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Lacados LAKManual Vectric Aspire V12

Introduction to wrapped rotary in Vectric software | Wrapped Rotary Machining

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

This tutorial introduces wrapped rotary machining in Vectric software, where a linear axis is mapped around a cylinder using a rotary axis. It covers setting up a rotary job, creating text, generating pocket and V-carving toolpaths, previewing wrapped results, and saving rotary-compatible G-code.

Steps

Section titled “Steps”

  1. Set up the rotary job:

    • Go to File > Close, then create a new file.
    • In job setup, choose a rotary job.
    • Set Length to 12 inches and Diameter to 3 inches.
    • Set Z zero position to Cylinder axis.
    • Leave XY datum at bottom-left.
    • Set Orientation to Along X so the Y axis is wrapped.
    • Turn off Flip design.
    • Use Standard modeling resolution since no 3D models are used.
    • Select material type, e.g. Canadian maple.

  2. Review the rotary workspace:

    • In the 2D view, note the job width is 12“ and height is 9.4248“ — the unwrapped circumference of the 3“ diameter cylinder.
    • Switch to the 3D view.
    • Enable Material block visibility to see the cylinder.
    • Toggle Automatic wrapping to compare flat material versus wrapped cylinder display.

  3. Add text:

    • Go to the Design tab > Create Vectors > Text tool.
    • Enter “wrapped rotary” on a separate line.
    • Choose Arial font.
    • Set the text to be centered, 12“ wide, with no stretch.
    • Close the text form.

  4. Check material/toolpath setup:

    • Open the Toolpath tab.
    • Click Set in the material setup:
      • Diameter: 3“
      • XY datum: bottom-left
      • Z zero: center of cylinder axis
    • Confirm rapid Z gaps are safe for your machine.

  5. Create a pocket toolpath:

    • Select the text and choose Pocket toolpath.
    • Set depth to 0.2“.
    • Select a suitable tool from the tool database.
    • Use Offset strategy, no ramp, climb cut.
    • Click Calculate.
    • Toggle Automatic wrapping to see the wrapped toolpath.
    • Click Preview selected toolpath to see the software unwrap, machine flat, then wrap around the Y axis.

  6. Inspect the preview:

    • Use right-mouse drag to orbit.
    • Use the view controls to change orientation.
    • Use the rotate controls to spin the cylinder in 30-degree increments.

  7. Create a V-carving toolpath:

    • Reset and close the preview.
    • Select the text and choose the V-Carving strategy.
    • Set start depth to 0 and no flat depth.
    • Select a 90° V-bit, e.g. 1.25“.
    • Click Calculate, then toggle Automatic wrapping.
    • Preview the selected