, Vector Art 3D Clipart, LightWave + other formats. A simple step-by-step interface leads you through sizing the model, calculating roughing, finishing and cut out toolpaths. Options for single, double and four sided CNC machining make the software perfect for dimensional signage, vacuum forming, wood carving and prototype model making.

Cut3D's fast and efficient Z level rough machining ensures models are cut as quickly as possible. Automatic model boundary detection can be used to ensure toolpaths are only created around the 3D model and do not waste time cutting unwanted regions. High quality 3D preview simulates the calculated toolpaths to show exactly how the finished model will look when it's machined. One of the most important features required when cutting 3D models from a block of material is the ability to add Tabs - sometimes also called Bridges. These hold the job in place whilst cutting and Cut3D provides interactive Tab placement with options for the size and orientation of each tab.

The limiting factors when CNC machining 3D models are typically the thickness of material and the clearance or Z axis height of the machine. Cut3D removes these restrictions by including 3D Model Slicing that cuts large unmachinable models into separate slices to match the material thickness. Each slice can then be machined and assembled to produce the large full size design.

Commercial Director Tony McKenzie commented "Feedback from customers around the world has been incredible and we are delighted with the variety of projects being cut with the software." Canadian sign maker and Cut3D customer Owen McManus commented "For relief milling I still haven't come across a simpler and more cost effective solution than CUT3D. Great work from Vectric!" Patrick Toomey of Toomey Studios in North America commented "Cut3D paid for itself 4 times over on the first job I cut with it." And Frank Haverkamp also in the USA said "This is an awesome product for the money and the slicing feature alone is worth the money. I can now cut all my large projects in-house on our 4' x 8' router - no more expensive sub-contracting!"

Cut3D is extremely easy to learn and use and is supplied with high quality training tutorials and documentation. The software is compatible with virtually all types CNC Machines and 3D CAD and graphics design packages.

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For more details visit the Vectric web site - www.vectric.com, where you can also download the Free Fully Working Trial Version of Cut3D that lets you actually cut sample jobs on your own CNC machine. Comprehensive training videos and tutorial documents that show and explain step-by-step how to use the software, are also free to download from the web site.