Introduction to two-sided machining in Vectric software | Two Sided Machining

Overview

This video introduces the two-sided machining workflow in Vectric software, covering how to set up a double-sided job, align the material when flipping it, and use dowel hole methods to ensure accurate registration between the top and bottom cuts.

Steps

1. Create a new file and select double-sided job to enter the two-sided environment.
2. Set the Z0 position for both sides. Recommended option: set Z0 off the same face, with the top side at the material surface and the bottom side on the machine bed.
3. Accurately measure the material thickness. If the material is not flat, surface the top face to create a good reference face.
4. Set the XY zero position.
5. Choose the flip direction so the software correctly positions geometry relative to the opposite side.
6. Create or import vectors and components independently on either side, or copy/move data between sides.
7. Use the multi-sided 2D and 3D views to verify part alignment and design positions.
8. Create toolpaths for both the top and bottom sides.
9. Preview toolpaths in the multi-sided environment to confirm accuracy.
10. Save toolpaths for both sides and set up the material on the CNC.

Dowel Alignment Methods

Method 1 – Through-Hole Dowels

• Cut or drill all the way through the part and into the spoil board while machining the top side.
• Use a symmetrical dowel hole pattern so the hole positions are identical after flipping.
• Use the same XY zero for both sets of toolpaths.
• Both top and bottom must be machined in the same session unless XY zero can be reset very accurately.

Method 2 – Asymmetric Partial Dowel Holes

• Drill dowel holes partially through the top side of the material.
• Create a separate dowel hole pattern in the spoil board.
• After machining the top side, remove the material.
• Set X0, Y0, Z0 for the bottom side of the spoil board.
• Run the bottom-side dowel hole toolpaths into the spoil board.
• Insert dowels into the spoil board.
• Flip the material over and locate it on the dowels.
• Machine the bottom side of the part.
• This method allows top and bottom operations to be run at different times.

Key Points / Warnings

• Exact alignment between the top and bottom sides is essential for two-sided machining success.
• There is no single correct Z0 setup, but you must remember the combination you chose.
• The flip direction setting affects how vectors and models are positioned on each side.
• The software automatically positions geometry on the opposite side to maintain alignment.
• Always verify toolpaths in the multi-sided preview before cutting.
• Method 2 eliminates the risk of flipping the material the wrong way because the asymmetric dowel positions only allow one orientation.
• Both dowel methods require a sacrificial spoil board; if none is available, temporarily attach a piece of MDF.
• An alternative alignment strategy is a corner jig, but material must be pre-sized accurately and XY zero must be set precisely from the jig corner.
• Other alignment strategies include square/right-angle jigs and pocket jigs.
• See the tutorial Cool Cubes for a practical example using the dowel method.