Specialist Sign and Engraving software developer Vectric Ltd - the creators VCarve Pro, PhotoVCarve and Cut3D have released Version 4.0 of its flag ship CNC routing and engraving software VCarve Pro. The software has been significantly enhanced to make CNC machining even easier and faster!
VCarve Pro 4.0 includes new and improved design, layout and machining functionality. Extending the superb decorative carving abilities of version 3 by adding industrial strength production capabilities and providing all the tools and flexibility demanded by commercial shops and users while remaining incredibly easy to use and affordably priced.
Version 4 now provides all the tools and functionality needed to design and machine projects that might start as a scanned concept image, supplied as a CAD file or created in VCarve Pro. Raster images can now be routed or engraved in seconds using the new Image Tracing (also referred to as vectorization) tools, that are perfect for converting image files (jpg, bmp, tif, gif, png) such as company logos and sketches into high quality vector boundaries for machining.
New advanced toolpath strategies in VCarve Pro 4.0 provide production workshops with the flexibility to machine components with perfect edge quality and smoothness. The ability to lead the cutter onto and off the edge of a component and ramp into the material at a user defined position, ensure improved cutter life and reduced loading on the machine.
3D files from Cut3D , Vectric's 3D machining software can now be imported and combined with VCarve Pro 4.0 projects, making it very easy to add high quality 3D design elements to conventional 2D projects such as signage, door panels, jewellery, gifts and awards etc.
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New and enhanced 2D Drawing Tools provide more control and accuracy when designing or editing projects. Complicated designs can be simplified using new layer management tools that make it very easy to organize information for viewing and machining purposes. Other design enhancements include precise geometry drawing using typed coordinates, interactive measuring tools, block copy paste for creating multiple copies of objects and additional a node editing tools for quick and easy geometry editing.
Dedicated engraving functionality has been added to VCarve Pro 4.0 for engraving or marking gifts, awards and badges etc. Automated Plate Production functionality allows lists of names and details from database files to be merged into predefined badge templates, and instantly creates both the design and toolpath information. If the number of badges requires multiple sheets of material, the software automatically creates separate toolpaths and organizes the design geometry onto individual layers. A dedicated Quick Engraving interface plus new engraving fonts (stick fonts) have been added for fast and efficient marking and engraving. Text can also be wrapped onto a curve with positioning, alignment and interactive kerning options.
VCarve Pro is extremely easy to learn and use and is supplied with high quality training tutorials and documentation. The software is compatible with most CAD and graphics design packages and drives virtually all CNC routing and engraving machines.
For more details visit the Vectric web site - www.vectric.com, where you can download the Free Fully Working Trial Version of VCarve Pro 4.0 (not available until July) 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.
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