I want to wrap a graphic skin to the same curve as a mold cavity skin. I do not want to join the two skins. I want to machine the graphic as a separate operation after the cavity is milled.
Can I extrude the graphic after I have used project a curve? Or should I make the graphic skin an extruded solid and use a solid editing tool like "difference" and use the cavity skin to slice the graphic solid at two different elevations?
A Curve can be projected onto a surface and then machined quite easily in the Mill Professional. The one thing to look out for is compensation of the tool using wireframe in 3D.
I think your second approach would result not only in a safer more controlled program but will allow you to machine the model rather than the wireframe projected onto it.
In the XP Series Mill Expert we have a new function that allows you to "apply" (which differs from project) a custom wireframe toolpath onto a model that is then examined in relationship to the surfaces and the cutter being used. A "groove" depth can then be defined as part of the CAM Wizard for that function. It differs from the existing function by doing a tool to model comparison and behind the scenes NURBS interaction.
However the Mill Professional will accomplish this task for you easily.