art toopath- cutting below a given depth (Mastercam X )

[adamchapman]

Hi,

I'd like to cut this art surface (attached) into some flourescent acrylic sheet, then stick an LED into the sheet. Hopefully it will give an effect of just the insect and outline being lit up.

Basically when I make a finidhing toolpath for the insect, which will need a round cutting tool, it automaitically does a toolpath for the whole of the art base surface, even the parts that have zero depth. If someone could point out how to restrict the finishing cut to only cut below, for example, Z=-0.05 inches that would be great.

For the flat rectangular rebate I plan to use a flat cutting bit.

I appreciate any guidance

Thanks
Adam

[Mike Mattera]

I haven't used Art in X, but is there a containment boundary? draw or use the existing boundary to limit the toolpath area.

Another suggestion: if your cutting this into acrylic, hit it with a propane torch (lightly) to remove the tool marks and smooth out the surface.

Mike Mattera

[adamchapman]

Thanks,

turned out there are only some cutting schemes that support tool containment (the spiral ones dont allow, some of the straight and zig-zag methods do)

On the topic of acryclic, do you know how to achieve a frosted finish?

[Mike Mattera]

The regular machined toolpath should leave you with a frosted finish.

Mike Mattera

[adamchapman]

Regarding the "contained" toolpaths, they do a good job of cutting the 3D relief, but then draw an outline at z=0, which tends to widen my art picture.

Can I turn this off or do I just have to find and delete it from the g-code??
There is only a "centre" option for tool containment. If the "inside" radio button was available for the tool containment option I think that would fix it.

I hope that made sense
Adam

[Mike Mattera]

Not sure I understand. If it's cutting to far out, make the containment smaller.

Or change the top of stock to +.04 so it doesn't scratch the surface.

Mike Mattera

[adamchapman]

It's ok, there was another tick-box called "finish path", which basically traced the containment path after the 3D relief shape had been cut.

Switching "finish path" off fixed the problem.

Thanks again for your help
Adam