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Lacados LAKManual Vectric Aspire V12

How to use the quick engraving toolpath in Vectric software | 2D Toolpaths

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

This tutorial covers the Quick Engraving Toolpath in Vectric Aspire V12, using spring-loaded engraving tools such as diamond drag bits. It explains how to set up the toolpath, choose outline/fill strategies, control depth via pressure, and preview results on uneven surfaces.

Steps

Section titled “Steps”

  1. Open the example file

    • Go to File > Close and do not save changes.
    • Open an existing file and select the “quick engraving vector drawing file.”
    • Check the job dimensions (e.g., 8 x 5 inches, 0.1 inch material thickness).

  2. Switch to the Toolpath menu

    • Click the Toolpath tab.
    • Open Material Setup.
    • Verify:
      • Material thickness
      • XY datum position
      • Rapid Z gaps above material
      • Z-zero position (usually material surface)
    • Adjust these settings for your own machine.

  3. Start the Quick Engrave toolpath

    • Click the Quick Engrave button in the top-right of the Toolpath menu.
    • Note that this form can output a toolpath file directly, or you can save normally later.

  4. Select the engraving tool

    • Click Select and browse to Engraving and Specialist Tools.
    • Choose the diamond drag tool.
    • The tool database shows diameter, included angle, line width, and stepover, but no pass depth because spring-loaded tools cannot force a fixed depth.

  5. Set Depth / Pressure

    • Use the Depth/Pressure field to control how far the tool is pressed into the material.
    • For example, 0.1 inch increases compression in the spring, applying more pressure to the engraving tip.
    • This is not a literal cut depth; it encourages more depth by pressure.

  6. Choose Outline or Fill strategy

    • Outline – traces along the center of selected vectors.
    • Fill – traces the outline, then fills the inside with lines.
    • For Fill, choose:
      • Offset – lines step inward until reaching the center.
      • Hatch – straight lines at a set angle.
      • Enable Crosshatch to add a second set of lines perpendicular to the hatch angle.

  7. Set stepover for fills

    • Smaller stepover = denser lines.
    • Larger stepover = wider spacing.

  8. Select vectors

    • Drag a selection box, or press Ctrl + A to select all text/vectors.
    • You can also auto-select vectors by layer.

  9. Calculate the toolpath

    • Click Calculate.

  10. Preview the result

    • Click Preview Selected Toolpath.
    • Change the material type (e.g., bronze) to improve visualization.
    • Use toolpath color to make fine engraving easier to see.
    • For best detail, set Preview Simulation Quality to Maximum, then reset and re-preview.

  11. Adjust and recalculate

    • Reopen the Quick Engrave form to experiment with:
      • Fill type (offset/hatch)
      • Hatch angle (e.g., 45 degrees)
      • Crosshatch on/off
      • Stepover
    • Recalculate and preview after each change.

Key Points / Warnings

Section titled “Key Points / Warnings”
  • Spring-loaded engraving tools can safely run over uneven surfaces, but actual cut depth is not guaranteed. It depends on spring stiffness, material density, and applied pressure.
  • The preview may not accurately represent the final engraved depth on your material. Always run test cuts on new materials before starting a full project.
  • The Quick Engrave form supports direct toolpath file output, but you can still save via the normal Save Toolpath option.
  • Use a larger stepover if you want a lighter/coarser fill; use a smaller stepover for dense engraving.
  • The Nose Cone option is available in the form for setups that use nose-cone tooling, though it is not detailed in this tutorial