3D Models are typically designed in any orientation and at any size. Cut3D includes options for selecting what faces of the model to machine, mirroring, rotating and setting the required size in Inches or Metric. The maximum size a model can be machined is often limited by the available material thickness. Cut3D includes options to scale a 3D model proportionally or each axis independently, allowing the Z thickness to be scaled for the material size. Multi-sided Machining 3D models can be machined as single, double or four sided projects. Simply select the option required and Cut3D calculates the all of the associated toolpaths automatically! This approach allows 3D models to be machined on conventional 3 axis CNC machines. For example, when selecting to machine a model on 2 sides Cut3D automatically calculates roughing and finishing toolpaths for the Top and Bottom halves of the design.

When cutting 3D projects it's important to minimize the machining times by not wasting time cutting unwanted regions of the material. Cut3D includes a unique option for detecting the model boundaries and limiting the toolpaths inside these regions. This approach ensures the cutter doesn't waste time cutting a complete rectangular region, which is often the case with many other CAM products. Interactive Tab Placement When cutting models completely out of the material it's essential to have tabs to stop the job breaking free during machining. Adding tabs to a model is very easy. Simply specify the required tab size and click on the model to snap a tab between the material edge and the model. For example, when selecting to machine a model on 2 sides Cut3D automatically calculates roughing and finishing toolpaths for the Top and Bottom halves of the design.

Roughing Toolpaths Fast and efficient Z level rough machining removes unwanted stock material quickly and easily, leaving material on the model for the finishing toolpath to remove. The rough machining strategy includes options for profiling at each Z level to reduce uneven loading on the finishing cutter. Finishing Toolpaths High quality 3D finishing cutterpaths are calculated in seconds. Automatically compensating for the cutter diameter and ensuring gouge free parts off the CNC machine. Cut Out Toolpath Once the model has been machined to the required size it can easily be cut out of the material using the cut out toolpath. This option automatically calculates the boundary silhouette and calculates a multiple Z level profile toolpath to cut around the shape. The cut out toolpath includes the options to preserve or cut through tabs if they have been added to the model.

When a 3D model is too large / thick to fit under the gantry on your machine or you don't have thick enough material, the model 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. Cut3D automatically detects and machines the 3D edges of each piece of material, minimising the machining times by not cutting the flat region of the material. Tabs can also be placed on each slice to hold the design in the material during the machining process. The finish slices are assembled to make the full size project.

The calculated toolpaths can be simulated into different materials to show exactly what they will produce when run on the CNC machine. Surface finish and level of detail the selected cutters will produce on the finished model can quickly be assessed before actually running the job on the machine. The waste material surrounding a machined model can be deleted to display only the preview of the model. High quality rendered images of the 3D preview can be saved and supplied to customers for job quotations and approval. These images are also prefect for web site content and marketing materials such as brochures and posters.