Problem- TIP - How to get tabs on perimeter

[SteveS]

I had been using a vacuum table for some time to cut wood parts, but always had problem with smaller parts. Tabs seemed what I needed, but some of the stock is greater than 3/4" and a full void wasn't acceptable plus that created more chains to control.

After searching the BobCad site forum and talking to myself, I tried something and it works. Seems too simple. (solution is simple, not my talking to myself)

Attached is a file with sample geometry I made up for an example. Need to have 3D turned on.

I took some individual parts of a chain, right clicked to get the "modify" option and then changed the Z position. In the sample case, it was just 2 millimeters. Then I selected the modified element, its previously connected element and used the "add a line between existing elements" icon. Now you have a complete chain with raised tabs.

Interesting that for a "line" you can only change the Z for one end at a time, but for an "arc" you change the Z for its length. I am going to experiment with the lines only being raised at one end.

In CAM side, you need to have 3D turned on and select "material top" parameter in the "tool depth setting." For 2D, I had been keeping the material top at zero since the machine setup let me set zero Z.

Good thing about this is that you can put the tabs where they make the most sense and determine the tab height. This won't be the perfect answer for V-Carving people since a bump will occur where the tool rises for a tab.

Steve.

[SBC Cycle]

Thanks for posting the tip Steve. I'll have to try that sometime.