ArtCAM Training

Course

Tutor:

Trainee:

Course Dates:

UK Training Centre UK Customer Support

Tel: 0121 683 1050 Tel: 0121 683 1010
 Fax 0121 7665511 Fax: 0121 7665542

Important Notice

This document is supplied as part of a Delcam Training Course. It is not intended to be

distance-learning material: rather as an aid for Tutors when presenting material to course
delegates and as a subsequent aid memoir to those delegates.

Delcam does not accept responsibility for any personal belongings / valuables whilst on the
premises. Delegates are advised to keep their belongings on their person at all times.

Delcam plc. has no control over the use of the software described in this document and
cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or damage howsoever caused as a result of using
the software. Users are advised that all results from the software are checked by a competent
person in accordance with good quality control procedures.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be
used only in accordance with the terms of such license.

Copyright 2005 Delcam plc. All rights reserved

 ArtCAM Contents

ArtCAM PRO 9 Contents

Chapter Day 1 Page No.

1. Introduction 3-8

2. Generating Vectors 9 - 22

3. Vector Editing 23 - 40

4. Reliefs 41 - 54
Day 2
5. Combining Reliefs 55 - 64

6. Pictures 65 74

7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief 75 - 82

8. Extrude, Spin and Turn Reliefs 83 - 102

Day 3
9. Two Rail Sweep and Weaves 103 - 118

10. 3D Clipart and Texture 119 130

11. Relief Layers 131 - 136

12. Relief Editing 137 - 152

Day 4
13. Z level Roughing 153 - 166

14. Relief Machining 167 - 174

15. 3D Rest &3D Cut out Machining 175 182

16. Feature Machining 183 190

17. Post processing Toolpaths 191 192

18. Toolpath Editing and Templates 193 194

19. Projects 195 200

Issue ArtCAM Pro 9 1

Contents ArtCAM

2 Issue ArtCAM Pro 9

 ArtCAM 1. Introduction

1. Introduction
Introduction.
ArtCAM Pro allows complex 3D reliefs to be created quickly and easily from 2D vectors or
bitmaps. These vectors and bitmaps can be generated within ArtCAM or imported from
other systems. ArtCAM can import 3D models and generate reliefs from them.

ArtCAM Pro contains tools for editing the reliefs and combining stored reliefs. Once a 3D
Relief has been created, toolpaths can be created to machine it. Multiple toolpaths are easily
generated for roughing, finishing and engraving, and the toolpaths can be simulated to allow
complete visualisation of the product before manufacture.

Training files are stored in C:/Program Files/ArtCAM PRO/Examples and C:/Program

Files/ArtCAM PRO/Examples2 or C:/temp.

Starting ArtCAM Pro

Double click the ArtCAM Pro icon on the screen with the Left
mouse button.

Options not available are greyed out and cannot be used. To start working a New Model can
be made, an existing model opened or an image file opened.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 3
1. Introduction ArtCAM

Select the Create New Model icon.

A new model must be given a size to work

in, a origin position and a resolution. The
resolution is the total number of squares
for each axis.

When working with bitmaps and you are

using really fine delicate detail, the
resolution should be a high value. A height
of 100 with a resolution of 1000 gives 10
bitmap squares per millimetre.

Resolution
The dragon model shows the 2D view of the model broken up into a number of squares
(pixels). Each square is given a height in ArtCAM dependent upon the command used. The
first relief uses a low resolution, which means a loss of fine detail in the resulting 3D relief.

If a higher resolution is chosen, the model is broken into many more pixels and therefore the
fine detail can be shown in the relief.

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 ArtCAM 1. Introduction

Set the Height and Width as 100 and the resolution as 796 x 796 points.
Select OK.

Menu Bar

2D view

Assistant

Layers

ArtCAM displays a 2D view, with the 3D relief view just underneath. You can easily swap
between views. ArtCAM commands can be accessed using the tabbed toolbars or the
Assistant, which contains additional help. The Layers can be switched on or off using F7.

Menu Bar
At the top of the Main window, there is a Menu Bar.

Clicking on a menu item opens a pull-down

menu that contains submenus and commands. If
a menu item does not apply to the currently
active view it will be greyed out.

For example the File menu looks like this:

There is one sub menu, indicated by the arrow at

the right hand side next to the Import option.
The commands at the right hand side of some
menu options are shortcut keys for that option.
Pressing the Ctrl key and the letter N is a
shortcut for opening a New model.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 5
1. Introduction ArtCAM

ArtCAM Assistant
The ArtCAM Assistant gives the most information and help. Information can be hidden or
shown by clicking the arrows up or down.

Project Information - this shows the actual size of the

artwork and height of the relief

File - These are the standard file options that allow you to
control which model you are working on.

Model - This controls, the editing of the model and also

includes Lights and Materials for shading the relief.

Bitmap Tools - These bitmap commands work with colours,

directly on the defined resolution.

Vector Tools - Vectors are flat 2D lines, independent of

resolution. These command control the creation of the vectors.

Position, Combine, Trim Vectors - These are the tools to

modify vectors.

Relief Tools- These are the tools for generating reliefs.

Tabs Give access to other pages

Fly - out menus

Some menu options are hidden within a fly out menu to save space. They are indicated by an
arrow on the command. To access the fly-out , click on the arrow.

pin

6 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
 ArtCAM 1. Introduction

Fly out menus will change dependant upon the last command you used in the menu. For
example, if you select a star, then the star moves to the left side of the menu, so when the fly -
out is closed, the star icon is shown.

Fly outs can be fixed by clicking on the pin icon at the right end of the menu. The icons are
now available in the main menu.

To return to a fly-out menu select the pin icon to un

pin it from the main menu.

2D and 3D views
The 2D and 3D view can be shown side by side by selecting Tile from the Window menu.

Select Window Tile Vertically.

The 2D view is used for

designing the bitmaps and
vectors and assigning them
heights.

The 3D view is used for

looking at the relief and the
simulation of the toolpaths. F2
and F3 are used to switch
between the 2D view (F2) and
the 3D view (F3). By pressing
the same button again, the view
will be maximised or set
smaller.

The top of the 2D view has a different set of menus to the 3D view.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 7
1. Introduction ArtCAM

Status Bar
The Status Bar is at the bottom of the main window.

As the cursor moves over the 2D or 3D Views, the X, Y, Z co-ordinates of the current cursor
position are displayed in the Status Bar. If a vector is selected, the current Width and Height
are also displayed here.

Layers Assistant

The layers Assistant displays all of the layer used

and the commands available.

The layers Assistant can be switched on and off

using F7. This gives more area for the graphics.

Context Help
By pressing the F1 key you can get more detailed information. This opens a Help page in the
Assistant with the topic already selected.

The Help is displayed in the Assistant and can be accessed from the Help Menu on the Menu
bar.

Select File Close.

The model has been closed.

8 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 2. Generating Vectors

2. Generating Vectors
Overview
Vectors are mathematically defined shapes consisting of a series of points (nodes), which are
connected by lines, arcs or curves (spans) to form the overall shape. Vectors can be generated
directly within ArtCAM by using the Vector Tools in the Assistant.

Vectors can be rectangles, squares, circles, polylines, ellipses, polygons, stars or text. These
can be edited if required to make the final vectors to create a relief from.

Vectors can also be imported from another drawing package, using the File Import menu
option, or copied and pasted from another package using the standard Windows commands.

Generating Vectors Example

Press Create New Model.

Set the size as Height 150 and Width 80.
Set the Origin in the middle of the model.
Set the resolution as 628 x 1177 points by using the slider.

Once the model size has been set, the

design can begin.

Select OK.

The model is now opened and the Vectors are generated in the 2D View. The 3D View is
used for displaying the ArtCAM, relief.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 9
2. Generating Vectors ArtCAM

From the Assistant or Vector toolbar, select the Create Rectangle

icon.

The rectangle creation page appears, showing the options

available.

The rectangle can be created by clicking in the screen and dragging

to a size, or by entering in the values.

Several rectangles can be created without closing down the page.

Each Assistant Page has help available, indicated by the word

Show Help.

Press Show Help.

The Assistant displays help at the side of each option.

Typically, this increases the length of the page and you will have
to move the page down to see further instructions, by moving the
bar down.

Some commands have a video clip to show the

command in use. Just press the video icon.

Once help is switched on it is displayed for each command. To

switch this off, you need to Hide the Help.

Select Hide Help.

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ArtCAM 2. Generating Vectors

Press down the left mouse button in the 2D view and drag a rectangle
of any size.

The rectangle appears as dotted. The length and height can be

dragged by moving the big squares in the middle of the sides.
A radius can be put on the corners by dragging in one corner.

The rectangle can be rotated by dragging around the lever in

the centre.

Click on a corner and drag inwards.

A radius has been given to the corners of the rectangle. If you

press Create the rectangle will be generated, leaving the form
in creation mode.

Press Create.
Generate more rectangles, pressing space bar after each one (instead of
create.
Press Close.

There are now several vectors in the 2D View.

Vectors are removed by selecting them individually,

using the left mouse button or by picking a group and
then pressing delete on the keyboard or the
cut icon in the assistant.

Stretch a box completely over all of the vectors so they turn pink. This
means they are selected,
Select Cut From the File area of the Assistant.

ArtCAM has an Undo facility, which will allow the user to go back 20 steps with Vectors
and back one step with a relief.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 11
2. Generating Vectors ArtCAM

Mobile Phone Cover Example

Now that all the original vectors are removed, the same model (Size and Resolution) will be
used for the creation of the Vectors required for a Mobile Phone Cover example. Below is a
drawing of the item including basic dimensions, so that the user can get an idea of how the
final product should look before working through the step by step instructions.

Select the Create Rectangle icon.

Click on the option rectangle.
Enter a Width of 50, a Height of 120 a Corner Radii of 3 and a centre
point of X 0 and Y 0.
Press Create.

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ArtCAM 2. Generating Vectors

The main shape of the cover is generated.

Change the Width to 40, Height to 30, Corner Radii to 1 and the centre
point to X 0 and Y 20.
Press the right mouse button.

By pressing the right mouse button, the rectangular vector is generated

and the Rectangle Assistant page is closed.

The second rectangle will represent the window. The buttons to

represent the dialling numbers will be generated by producing a single
button and then copying it.

Click on the ellipse icon.

Enter a Start Point of X 14 Y 50 with a Height of 7, Width of 10 and an
Angle of 140 degrees.
Select Create and then Close.

This first ellipse will be copied to form all of the holes for the
number buttons.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 13
2. Generating Vectors ArtCAM

With the ellipse selected, click on the block copy icon from
Vector Editing on the Assistant.

The Block and Rotate Copy form appears. This

allows the user to create a block copy in X and Y, or a
rotated copy.

The distances can be set as an offset value or by a gap

value between each item.

Select Block Copy. Select distances are offsets.

Select an X Offset of 14, with number of Columns as 3.
Select a Y Offset of 10, with number of Rows as 4.
Press Apply and then Close.

The main button positions are generated. The option button will be created
next. This is a combined design of two circles merged together.

Click on the circle icon.

The Circle Creation form appears in the Assistant.

Set the Circle centre as X 0 Y 4, Radius as 4 and press Create.

Change the Circle centre to X 0 Y 8, and press Create and then Close.

14 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 2. Generating Vectors

The two circles are ready to be merged together.

Select both circles and select the Weld command from Group Merge
Join Trim Vectors on the Assistant.

A new single vector has been made from the two circles.

Note: The Weld command only works on two selected

closed vectors.

Zoom in to see the vector more clearly.

With the new vector selected, press Node Editing icon from the
Vector Editing area of the Assistant. (or press N on the keyboard)

The vector nodes are displayed. At each point (node) the position
and shape of the polyline can be altered. At each span (between the
nodes) the polyline shape can be altered. Nodes can be added or
removed to change the shape.

Hover the mouse over a black node and select the right mouse button.
From the menu select Smooth Point (or press S on the Keyboard).
Move the mouse over the other black node and press S.
Select N to return to select mode and click away from the vector.

The vector is now suitably smooth at the edges. The next buttons will
be generated from an offset triangle vector.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 15
2. Generating Vectors ArtCAM

Select Create Polygon command.

The Polygon Creation form appears in the Assistant.

Select No. of Sides to be 3, Angle 0, polygon centre at X 14, Y 2 with a

radius of 4.
Select Create and then Close.

The triangle can be offset with a radius to produce the

desired relief.

With the triangle vector selected, select the offset vector(s) icon.

The offset vector form appears in the assistant. Vectors can be

offset inwards, outwards or both and can; at the junction between
straight lines; be given a chamfer or radius.

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ArtCAM 2. Generating Vectors

Select an Offset Distance of 1, Offset Direction as Outwards, Offset

Corners as Radiused and select Offset and then Close.

The new vector is radiused at the corners.

Select the inner vector and press Delete on the keyboard.

Select the new Vector and select the Mirror Command.

The mirror form appears in the assistant. This allows the

user to mirror the selected vectors about themselves or a
selected line.

Note: The line must be selected first before Mirror

Vectors about a line option is used.

Tick Copy the Original Vector and press Bottom and then Close.

The vector has been copied and mirrored. The new vector needs to be
moved downwards. This can be nudged using the down arrow or moved by
a value using the Transform Vector command.

Select the Transform icon (or hit T twice on the keyboard).

Enter Move Y as 1 and press Apply and Close.
Select both triangular vectors and select the Group command.

The two items can now be treated as one.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 17
2. Generating Vectors ArtCAM

Select create a Polyline command.

Polylines can be generated by entering absolute co-

ordinates in the X and Y area, by angles and line length, as
relative co-ordinates using the dx and dy (distance from
last point) or by clicking with the cursor.

Note: Polylines can also be created dynamically in the

graphics area either by holding down the left mouse key
while freehand sketching a curve, or by using the left
mouse key to click individual points along the required
route.

Press Add. (Enters a point at 0 0).

Enter 30 in dy (30 mm in y direction) and press Add and then Close.

The polyline will be used for mirroring the triangular buttons

across the component.

Select the poly line and shift select the group.

Select the Mirror Command.

Tick Copy the Original Vector and press About Line and then Close.
Delete the polyline.

The triangle buttons have been copied.

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ArtCAM 2. Generating Vectors

Select the icon Vector Text.

Any additional fonts loaded onto the computer will be

recognised ArtCAM, as well as the standard fonts.

Select Font as Arial, Script Western, Size as 3 mm.

Click at the bottom of the 2D view and type ARTCAM VECTOR TEXT.
Select Done.

This text will be wrapped around the outer vector,

with the text inside, using wrap text around a curve.

Select the text and shift select the outer vector.

Select the command wrap text around a curve.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 19
2. Generating Vectors ArtCAM

The Text on a Curve form appears, which allows the user

to align an existing Text Vector to a curve vector.

Text Position includes options that control the relative,

position of the text across the curve.

Text on other side, puts it on the other side of the curve.

Text Alignment includes options that control the flow of

the text along the curve.

Text Spacing allows the user to vary the spacing between

the individual characters.

Editing Style allows the user to set individual Words or

Letters to be repositioned around the curve independently.

Select the option Specify and enter 1mm. Select Text on other side.
Select the option Single Words.
Move the text using the cursor to align on the three sides. Select OK.

The text is now wrapped.

Select Create Polyline.

Hold the mouse down and sketch similar as shown. Select Close.

This polyline will be used to paste vectors along.

20 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 2. Generating Vectors

Select Create a star.

The Star Creation form appears.

Select 5 points, star centre as X 28, Y 62, first point radius as 4.5 and
second point radius as 2.
Select Create and then Close.

Select the star vector and shift select the sketched polyline.
Select paste along a vector command.

The vector is pasted incrementally along the curve

either by dividing the curve equally using Specify
Number, or by a fixed distance, leaving any surplus at
the end of the curve using Specify Distance.

Select Specify Number and Enter number of Copies as 5.

Select Paste and Close.
Delete the original star vector and the sketched polyline.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 21
2. Generating Vectors ArtCAM

Save the model in C:\Temp as training-phone-cover.

Close the model.

Exercise A
Open a new model of height 150, width 100.
Generate the vectors for this apple juice model,
using your own values.
Save the model in C:\temp as apple.

Exercise B
Open a new model of height 60, width 40.
Generate the vectors for this locket.
Save the model in C:\temp as locket.

22 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

3. Vector Editing
Vector Editing
Vectors can be edited in many ways within ArtCAM. The following example will show you
how to use these options.

Shield Design Example

Create a new model with a Height of 20 and width of 20 and a resolution
of 1002 x 1002.
Set the origin to the middle and press OK.

Note:
The origin position can be moved by using the option Set model position.
This allows you to move the model along to a known position or by setting the 0 0 in one of
the four corners or the centre of the model.

Grids are a useful feature to help generate vectors. Grids are drawn and undrawn from the pull
down 2D view menu.

Select Bitmaps Views Snap Grid settings

The grid spacing can be set at any value, for smaller models or a
finer grid the spacing needs to be reduced.

Switch on Draw Snap Grid, switch on Snap to Grid, set the Grid
Spacing to 1 and press OK.

This shows a grid on the model.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 23
3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Select create polyline.

Snap to the grid points, similar to as shown.

The grid helps to align the point position. The vector will be
smoothed.

Select File Save As, select C:\temp and enter the name train-shield.
Select Bitmaps Views Snap Grid settings
Switch off Draw Snap Grid, switch off Snap to Grid and press OK.

Select the Fillet command.

The fillet is generated at a node point or from two

polylines that would intersect.

Enter a fillet radius of 5 and select either side of the bottom point to
generate the fillet.
Change the fillet radius to 1 and create a fillet at the top two corners.
Change the fillet radius to 2.5 and create a fillet at the last two corners.

The main shield shape is generated.

Select Close.

24 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

With the Vector selected, select Offset Vector.

Select Inwards, a Distance of 0.5, Radiused and press Offset and then
Close.

A constant offset has been generated. For the middle part,

instead of using grid lines, instead, guidelines at actual
values will be used.

Guidelines are pulled from the rulers, around the border of

the model.

Hold the left button down within the top ruler and drag down a horizontal
guideline, releasing the mouse, when it is near the centre of the model (0
on the vertical ruler).
Right mouse click on the guideline.

The guideline can be moved to a defined value, by

typing the value in the New position box and
pressing Apply.

Note: Guidelines can also be deleted from this

menu.

Enter a New Position of 0 and press Apply.

Generate a vertical guideline at 0 by dragging it from within the left ruler.

There are now 2 guidelines in the model. These can be

snapped onto when creating or moving vectors or nodes.

These guidelines can be shown or hidden by clicking the

guidelines icon.

This is at the top left hand corner of the rulers.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 25
3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Select Create polyline.

Snapping to the guidelines to create a horizontal and vertical line.
Pick the top left corner icon in the 2D view to switch off Show
Guidelines.

These polylines will be offset. The horizontal one

upwards and the vertical one either side.

Offset the horizontal line, vector both sides by 0.5mm using the Both
Sides (ridge) option.
Offset the vertical line, vector both sides by 0.4mm
Delete the original polylines.

Select trim vector and cut the polylines to make a cross within
the shield.

The shield design is finished. Yours may look different if

you snapped to other grid points.

Select File Save and then File Close.

26 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

Vector Layers
A model can have many layers, which can be displayed or hidden. Vectors can be assigned to
different layers. The advantage of this is when you have many vectors; you can put them on
different layers and switch the layers on and off accordingly, providing you with a clearer
view. Layers can be named, deleted and merged together.

Phone Cover Example2.

Open the model training-phone-cover.art from C:/Temp.

Parts of this model will be moved to other layers. Also new vectors will
be imported into other layers.

Open the Vector Layers

Vector layers are controlled by this toolbar. The

current layer is highlighted and any generated or
imported vectors will be displayed , providing the
layer in switched on (light bulb).

The active sheet control is used with the nesting command.

Select the stars vector group.

Layers need to be generated before vectors can be placed

into them. It is good practise to give the layer a sensible
name.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 27
3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Select New on the Layers toolbar.

Vector Layer 2 appears allowing you to change

the name, by double-clicking on the name..

Double click on Vector Layer 2 and overwrite as stars and select the
green tick to confirm.

The new level is now named and switched on.

Right mouse click on the selected star vector group and pick Move to
Layer > stars.
Switch off the layer stars by clicking the light bulb on the layer stars.

The star vectors are now hidden. The other vectors on the
default level are still displayed

Note: When a layer is current any vectors that are pasted are
automatically placed on that layer.

Create a new layer and change the name to buttons.

Create a new layer and change the name to holes

Select the 12 ellipse vectors.

These selected vectors will be placed on another layer.

Note: Layers can have the snapping facility switched on or off.

For example if you had vectors close together and wanted to be
sure you snapped to the correct vector on a layers, then you
would switch snap off for all the other layers

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ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

Right mouse click on the selected star vector group and pick Move to
Layer > buttons.
Select the other shaped vectors as shown.

These selected vectors will be placed on another layer.

Note: Layers can be locked, so any vectors on that layer cannot

be moved until the layer is unlocked.

Right mouse click on the selected star vector group and pick Move to
Layer > holes.
Switch off the Default Layer, leaving on the layer stars and holes.
Make current the layer called holes.

The vectors displayed are going to be combined into the one

current layer called holes.

Select Merge Visible.

The layer called buttons has disappeared as it has

merged into the layer holes. The vectors on the
layers can be coloured for identification.

Select the black spot to the left of the layer

name holes.

The colour form appears. This allows you to select the

colour for the vectors on that layer.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 29
3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Select a light green and select OK.

Switch on all the layers using the toggle visibility.

All the vectors on the layer holes are now shown as green. Imported vectors are automatically
put on the current layer.

Make the layer called Default layer current.

Select Open.

From Examples2 select the file tel-insert.eps and select Open.

The saved vectors have been placed onto the current layer.
When they are input, they are placed at the same location they
were saved in, so if the model size has changed you may need
to zoom in or out to find them.

The vectors are imported as a group, so to use them they need

to be ungrouped.

To save vectors, select the vectors you want and from the file
menu select Export.

Select File Save and then Close.

30 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

Node Editing
Vectors are made up of nodes. To change a vector, the nodes are changed as the following
example shows,

Enamel-Pin Example
Create a New model, width of 60 and height of 20.
Create a guideline at X 0 and Y 0.

Select Create Polyline. . Untick Draw smooth polylines.

Enter X as 25, Y as 1 and press Add.
Enter dx as 35 and press Add. Press Close.

Select Create Polyline. . Untick Draw smooth polylines.

Enter X as 25, Y as 1 and press Add.
Enter dx as 35 and press Add. Press Close.

These two vectors can be joined

together with either an arc, straight
line or by moving the end points.

Select both vectors.

Select Join vectors with a curve.

The two vectors have been

joined together to make a new
vector. The open vector can be
closed.

Select the new vector.

Select Close vector with a line.

The vector has been closed. An

ellipse will be modified to
produce a leaf shape.

Select Create Ellipse.

Enter a Start Point of X -4 Y 4, an Ellipse Height of 3, an Ellipse Width of
12 with an Angle of 340.
Select Create and then Close.

Select Node Editing.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 31
3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Using N on the keyboard on a selected vector will

switch between node mode and select mode.

The ellipse will be opened up halfway by removing

spans using the right mouse button menu.

The part of the vector between two node points

is called a span. If a span was removed, the
vector will become open.

In node mode, if you move you mouse over a

node point and click the right mouse button a
different set of menus appears.

Right mouse click over the right bottom span of the ellipse and select
Remove Span from menu.

The ellipse vector is opened at the required area.

The other lower span needs to be deleted.

Right mouse click over the left bottom span of the ellipse and select
Remove Span from menu.

Only half of the original ellipse remains. In Select

mode this half ellipse can be closed with a line.

32 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

Pick Select mode.

With the vector selected, select Close Vector with a Line.

The vector is now closed. A polyline needs to be

created to mirror the vector around.

Select Create Polyline.

Enter X as 10.3, Y as 1.5 and press Add.
Enter X as 3.6, Y as 6.6 and press Add and then Close.

Select the polyline and the leaf shape and select Mirror Vectors.
Tick Copy the Original Vectors and press About Line.

Select Close. Select the polyline and press Cut.

The leaf shape has been generated. A copy is required over

the other side.

Select Create Polyline.

Snap to the horizontal guideline to create a line across the whole model.
Select the horizontal vector and the leaf shapes.

Select Mirror Vectors.

Tick Copy the Original Vectors and press About Line.

For the other design a circle

will be modified.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 33
3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Select Create Circles.

Set the Circle Centre as X 10 Y 0. Select Radius and enter 1.5mm.
Untick Create with arcs and press Create.
Set the Circle Centre as X 16 Y 0. Select Radius and enter 6mm.
Press Create and then Close.

The smaller circle will be subtracted from the larger circle.

Select the larger circle and then shift select the smaller circle.

Select subtract vectors. Select Node mode.

Move the mouse over the top marked area

and from the right mouse menu select Insert
a point.

Move the mouse over the bottom marked

area and from the right mouse menu select
Insert a point.

The addition of these extra node points will allow us to

move the node point in between the new points and it will
only stretch the vector within that region.

Select the middle node.

Drag the point along the horizontal vector
and release the mouse at a suitable position
as shown.

Delete the horizontal vector.

34 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

The design has been changed.

The two control points can be dragged to produce a more

realistic curve.

Select each control point and move around as shown.

The shape is complete. For an inner part a polyline can be

generated, using the smooth option.

Press Select vectors. Select Create Polyline. .

Tick Draw smooth polylines.
Click on several points on the model to make the shape as shown.
Click on the start point to finish off the vector. Select Close.

The last point is not smoothed when it is joined. This can be

achieved in node mode by smoothing the point.

When you are in node mode a smooth point is shown as blue

and a non-smooth point is shown as black.

All of the vectors can now be offset.

Press Select vectors.

Stretch a box over all of the vectors. Select Offset vectors.

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3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Select an Offset Distance of 1. Select Outwards.

Select Radiused and press Offset and then Close.

The design has now been finished.

Closed vectors can be filled in with bitmap colour to give an idea of what the design will look
like before the relief is made.

Select the new offset vector and select the gold coloured square at the
bottom of the 2D view with the left mouse button.
Select flood fill vectors.

The whole inside of the vector

is filled with the colour . The
colour is a bitmap. Other
vectors can be selected and
filled to overwrite the colour.

Select the leaf and stalk vectors and select the green coloured square
at the bottom of the 2D view
Select flood fill vectors.

Select the petal vectors and select the red coloured square at the
bottom of the 2D view
Select flood fill vectors.

If the vectors were altered, the

colours need to be recreated.

Select File Save and then Close.

36 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

Selected Node Editing.

When a node is selected it turns red and can be moved dynamically. Shift and select allows
you to select several nodes in a curve, ctrl and select allows you to pick individual nodes,
which can be moved together.

You can select X on the keyboard to line the points up horizontally with the X value of the
first node. Selecting Y lines up the points vertically with the first point.

Vector Clipping and Slicing

Vector clipping allows you to cut a group of vectors within a defined vector. Vector slicing
will slice a vector up and can repair the ends.

Vector Clipping Example

In a new model create the following vectors.

The sizes do not really matter as long as there are a few stars
within the pentagon.

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3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

Select Vector Clipping.

The vector clipping form appears with instruction on how to use

the command and the different results available with the options
given.

Select the polygon and then shift select all of the other vectors (can
drag a box).
Select Inside and Trim.
Press Clip Vectors.

The stars that are whole within the polygon are kept and
the stars that cross the polygon are trimmed back to the
polygon.

Experiment with the other options.

38 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 3. Vector Editing

Vector Slicing Example

In a new model create the following vectors.

These vectors can be of any size.

Shift - Select both the closed vectors followed by the open (slicing) vector,
and then select Slice Selected Vectors.

The slice form appears displaying the options available. The use
last selected vector option is only available when more than
one vector is selected. Otherwise it will be greyed out.

Select the option Close and use last selected vector.

Select Slice Vectors.
Nudge the two new vectors up and down using the keyboard up and
down arrow keys to see the result.

The vectors have been sliced and rejoined.

Experiment with the other options.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 39
3. Vector Editing ArtCAM

40 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 4. Generating a Relief

4. Generating a Relief
Relief.
A Relief is the actual 3D model that ArtCAM produces and is generated from vectors,
bitmaps or by combining reliefs. Basic Reliefs are generated from a closed vector using the
Shape Editor. Double clicking on the selected vector/s will bring up the shape editor.

There are three main types, domes, pyramid and flat plane.
By selecting a shape then other options become available.

There are 6 options, Add, Subtract, Merge High, Merge

Low, Zero and Zero Rest.

The 2D view shows the dome relief already made from a

circle vector and the rectangle selected for the new relief.

Add
ADD
This method adds the new relief on top of
the current relief, giving the following
effect.

In this case a plane of a start height of

1mm was Added.

Subtract
This method removes the new relief from SUBTRACT

the current relief, giving the following

effect.

In this case a plane of a start height of

1mm was Subtracted from the dome.

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4. Generating a Relief ArtCAM

ZERO

Zero
By using Zero the area inside the vector
will be given a z height of zero.

Note: with this option it does not matter what relief shape was chosen, the 2D rectangle area
was zeroed.

MERGE HIGH

Merge High
The new relief is checked against the
current relief and where the new relief is
higher in Z it will be displayed. This
gives the effect of the new relief merging into the current relief.

In this case a plane of a start height of 1mm was Merged High with the dome.

MERGE LOW

Merge Low
The new relief is checked against the current
relief and where the new relief is lower in Z
(such as the zero plane) it will be displayed.

In this case a plane of a start height of 1mm was Merged Low with the dome.

ZERO REST
Zero Rest
By using Zero Rest the area inside the vector
will be unchanged and the rest of the relief
flattened to the zero plane.

Note: with this option it does not matter what relief shape was chosen, the area outside the 2D
rectangle area was zeroed.

Reliefs are shown in the 3D view and can be saved as separate files. The smoothness of an
ArtCAM relief is defined by the original resolution the model was generated in.

42 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 8
ArtCAM 4. Generating a Relief

Anchor Example.
Open the model anchor.art from Examples2.

The vectors have been generated for this model.

Select the outer, bar vector of the anchor as shown.

Double Click on the vector to bring up the Shape Editor.

A flat plane shape has been selected with a start

height of 0.5. The start height indicates the very top
Z level of the flat plane.

Press Add, Close and then F3.

Switch off the Draw Zero Plane

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4. Generating a Relief ArtCAM

The bar is produced. If you put your mouse over the

relief and look at the Z-axis it will show the Z height as
0.5.

Press F2. De-select the bar vector. Hold down Shift and Select the two
vectors inside the bar.

The relief will be generated inside these two

vectors.

Right Mouse Click and select Shape Editor from the menu.

The vectors have been given a dome shape with an

angle of 45 degrees, with no limit. This means that
the dome will rise at 45 degrees until it meets in
the middle of the vector. A higher angle would
produce a higher relief.

Select the Dome option.

Change the start height to 0 and press Add, Close and then F3.

The extra detail has been added to the relief.

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ArtCAM 4. Generating a Relief

Press F2. Select the main anchor vector.

This vector will be merged into the bar vector.

Right Mouse Click and select Shape Editor from the menu.

The vector has been given a pyramid shape, with a

steep angle of 65 degrees, until it reaches a height of
0.75mm, where it will remain flat.

Select Merge High, Close and then F3.

The main anchor shape is now combined with the bar.

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4. Generating a Relief ArtCAM

Press F2. Select the hook vectors.

These vectors will be combined with the current relief.

Right Mouse Click and select Shape Editor from the menu.

These vectors have been given a small angle but they

start from a Z height of 0.75.

Select Merge High, Close and then F3.

The hooks have now been added.

Press F2. Select the ring vectors.

Right Mouse Click and select Shape Editor from the menu.

46 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 8
ArtCAM 4. Generating a Relief

The hook has been given a dome profile with a high

angle, with a start height of 0.5

Select Merge High, Close and then F3.

Spin the relief around by holding down the left mouse button.
Select File Save As naming the model in C:\Temp as training-anchor.
Select File Close.

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4. Generating a Relief ArtCAM

Tin Lid Example

Open the model tintop.art from Examples2.
Select the bitmap on/off command.

This turns the bitmap colour off so that the vectors can be seen clearly and easily picked.

These vectors were generated in ArtCAM and are all

closed. They will be used to produce a relief of the tin
lid, which will be painted using the bitmap colours.

Select the outer circle vector.

Select the shape editor.
Select a Dome Shape with an Angle of 60, a start height of 5, with limit
to height set with a value of 1mm.
Press Add and then F3 (3D view).

This relief is made up of a flat platform up to

5mm and then a dome shape of up by a
maximum of 1mm on top. This gives the effect
of a smooth fillet around the rim.

The leaves need to be defined now as they are

partially underneath the sunflower.

48 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 8
ArtCAM 4. Generating a Relief

Press F2 (2D view).

Select both of the leaf vectors.
Select the shape editor.
Select a Dome Shape with an Angle of -8, a start height of 0.5, with no
limit set. Press Add and then F3 (3D view).

The leaf shape has been added on the top with a

platform of 0.5mm, which has then been scooped out
by a low angle to give the leaf shape some shape.

The leaf veins can now be added.

Press F2 (2D view).

Select both of the leaf vein vectors.
Select the shape editor.
Select a Dome Shape with an Angle of 10, a start height of 0, with no
limit set. Press Add and then F3 (3D view).

By zooming into one of the leaves you can see that by

adding the vein relief it follows the shallow shape of the
leaf.

The petals on the flower can be added. This is added in

two separate stages to allow for some petals to be
higher than the others.

Press F2 (2D view).

Select the petal to the left of the highest petal to select the lower group.

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4. Generating a Relief ArtCAM

Select the shape editor.

Select a Dome Shape with an Angle of 15, a start height of 6.5, with
scale to height set with a value of 1mm.
Press Merge High and then F3 (3D view).

When Merge High is used the start height set is an

Actual value from the Z0 of the relief. By setting
the value higher than the leaves the flower is raised
above.

Press F2 (2D view).

Select the highest petal to select the higher group.
Select the shape editor.
Select a Dome Shape with an Angle of 15, a start height of 7, with scale
to height set with a value of 1mm.
Press Merge High and then F3 (3D view).

This petal group is higher than the other group, and

is shown higher, so the petals in the front are full
petals and the petals behind are only partial petals.

The dome for the sunflower centre can now be

generated.

Press F2 (2D view).

Select the small circle vector (in the centre of the flower).
Select the shape editor.
Select a Dome Shape with an Angle of 25, a start height of 7, with no
limit set.
Press Merge High and then F3 (3D view).

The centre of the flower has been merged into the petals.

The text can now be added.

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ArtCAM 4. Generating a Relief

Press F2 (2D view).

Select both of the text vectors.
Select the shape editor.
Select a Pyramid Shape with an Angle of 45, a start height of 6, with
Limit to height set with a value of 0.2mm.
Press Merge High and then F3 (3D view).

The text has been given a chamfered edge and a flat top
making it stand out.

This relief can be shown in other colours or using the 2D

bitmap colours.

From the Assistant - Model, select Lights and Material.

In the Shading Setup or Material areas select a down arrow (to the right of
a current settings tab) and select an alternative (Note the selection in the
Material category or adjustment to a slider will only update on clicking
Apply).

In The Material section select 2D View and press Apply and observe the
change in style on the relief to reflect the 2D bitmap colour scheme.

The relief is overlaid with the same colour scheme as the

2D bitmap (This will override the settings in Shading
Setup)

The whole relief can be shaded from a choice of colour

schemes located in the Shading Setup or Material pull
down menus.

In the Material section select Selected Colour and press Apply.

Select File Save As naming the model in C:/Temp as train-tin-lid.

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4. Generating a Relief ArtCAM

In ArtCAM you can use a selected vector to distort the final relief, allowing you to
interactively shape the final relief.

Press F2 (2D view).

Select the circle vector.
From the Assistant - Relief Editing select Relief Envelope Distortion.

The Relief Envelope Distortion page appears. Also the

selected vector is displayed within a gridded box (called
the envelope) with nodes at the corners.

These nodes can be moved around, stretching and

squeezing the relief. The behaviour of the relief is
controlled by the options on this page.

Additional nodes can be added and the vector is edited by

using normal vector commands.

When a relief is distorted, the Z height can also change, if

required or kept the same. The options can give very
different effects.

The use existing curve will be covered later.

Finally, to accept the finished distortion you press Finish,

otherwise Cancel will revert the relief back to its original
shape.

The Grid can be clearly seen in the 2D

view. Individual nodes can be moved
around and the angles can be changed.

52 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 8
ArtCAM 4. Generating a Relief

Select the option Replace Original Relief.

Select Create Vector Outline and set relief scaling as average scale at
100% (A rectangular Vector appears as the outer limit).
Select in the form to access node editing.
Put the mouse in the middle of the top span and press I to insert a new
point.
Select the new point and move it down in the Y until it is halfway down
the text letter l.

Move the left angle node down.

Select the right span across the top and press L to convert to a line.

Move the bottom left angle node until it snaps on the letter e.
Move the bottom right angle node until it snaps on the letter d

The new shape of the relief is shown in outline.

Select Add, press Paste (to recreate the relief) and Finish to accept.
Select F3.
From the Assistant Model Lights and Material, select Default.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 8 53
4. Generating a Relief ArtCAM

The relief has been distorted.

Press Finish to save the relief.

Press F2.
Select the greyscale view.

When the relief is changed the greyscale view is

automatically updated. By switching the greyscale
view on you can see the difference from the
original vector design.

If you move the mouse over the flat part of this

relief the Z value is around 5.75. The previous Z
height was 6mm.

To keep the Z height the same the option Keep

Current Z would be used.

Select File Close.

Pyramid Exercise

Create the vectors and

make a relief using
your own values.

54 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 8
ArtCAM 5. Combining Reliefs

5. Combining Reliefs
Teddy Bear Example
This example creates the Teddy bear relief using Angled plane and ISO-Form lettering as well
as the combining the reliefs.

Open the file Teddy.art from the Examples/Ted_bear

directory using the Open File button on the File toolbar.
Select the body vector using the Left mouse button.

Double click the selected vector.

Select a Dome shape, with an angle of 45 degrees with No Limit and click
the Add button. Select Close.
Select the 3D view using F3.

The 3D view can display the relief shaded,

wireframe and low, medium or high detail. The base
plane can be displayed or switched off. This picture
is low detail with the zero plane switched off.

Select the Draw Zero Plane button at the top of the 3D View
window to toggle the display of the base plane.
Select Low Detail.

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5. Combining Reliefs ArtCAM

Press the F2 key to select the 2D View.

Using the Left mouse button, select the Outer ears vectors and then hold
down the Shift key and select the Inner ears vectors.

Double click and select a Dome shape with No Limit, an angle of 45

degrees with a start height of 0.5. Select Add.

ArtCAM generates a shape for the area between the

selected vectors.

De-select the vectors in the 2D View and select the inner ears vectors.

Double click the selected group and select Reset button.

Select a flat plane with a start height of 0.5 and press Merge High.

The inner ears have been merged with the outer edge.

Select the arm vectors.

If the arms were added to the body, then a bulge would

appear where the shape is added on the top of the body
relief. The arms need to be merged high.

56 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 5. Combining Reliefs

Select a Dome shape, with an angle of 45 degrees with No Limit and click
the Merge High button.

The arms are generated.

Select the face vector.

The face will be given a rounded appearance with a higher

angle. The face will be merged into the current relief.

Select a Dome shape with an angle of 60 degrees with No Limit and

press Merge High.

The face has been added. The higher dome

angle makes the face higher and rounder.

Select the circle vector.

If a dome shapes is added on top of the relief, it will

follow the shape of the relief to produce a rounded
belly. Using Add if a high angle was used the effect
would be more pronounced as there is already a curve
on the relief.

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5. Combining Reliefs ArtCAM

Select a dome shape of 15 degrees with a start height of 0 to No limit

and press Add.

The teddy has a nice round belly

Select the feet vectors.

The relief for these feet vectors will be generated using an

angle plane. This will slope the feet at a specified angle
making the toes point forwards and the heels lean back.

Open Relief Editing on the Assistant.

Creating an Angled plane and other relief operations such as smoothing are available from
this part of the assistant. An Angled plane can be generated on the whole relief or within
selected vectors.

Select the Create Angled Plane icon.

Click on Show Help.

A minimum of two points must be selected to generate the plane, but to

guarantee the correct orientation; it is advisable to use the maximum of
three points.

These points are best picked from the vectors. Once all three points are
picked, then the Z vectors can be changed as necessary.

Once the plane has been defined then you can choose whether to add,
subtract, merge highest or lowest to the current relief.

58 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 5. Combining Reliefs

Click Set Third Point and press the Start button.

Select the bottom point of the left vector with the mouse.

Once Start has been selected, the First point is expected

to be selected (this is the bottom point of the plane). As
the mouse is moved over the vector it changes to a target
symbol. The second point is at the top of the vector.

Select the top of the vector with the mouse.

A dotted line shows the distance from the first point to the
second point. The third point is midway between the two
vectors.

Click in the centre of the vectors (Centre located symbol is:- )

Now all three plane positions have been captured, the Z

value for each position becomes available.

Set the First Point Z as 1.5, Second Point Z as 3.5 and Third Point Z as
2.75.
Select Highest and press Create.

The angled plane has been generated giving

the feet a slightly pointed look. Further relief
can be added onto these areas.

Select Close and double click on the feet vectors.

Select a dome shape with an angle of 15 degrees with No Limit and
press Add.

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5. Combining Reliefs ArtCAM

The dome shape has been added to the angled

feet.

Select the snout and the Paw print grouped vectors.

These will have the same shape so can be created at the same
time.

Select a Dome shape with an angle of 45 degrees with No Limit and

press Add.
Select the eyes and nose vectors.
Select a Dome shape with an angle of 45 degrees with No Limit and
press Add.

To complete the teddy this relief can be

smoothed to soften the edges between each
shape. Smoothing is a progressive command,
the more you smooth, the more you reduce
your details and it blurs together.

Click the Smooth Relief button on the Relief Editing Assistant.

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ArtCAM 5. Combining Reliefs

This displays the smooth options.

Select Whole Relief, enter the number of Smoothing Passes as 5 and

select Apply.
View with High Detail set at the top of the 3D Relief window)

The teddy relief is smoother around the edges.

ISO-FORM Letters
Iso-form letters have a constant height set by the user, whereas text created using the Shape
Editor can result in thin parts of the letters being lower than the rest of the relief.

We are now going to add some lettering to the teddys tummy, using Iso-form letters. The
Greyscale view of the relief helps visualisation in the 2D view.

Select the Greyscale View.

The higher the relief the whiter it appears, so that you have
an overall idea of the changing heights in the relief.

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5. Combining Reliefs ArtCAM

Select Vector Text and set the font as Times New Roman and a
height of 2mm.
Click the Position on the belly and type the text TED.

With the Text selected, click the Iso-form letters button on

the Relief, top toolbar.

The following dialog box appears:

Give the letters a Top Height of 0.25mm and a Bottom Height of 0.25mm.
Ensure Circular Cross Section is selected, select Add and click OK.

Closer inspection of the

letters will show that they
have a constant height.

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ArtCAM 5. Combining Reliefs

Exercise.
Open the model training-phone-cover.art.
Generate your own relief using these vectors.

Exercise
Create a new model with a width of 30 and height of 60.
Import the vector data angel.eps from Examples2.

Create a relief from the closed vectors.

Save and Close the model.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 63
5. Combining Reliefs ArtCAM

64 Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9
ArtCAM 6. Pictures

6. Pictures
Introduction
Pictures (*.gif *.tif *.jpg or *.bmp) can be turned into ArtCAM reliefs by either assigning
shapes to the selected coloured areas or by creating a vector from the colours and using the
vectors with the shape editor. Coloured Pictures can be generated or edited within ArtCAM

The quality of the original picture will determine the quality of the relief. For example if a
poor image (low resolution) is used, then by using the colour method a poor relief will be

obtained. However this can be fixed by adjusting the resolution.

Pictures are loaded directly into ArtCAM by using File Open and selecting the Picture.

Smiley Face Example

In this example a gif picture will be opened and the colours will be given different reliefs
using the shape editor.

Select Open Existing Model

The open form appears and by default is looking for an ArtCAM model (*.art). The type of
file to be searched for be changed with the pull down menu.

Select the option gif.

Change the directory to Examples2 and select Smile.gif and press Open.

The set model form allows you to change the

image size (while keeping the proportions) and
the position of the origin.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 65
6. Pictures ArtCAM

Change the image height to 100 mm and the origin to the centre and
press OK.

The picture has been loaded into an ArtCAM model.

This picture is for a new logo for a childrens badge.

At the bottom of the 2D view every colour used in the

picture is shown within a square. Each of these
coloured squares can be double-clicked using the left
mouse button to bring up the shape editor for that
colour.

Double-click on the yellow square, with

the left mouse button

The colour yellow is filled in the preview window to

confirm the selection.

Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 60, Start Height of 1, Limit to Height

with a height of 1.5 and press Add and then Close.
Press F3.

The yellow area has been given a relief, leaving the mouth
and eye area unchanged.

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ArtCAM 6. Pictures

Press F2.
Double-click on the red square, with the left mouse button
Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 75, Start Height of 1, No Limit and press
Add and then Close.
Press F3.

The eye has a hole in the centre as it the picture had

some white in the centre of the eye.

The blue eye is almost identical to the red eye so the

same shape will be associated with the colour.

Press F2.
Double-click on the blue square, with the left mouse button
Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 75, Start Height of 1, No Limit and press
Add and then Close.
Press F3.

Both eyes now look the same. The white pupil will now
be made.

Press F2.
Double-click on the white square, with the left mouse button
Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 90, Start Height of 1, No Limit and press
Add and then Close.
Press F3.

What has happened here is that the colour white is

used both as pupils and surrounding the face area.
The whole white areas have been given the dome
profile.

The black mouth is now generated

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 67
6. Pictures ArtCAM

Press F2.
Double-click on the black square, with the left mouse button
Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 90, Start Height of 1, No Limit and press
Add and then Close.
Press F3.

The relief is now complete but is not the

desired effect. To get the desired effect
colour linking will be used.

From the assistant, select Reset Relief.

Press F2.

The first major change to this bitmap will be to change the colour of the white of the eyes to
distinguish it from the outside. This will be done by painting over with a different colour,
using flood fill. First a new colour needs to be selected from the colour palette.

From the assistant, select add colour.

A range of colours appear.

Select the Light blue

Press OK.

The colour is now loaded into the bottom of the 2D view in a square and is also selected as
the primary colour.

From the assistant, select flood fill

Using the tip of the brush, click in the white eyes.

The centre of the eyes are changed to light blue.

The flood fill command must now be exited.

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ArtCAM 6. Pictures

Pick Select vectors.

The model can be built up, with the assistance of technique called COLOUR LINKING.

Colour Linking links together several colours as the primary colour temporarily so that it can
be modelled as one. Once the command is finished, you can unlink the colours. Colour
linking is done by using the coloured squares at the bottom of the 2D view.

The advantage of this command is that it allows you to change your bitmap without
destroying any of the design.

At the bottom of the 2D window, select the yellow square (left mouse
single click only).
Double right mouse click on the black square, the blue square, the red
square and the light blue square.

The bitmap has changed to just a yellow circle. As each colour was linked, it will change to
the same colour as the primary (yellow).

The yellow square is the primary colour and the linked colours are shown by smaller squares
and by a linking line.

A relief can be made from this new yellow area.

Double-click on the yellow square, with the left mouse button

Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 60, Start Height of 1, Limit to Height
with a height of 1.5 and press Add and then Close.
Press F3.

The yellow area is now a smooth disc

shape.

The colours need to be unlinked so they

can be used individually.

Press F2.
From the top of the 2D view select Unlink all colours.

Issue ArtCAM-PRO 9 69
6. Pictures ArtCAM

The eyes can be linked together to be treated together.

At the bottom of the 2D window, select the blue square (left mouse
single click only).
Double right mouse click on the red square and the light blue square.

Both eyes now have a solid blue colour. When these are
combined with the current relief the option MERGE
HIGH will be used.

Double-click on the blue square, with the left mouse button

Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 35, Start Height of 2.5, No Limit and
press Merge High and then Close.
Press F3.

The eyes now poke through the face. The colours

need to be unlinked so the light blue can be used to
make the pupils of the eyes, using SUBTRACT.

The black colour can be used for the mouth using

MERGE HIGH.

Press F2.
From the top of the 2D view select Unlink all colours.
Double-click on the light blue square, with the left mouse button
Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 25, No Limit and press Subtract and
then Close.
Double-click on the black square, with the left mouse button
Select a Dome Shape, Angle of 90, Start Height of 2.5, No Limit and
press Merge High and then Close.
Press F3.

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ArtCAM 6. Pictures

The model is complete and can be saved. As it was a

picture, then ArtCAM asks you for a name to save it
as an .art file.

From the File menu, select Save and save in C:\temp as training-smile.

Toucan Link Exercise

In this exercise, instead of using colours, vectors will be obtained from the colour boundaries.
These vectors will be used to build up the relief. If the image is not very good, you can use the
bitmap as a guide and trace your own vectors.

Click the Open Existing Model icon.

Select the folder Examples2. Select File Type to be Gif image (*.gif).
Select the file toucan.gif and click Open.
Left Click on the first green coloured box along the palette to assign it as
the Primary.
Double Click with the right mouse on the remaining 5 green colours
along the palette to link them to the Primary.

The toucan is now temporarily surrounded by the

single green Primary colour.

For main the body of the toucan, the yellow feet and
the red beak are not required, so they will also be
linked to the green Primary colour.

A Vector can then be produced around the edge of

the linked Primary colour by applying Bitmap to
Vector.

Double Click on the red and yellow with the right mouse button.
Select the Vector toolbar.

From the vector toolbar, select Bitmap to Vector icon.

Select OK for the default Tolerance of 15 pixels.
Select Bitmap On/Off from the controls at the top of the 2D window.

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6. Pictures ArtCAM

Vectors defining the outline of the toucan and the

maximum relief area, outer border are created. The
outer Vector will be deleted while the toucan
Vector will be retained to be smoothed and edited as
required.

Delete the square outside vector. Double click the bird vector.
Select a dome shape with an angle of 45 degrees and press Add.
Visually check the relief in the 3D view.
At the top of the 2D view select Unlink all colours.

Select the Bitmap On/Off to re-display the coloured areas.

The feet can now be generated.

Select the yellow coloured box using the left mouse button.

Select Bitmap to Vector

As there are some small straight areas we wish

to keep as straight lines in the vector, the
option keep lines longer is used. The pixel
number can be altered to suit.

Select Keep lines longer than 5 pixels and press OK

Select the red coloured box using the left mouse button.

Select Bitmap to Vector and select OK for the Tolerance.

Select Bitmap On/Off from the top 2D controls to remove the colours.
Select the toes and beak vectors.
Select a dome shape with an angle of 45 degrees and press Merge
High. Select F3.

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ArtCAM 6. Pictures

The eye shape is created in the relief by subtracting

the white coloured area. The combined wing shape is
created using add.

Select F2 to activate the 2D window and select Bitmap On/Off

from the top 2D controls to restore the colours.
Double left click the white coloured area around the eyes.
Select a flat shape with a start height of 0.5 and press Subtract.
Left click the mid blue palette box defining the colour for the bottom part
of the wing.
Double right click the dark blue area defining the top part of the wing.
Double left click the blue wing colour and in the Shape Editor set a
dome shape with an angle of 25 degrees and press Add.

The finished relief has been generated from a

combination of vectors and bitmap colours.

From the File menu, select Save As and save in C:\temp as training-
mytoucan.

Note: For pictures containing a large number of colours, the Reduce Number command can
be applied from the Colour pull down menu.

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6. Pictures ArtCAM

Exercise

Using Create Polyline with draw smooth

polyline option ticked, trace the feathers on
the wing.

Use the vectors to update the wing.

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ArtCAM 7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief

7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief

Overview
The 3D Blend function is a very useful command that can produce complex reliefs with
relative ease.

Star Example
Open the model star-blend.art from Examples2.

This model already has various vectors already

drawn in it.

In Relief Editing select 3D Blend.

The 3D Blend assistant page appears providing a comprehensive

range of the options. The 3D blend - relief is either generated
from a single vector to a central or user defined point, or across
to an inner vector using one of the Profile types, displayed in
the form.

The final shape of the relief is controlled by a combination of

the type of Profile and Height definitions selected.

The above options combined with merge highest, lowest, add,

and subtract relief provides a very powerful command for the
user.

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7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief ArtCAM

Select the Star vector and shift and select the circle as well.
Select the Linear Profile option.
Select Border height as 0.
Select Inner height as 5.
Select Inner Vector Edge and tick - Fill Inner Vector.
Select Highest and press Create Blend.

The relief has a linear blend from the

outer to the inner vector. It then
continues at constant height (5mm)
across the area inside the inner
vector.

Select Undo (Ctrl + Z).

With the vectors still selected and the 3D blend
page open, Untick - Fill Inner Vector Edge.
Select Highest and press Create Blend.

This time the area on the relief inside

the inner vector is left open on the
relief.

Select Undo (Ctrl + Z).

With the vectors still selected and the 3D blend page open, select the
Profile option Smooth.

Tick - Fill Inner Vector Edge.

Select Highest and press Create Blend.

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ArtCAM 7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief

A smooth relief is produced from

the outer to the inner vector. It
then continues at constant height
(5mm) across the area inside the
inner vector.

Select Undo (Ctrl + Z).

Select the outer star vector only with the Linear Profile option selected.
Switch On - Select Point With Cursor and enter x 0 and y 10.
Select Highest and press Create Blend.

The relief is produced with an offset vector

blend producing an offset centred star
shape.

The next part of the chapter will compare the addition of different cross sectional, Selected
Vectors numbered 1 to 3 as shown below.

Each vector will produce a different shape when scaled across the relief to the defined
heights. The Selected Vector is always picked last.

Select Undo (Ctrl + Z).

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7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief ArtCAM

Select the outer followed by the inner vector and with the 3D Blend page
open, select the Profile option, Selected Vector.
Hold shift and select the cross section vector 1 from the 2D window.
In Blend from Border to: set Inner Vector Edge and tick the box Fill
Inner Vector.

Select Highest and press Create Blend.

A new relief has been produced as the cross

section, vector 1 scaled between the inner and
outer vectors. It then continues at constant height
(5mm) across the area inside the inner vector.

Select Undo (Ctrl + Z).

Select the star vector, shift select the circle vector and then the cross
section, vector 2.
Select Highest and press Create Blend.

The new relief has been produced as the

scaled vector 2 between the inner and outer
vectors. It then continues at constant height
(5mm) across the area inside the inner
vector.

Select Undo (Ctrl + Z).

Select the star vector and shift select the cross section, vector 3.
Select Middle of Border Vector.
Select Highest and press Create Blend.

The shape of the relief is controlled by cross

sectional, vector 3 running from the outer
star vector inwards as well as from the
centre outwards. The maximum height
(5mm) occurs exactly half way between the
outer star vector and the centre.

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ArtCAM 7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief

Fade Relief
This command will reduce a relief down by a percentage (100% is down to zero) within a
specified area.

Shoe Sole Example

Open the model shoe-tread.art.

This shoe sole relief was generated

from vectors, created by opening a
picture file. The sole needs to be faded
to generate a better design.

Select the 2D view.

From the Assistant, select Fade Relief.

The fade relief command appears.

Fade strength can be set anywhere from 1 to 1005, with
100% being faded down to 0 and 50 % down to half the
current height in Z.

The reverse option allows you to fade upwards instead of

downwards.

Linear fade, with fade the whole relief between the start
and end of a line.

Radial fade will produce a radial fade from a central

position.
Between boundaries fade will limit the fade area between
two selected vectors.

With the fade strength at 100%, reverse unticked, linear selected, press
Start.

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7. 3D Blend and Fade Relief ArtCAM

With this option, once start is pressed, then you need

to select two positions.

The start position shows where the fade is going to

start and the second position where it is going to end.

Using the cursor, select the two points (1 and then 2) as shown.
Press Create.

The toe region has been faded. The x

and y values are kept even when you
undo, to allow you to try different
options.

The fade is parallel to the line, so if

you pick angled points, you get an
angled fade.

Change the fade strength to 50% and press Create.

Press Start.

With this option, once start is pressed, then you need to

select two positions.

The start position shows where the fade is going to start and
the second position where it is going to end.

Using the cursor, select the two points (1 and then 2) as shown.
Press Create.

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The heel area has been given a sloped

edge.

The radial option can now be used.

Select the 2D view.

Select the option radial with a Fade Strength of 25%.
Select the oval vector (marked as 1).

With the radial option, a selected vector must be used to

define the fade area.

Press Select Centre and pick the oval centre (marked as 2).
Press Create.

As the edge of the selected vector is where it fades

down to, the result may not be what is expected. To
change the effect so that it fades from the edge down to
the centre of the oval, the Reverse option is used.

Press Undo
Select Reverse and then press Create

The relief has been faded from the border down to the
centre of the oval.

The between boundaries option is going to be used to

create a defined fade.

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Select the option between boundaries and shaped vector (marked 1) the
oval vector (marked as 2). Leave reverse ticked.

The area between these two boundaries will be faded.

Press Create and then Close.

The shoe sole design is

complete.

Close the ArtCAM model, without saving.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

Overview
Extrude, Spin and Turn are commands that create reliefs from vectors.
These command are presented in wizard format.

Extrude Relief
An extruded relief is produced using 2 or more vectors. The relief is produced by
sweeping the start profile vector along the drive curve vector. If an end profile
vector is used the relief will change shape from one end to the other.

Drive Curve Extrude Example

Create a New Model with size of 25mm by 25mm of resolution 1078 x

1078 with the origin in the centre.

The vectors for this command need to be made first. The drive curve vector is made from
creating a circle and removing some nodes. The dive curve vector has to be a single vector,
joined together (not Grouped).

Create a circle of radius 7 at X 0 Y 0.

Select N (Node mode) and remove the lower spans.

The drive curve determines the location of the relief.

The start and end profile now need to be generated.

They are like sections through the relief, and have to
be single vectors, joined together (not Grouped).

Create a rectangle of width 4, height 2, corner radii 0 at X-8 Y-4.

Select N (Node mode) and remove the lower span.

This rectangle will be the start profile (section).

The vector is the exact size that is required and can
be located anywhere on the 2D view.

The start profile vector has to be a single vector,

joined together (not Grouped).

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

We now have the minimum of vectors to generate an extrude relief.

Click the Extrude button on the Relief Toolbar.

The Extrude Wizard appears and can be

moved around the screen, if desired.

The Extrude Wizard is a series of pages

leading the user through the stages needed to
create the shape. Each page has instructions
and the Next > button takes it to the next
page. At any time the < Back button can be
used to go back to a previous page.

This first page is for selecting the Drive

Curve.

Select the Drive Curve vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The vector is highlighted.

The Green Square indicates the Start of the Curve,

where the Start Profile will be located.

The ticks on the curve indicates which side of the

vector the profiles will be extruded along.

Leave all options on the Wizard unticked and press Next >.

This page is for selecting the Start Profile.

Select the rectangle vector with the left mouse button

On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

The vector is highlighted.

The Green Square indicates the Start of the section.

The ticks on the curve indicates whether the relief would

be positive (ticks inside) or negative (ticks outside)

In this case, this vector is not correct, but it can be changed by using the options on the
Wizard page.

Tick move anchor point to other end and Invert Curve in Z.

The vector is updated immediately with the start point on the

left hand side and the ticks facing inwards.

Press Next >.

This page is for selecting the End Profile.

By default the End Profile is the Same as the

Start Profile box is ticked. If an End Profile is
required, this option must be unticked to allow
a vector to be selected.

Press Next >.

This page allows is for selecting an optional Z

modulation Vector.

This is a vector that varies the Z Height of

the extrusion along the length of the drive
curve vector.

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Press Next >.

This page allows you to select the combination

method to be used to combine with the existing
relief.

With Add selected, click the Extrude button. Close the Wizard.
Switch on the greyscale view from the top of the 2D window.

The relief has been generated inside the arc as

selected.

Press the F3 key to select the 3D View.

The relief is generated.

This relief will be reset and a new end profile

vector generated. The other vectors will be re-
used to make a new relief.

From the relief toolbar, select Reset Relief.

Press F2.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

Create a circle of radius 2 at X 0 Y0.

Select N (Node mode) and remove the lower spans.

This smaller semi circle will be the end profile vector.

Click the Extrude button on the Relief Toolbar.

The Extrude Wizard appears on the first page for selecting the Drive Curve.

Select the Drive Curve vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select

The vector is highlighted as before

Select Use as Centreline on the Wizard.

The ticks are now displayed both sides, which

means that the created relief will be created in
the middle.

Press Next >.

The Start Profile page appears on the Wizard.

Select the rectangle vector with the left mouse button.

On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The vector is highlighted as before.

Press Next >.

The End Profile page appears.

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Untick End profile is the same as the start profile.

Select the small semi-circle vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The start point is on the bottom left and the ticks are inside,
which match the rectangle vector. This means that the
extrude will flow between each profile without twisting or
turning upside down half way through.

Press Next >.

The Z modulation vector page appears on the Wizard.

Press Next >.

The combine relief page appears on the Wizard.

With Add selected, click the Extrude button. Close the Wizard.

The relief has been generated either side of the

drive curve vector.

Press the F3 key to select the 3D View.

The relief is generated.

This relief will be reset and a new Z modulation

vector generated. The other vectors will be re-
used to make the new relief.

From the relief toolbar, select Reset Relief.

Press F2.

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The Z modulation vector will override any heights associated with the start or end vectors.
This vector proportionally changes the relief in Z along the whole length of the drive curve. Z
modulation vectors are also used with Spin and 2 Rail Sweep.

From the 2D view menu, select Snap Grid Settings and enter a grid size
of 1mm with the Snap to grid selected.
Use polyline to create a modulation vector by snapping to the grid points.

This vector will be used as the modulation vector.

Click the Extrude button on the Relief Toolbar.

The Extrude Wizard appears on the first page for selecting the Drive Curve.

Select the Drive Curve vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select

Select Use as Centreline on the Wizard.

The drive curve vector is correct.

Press Next >.

The Start Profile page appears on the Wizard.

Select the rectangle vector with the left mouse button.

On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The vector is correct

Press Next >.

The End Profile page appears.

Untick End profile is the same as the start profile.

Select the small semi-circle vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The vector is correct.

Press Next >.

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

The Z modulation vector page appears on the Wizard.

Tick Use a z modulation vector.

Select the new snapped vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The modulation vector is selected. The start point is on

the left hand side and the ticks are inside, indicating a
positive relief.

Press Next >.

The combine relief page appears on the Wizard.

With Add selected, click the Extrude button. Close the Wizard.

The relief has been generated either side of the

drive curve vector and looks similar to the
previous relief.

Press the F3 key to select the 3D View.

The relief is generated and the effect of the Z

modulation vector can now be seen.

This relief will be reset and the Z modulation

vector will be used a start profile. All other
vectors will be deleted and a new drive curve
vector generated.

From the relief toolbar, select Reset Relief.

Press F2.
From the 2D view menu, select Snap Grid Settings and untick Draw to
Grid and Snap to grid.
Delete all vectors apart from the z modulation vector.
Create a polygon of 5 sides of radius 4.5 at X 0 Y -1.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

The pentagon will be used as the drive curve with

the relief being generated outside. With a sharp
drive curve like this, the option create square
corners on the drive curve keeps the relief sharp,
otherwise it will round off the shape.

Click the Extrude button on the Relief Toolbar.

The Extrude Wizard appears on the first page for selecting the Drive Curve.

Select the Drive Curve pentagon vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select

Select Create Square corners on the Wizard.

Make sure the ticks are outside.

Press Next >.

The Start Profile page appears on the Wizard.

Select the other snapped vector with the left mouse button.
On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

Press Next >.

The End Profile page appears.

Press Next >.

The Z modulation vector page appears on the Wizard.

Press Next >.

The combine relief page appears on the Wizard.

With Add selected, click the Extrude button. Close

the Wizard.

The relief has been generated outside of the drive curve vector.

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

Press the F3 key to select the 3D View.

The relief is generated with the inside the pentagon

shape.

From the File menu, select Save and save in C:\temp as training-
extrude.

Spin Relief
A Spin relief can be produced, by spinning a single vector around its own start
point, by using the Spin Wizard.

Spin Example
To generate a spin relief a vector needs to be generated first.
Create a New Model with size of 25mm by 25mm of resolution 1078 x
1078 with the origin in the centre.

From the 2D view menu, select Snap Grid Settings and enter a grid size
of 1mm with the Snap to grid selected.
Use polyline to create a vector by snapping to the grid points.

The polyline will be spun around its own start

point (shown as a green square) to generate a
relief. It is important where the polyline is on the
ArtCAM model, so in this case the start point is
near the centre of the model. The polyline or
start profile determines the actual size of the
model and has to be one joined item.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

Select the Spin button on the Relief toolbar.

The Spin Wizard appears:

The Spin Wizard guides through the process

of using your vector as a profile for generating
a 3D shape.

Select the snapped vector with the left mouse button.

On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The vector is selected. The start point (green

square is on the left hand side and the ticks
are inside, indicating a positive relief.

Press Next >.

The next page is for the optional selection of an

End Profile if required.

This model will use the same profile (section)

throughout so an end profile is not needed.

Press Next >.

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

This page allows you to define the angle that

the profile will be spun through. By default, the
option Sweep through 360 degrees is ticked.

If the angle required is less than 360 degrees,

the option can be switched off, and values filled
in for the Start Angle and End Angle.

These values are absolute values, with 0 at the top of the 2D View and 90
degrees to the right-hand side as shown in the diagram on the Wizard.

This example has an angle of 360 degrees

Press Next >.

The next page is the Z modulation page.

A z modulation vector is not required for this

exercise.

Press Next >.

The combine relief page is shown, with Add

selected by default.

Click the Spin button to generate the shape. Close the Wizard.
Switch on the greyscale view from the top of the 2D window.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

You can clearly see that the section has been spun around the
model.

Press F3.

The 3D view shows the full relief. The next relief will
be spun around a partial angle.

From the relief toolbar, select Reset Relief.

Press F2.
Delete the old polyline.
Use polyline to create a vector by snapping to the grid points.

This vector has a large flat area on the left. When this is spun, it will create a hole in the
middle.

Select the Spin button on the Relief toolbar.

The Spin Wizard appears with the Select Start Profile page open.

Select the snapped vector with the left mouse button.

On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

The vector is selected. The start point (green square) is on the left hand side and the ticks are
inside, indicating a positive relief.

Press Next >.

The End Profile page appears.

Press Next >.

The Select Angles page appears.

Enter a start angle of 60 and Untick Sweep through 360 degrees.

Select Clockwise and a finish angle of 120.
Press Next >.

The Z modulation page appears. A z modulation vector is not required for this exercise.

Press Next >.

The combine relief page is shown, with Add selected by default.

Click the Spin button to generate the shape. Close the Wizard.

From the greyscale view you can see that there is no relief
produced where the line is on the zero height for the section.
Also by extending the line out a bigger radius can be used.

Press F3.

The relief is created using the start and finish

angles to limit the size of the relief.

From the File menu, select Save and save in C:\temp as training-spin.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

Turn Relief
The Turn command takes a vector and turns it over itself to generate a relief. The axis
it turns over is defined as a line between the start and end points of the vector.

Turn Example
To generate a turn relief a vector needs to be generated first.

Create a New Model with size of 25mm by 25mm of resolution 1078 x

1078 with the origin in the centre.

From the 2D view menu, select Snap Grid Settings and enter a grid size
of 1mm with the Snap to grid selected.
Use polyline to create a vector by snapping to the grid points.

This single vector will be turned out of the 2D page in Z.

The centre for the model to be turned around shown as a

thick centre-line) is automatically taken as a straight line
between the start and end node of the vector.

Select the Turn button on the Relief Toolbar.

This Wizard only has two pages. The first

page allows you to select the vector, and
enter a scale factor for the Z Height. The
second page allows you to select the relief
creation method.

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

Select the snapped vector with the left mouse button.

On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

The vector is selected and the ticks appear. There are no options to change
the ticks, so if they are inside or outside it does not matter.

If Add is used you will get a positive relief and with subtract a negative
relief.

Press Next >.

The combine relief page appears, with Add

selected.

With Add selected, click on Turn and then Close.

Switch on the greyscale view from the top of the 2D window.

The relief is turned out of the page.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

Press F3.

The relief has been turned with the heights to

match the full width of the section (selected
vector) in Z.

To make a flatter shape, the scaling factor can

be reduced from 1.

The relief will be reset and the same vector

used again.

From the relief toolbar, select Reset Relief.

Press F2.
Select the Turn button on the Relief Toolbar.

The select profile page appears on the Wizard.

Select the snapped vector with the left mouse button.

On the Extrude Wizard press Select.

On the Extrude Wizard enter the scaling factor as 0.5.

Press Next >.

The combine relief page appears.

With Add selected, click on Turn and then Close.

The relief is turned out of the page and looks exactly the same in the
X and Y.

Press F3.

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

The relief is flatter in Z giving an oval

appearance.

From the File menu, select Save and save in C:\temp as training-turn.

Decal Exercise

Create a new model of size 50 by 50mm.

Create a guideline at X 0 and Y 0.
Create a polyline as shown, snapped to a grid of 1mm.

This polyline is based

around the centre of the
model.

Create a Spin Relief.

The spin has been completed. The same section,

apart from the flat part at Z zero will be used to
extrude out a shape.

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ArtCAM 8. Extrude, Spin and Turn

Create a polyline up the right hand side of the decal.

Create an Extrude Relief.

The relief has been merged into the other one to create a
crossing effect. To finish the end of the extrusion off
neatly the same section can be spun at the end.

Move the shaped section to the top of the extrusion.

Using grids helps everything line up

easily. This section is now going to be
turned and merged with the current
relief.

Create a turned Relief.

The model is completed and can be saved. To obtain the

weight a closed triangle model needs to be made. This is
done in the JewelSmith tab.

Save and Close the model.

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8. Extrude, Spin and Turn ArtCAM

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ArtCAM 9. Two Rail Sweep and Weaves

9. Two Rail Sweep and Weaves

Overview
Two Rail Sweep and Weave reliefs can only be generated by vectors.

They can be found on the Relief Toolbar or on the assistant.

Two Rail Sweep Relief

This swept profile allows freeform shapes to be created by sweeping vector cross
sections between two vector drive rails. The height of the resulting shape can also be
controlled using a Z Modulation vector.

Example
Open a New Model and set the size of the relief to 25mm by 25mm.
Create two polyline vectors and an open ellipse as shown.

The vertical vectors are mirrored to make them symmetrical, but this is
not a requirement of the command. By having sharp edges a crease in the
relief will be generated.

Select the Two Rail Sweep button on the Relief toolbar.

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9.Two Rail Sweep and Weaves ArtCAM

The Two Rail Sweep Swept Profile form appears.

This form helps you to pick the required vectors in order. The
two drive rails must have their direction, as indicated by
arrows, identical.
The modulation vector is also picked in this area of the form.

This cross section area allows you to pick where you want the
cross sections to happen along the drive rail. It also lets you
remove cross sections.

The behaviour of the 2 rail sweep relief is controlled by this

section.

Finally, the usual ArtCAM combine options are to be selected.

The Reset option unselects all of the vectors.

Select the left vertical vector.

Click the Top Drive Rail - Select button.
Select the right vertical vector.
Click the Bottom Drive Rail - Select button.

The top drive rail has been labelled as A and the direction
shown by arrows. The bottom drive rail has been labelled as
B and is also shown by the arrows.

The arrows also indicate the flow of the relief so on this case
the start is at the top.

The direction of each rail can be reversed on the form to suit.

Note: Drive rails can be of any shape but need to be one

vector.

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Select the curved vertical vector.

Click the Add Cross Section - Select button.

The curved section is labelled as number one and the number

1 appears at the start of the drive rails to indicate where that
section begins.

If no other sections are selected, the one section is used along

the whole drive rails.

Tick Sweep between spans and Scale Height with Width only.
Select Add and press Calculate and then Close.

The relief is generated. As the relief goes

wider the Z height increases as the Scale
cross section height with width option was
chosen.

Example 2.
Reset the Relief and generate the following vectors.

These four vectors will be used to

generate a new relief.

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Select the Two Rail Sweep button on the Relief toolbar.

Select the large curved vector.

Click the Top Drive Rail - Select button.
Select the angled polyline vector.
Click the Bottom Drive Rail Select button.

Make sure that your arrows are pointing

in the same direction. You may need to
reverse on of the drive rails.

This shape is going to blend from a boxed

shape down to an arc shape.

Select the open square vector.

Click the Add Cross Section - Select button.
Select the open ellipse vector.
Click the Add Cross Section - Select button.

The sections are numbered and their

relative locations along the rail vectors
are shown.

Press Calculate (do not close this page).

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The relief is displayed. However by

adding in other sections the shape of
the relief can be further constrained.

Reset the Relief from the Relief top menu.

Select the open ellipse vector.
On the page press Add Cross Section.

With the addition of another section, the

position of section 2 has moved along the
drive rails.

However the position of section 2 may

not be ideal and it can be moved.

In the 2 rail sweep page a new section appears. Sections can be removed by selecting the X.

On Cross Section 2 press the Position button.

Click and drag a line to indicate position of section 2.

This fixes the location of section 2

and will move the number to indicate
the new position when the line is
finished.

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Press Calculate and then Close.

A new relief has been

generated.

Example 3
Reset the Relief and generate the following vectors.

These four vectors will be used to

generate a new relief with the
bottom vector being the Z control
curve.

Select the Two Rail Sweep button on the Relief toolbar.

Select the top horizontal vector.

Click the Top Drive Rail - Select button.
Select the bottom horizontal vector.
Click the Bottom Drive Rail - Select button.
Select the lowest curved vector.
Click the Z control vector - Select button.

The bottom curve is labelled up

as Z. Note that the start point of
the Z control curve is the same as
the drive rails. This means that a
positive Z relief will be
produced.

Make sure your curves are

travelling the same way.

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The Z control curve will change the relief in the Z axis only. The actual length of the curve
does not matter, as ArtCAM will change it proportionally to suit the drive rails. The ends
however must lie on the same Y coordinate (horizontal line).

Select the open ellipse vector.

Click the Add Cross Section - Select button.
Press Calculate and then Close.

The relief now travels up and down in the Z, following the control curve.

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Weave Relief
A Weave relief is generated form a series of overlapping vectors and a section
vector, using the Weave Wizard.

Example
Open a New Model and set the size of the relief to 25mm by 25mm.
Create three vectors for the drive curves, and a small vector for the
cross-section.

The overlapping vectors will be used as the

centrelines for the drive curve.
The smaller vector will be the cross-section of
the weave pattern, and must be an Open vector.
The small vectors section is actual size.

Shift select the drive curve vectors and the cross-section vector last

The vectors turn pink as they are selected and a box appears
around the extents of the vectors to show that they are selected.

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Select the Weave Wizard button

ArtCAM creates the weave pattern at the places

where the vectors crossover each other.

The direction of the vectors determines which

vector goes under or over the others.

Length of Crossover determines the length of

the weave that will be lowered or raised at the
crossover point. This is usually Relative to
cross-section.

% Depth of Underpass and % Height of

Overpass allow you to determine the percentage
that the height of the weave cross-section is
lowered or raised at the crossovers.

Te Corner Shape can be Round or Square, and

the relief is combined in the same manner.

Leave the options as they are, and click OK.

ArtCAM generates the weave pattern:

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Example2
Create the following vectors, including the small half ellipse cross section
vector.

If the cross section is to big the weave will

cross over itself.

Select the Weave Wizard button

Select Relative to cross section as 1.5, set Square and click OK.

With square corners set the weave has sharp

edges, rather than rounded.

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Weave Pattern Exercise

Create a new model of height 100 and width 100 with a resolution of 800
x 800 pixels and the origin in the centre of the model.
Switch grids on, snapping to a distance of 2mm.
Create a vertical guide line at 0.
Create a horizontal guide line at 0.
Create the vectors shown in the top right hand corner.

This weave is of an angular design and

therefore the option square will be used
when generating the weave.

Once generated, the weave will be

copied using the merge mirror
command.

Select the rectangle vectors and then the small section last.

Select the Weave Wizard button

Fill in the values as shown and press OK.

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The weave is produced and needs to be mirrored

to the other sides.

Select Relief Mirror Merge.

This command works around the centre of the model.

Select Right over left.

Select Top over bottom and then Close.

The finished relief is complete.

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Fruit Plate Exercise

Open the model fruits-on-plate.art.

These vectors will be turned into a plate relief, using swept profiles.

Select the pineapple dome vector and generate an Added Dome Relief
with an angle of +45, start height of 0.4 with No Limit.

Use the diamond vectors and generate an Added Pyramid Relief with an
angle of +25, start height of 0 with No Limit.

The generated relief goes over the edge of the

pineapple. To remove the excess relief is to
flatten the area outside of the vector by using
Zero Rest.

Double click the round pineapple vector and select Zero Rest.

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Use the left middle leaf vector and generate an Added Dome Relief with
an angle of +45, start height of 0.1 with No Limit.

Use the right middle leaf vector and generate a Merge High Dome
Relief with an angle of +45, start height of 0.2 with No Limit.

Use the outer leaf vectors and generate a Merge High Dome Relief with
an angle of +45, start height of 0.4 with Limit to Height at 1mm.

Select the three vectors for the banana and generate an added two rail
sweep relief.

Generate an extruded relief using the line as a drive curve, the arch as
the first section and the angle as the end section. Use Merge High.

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Select the pear shape vector and generate an Added Turn Relief.

Select the stalk vector and generate a Merged High Turn Relief.

Use the leaf vectors and section to generate a Merged High Two Rail
Sweep Relief.

From the polyline vector Add a Spin Relief.

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Select the grouped chain design of vectors and then the nearby small
vector.

Add a weave relief with the following values and select OK.

Select the text fruit and generated an Added Pyramid relief with No limit
at a start height of 0 and an angle of +60 degrees.

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