How to use the moulding toolpath in Vectric software | 2.5D Toolpaths

Overview

This tutorial explains every option in the Vectric molding toolpath strategy. It demonstrates how to create constant cross-section moldings and frames without building a 3D model, producing a finished 3D toolpath with better finish and reduced machining time. The video covers profile selection, drive rail direction, roughing/finishing tools, flat region handling, boundary offsets, and previewing the final cut.

Steps

1. Open the prepared file

   • Use the sheet drop-down or the Sheets tab to switch between the frame and molding sheets.
   • Select the molding sheet and inspect the job setup.

2. Verify material setup

   • Open the material setup (Set).
   • Confirm the material thickness is 0.75“ and that all molding profiles fit within that thickness.
   • Set datum to bottom-left, zero off the material surface, and confirm safe Z gaps / home position.

3. Open the Molding Toolpath

   • Go to the Toolpath tab and select Molding Toolpath.
   • Remember: you can select multiple drive rails but only one cross-section per toolpath.

4. Choose the drive rail and cross-section

   • Select the drive rail, then hold Shift and select the cross-section/profile.
   • The arrows show the extrusion direction; the lines at the bottom indicate which side of the drive rail the profile will hang from.
   • If the profile hangs on the wrong side, right-click the vector and reverse its direction.
   • Check the cross-section start point — it determines which end of the profile runs along the drive rail.

5. Set toolpath position within material

   • Position the profile inside the material thickness.
   • Leave room for backing if needed, or drop the profile lower if the material surface is not flat.

6. Configure finishing tool

   • Choose a finishing tool, e.g., 1/8“ ball nose end mill.
   • Enable Vary stepover to tighten stepovers on curved sides for a better finish.
   • This may increase machining time.

7. Configure large area clearance / roughing tool

   • Enable Large Area Clearance and select a roughing tool, e.g., 1/8“ end mill.
   • Optionally enable Machine flat regions so the roughing tool clears flat areas.
   • If you do this, enable Skip flat regions on the finishing tool to avoid re-cutting those areas.
   • Add ramp/plunge moves as needed (refer to help guide).
   • Set a machining allowance if you want to leave material for the finish pass. Note: machining allowance is not added to flat regions when flat regions are machined by the clearance tool.

8. Set boundary offset

   • Use Automatic boundary offset to extend the toolpath slightly beyond the drive rail, capturing detail at the ends of the cross-section.
   • If edge detail is missing, use a custom boundary offset to overshoot the ends manually.

9. Calculate and review the toolpath

   • Rename the toolpath (e.g., Sweep profile #1) and click Calculate.
   • Rotate the view and inspect both generated toolpaths:
     • Clearance/sweep toolpath (roughing)
     • Finish toolpath (ball nose)
   • Use Preview Visible Toolpaths to simulate the cut.
   • To see the part cut out of material, use a separate profile toolpath on a crop layer (with tabs if desired) and preview.

10. Create additional molding toolpaths

• You can add another molding toolpath with a different cross-section.
• Select a curved drive rail and its matching cross-section.
• Verify the profile hangs on the correct side and that the start point is at the correct end.
• In some cases, a profile intentionally omits a leg so the tool does not fall off the edge — stop at the top of the material instead.

Key Points / Warnings

• One cross-section per molding toolpath. If you change profiles, create a new toolpath.
• Use the Shift key to select both drive rail and cross-section together.
• Right-click a vector to reverse its direction if the profile hangs on the wrong side or the extrusion direction is incorrect.
• The cross-section start point matters — it defines which side of the profile runs along the drive rail.
• Modeling resolution can stay standard because no actual 3D model is being created.
• Vary stepover improves finish on steep curves but increases machining time.
• If flat regions are machined by the clearance tool, set the finishing tool to skip those flat regions to avoid redundant passes.
• Machining allowance does not apply to flat regions when flat region machining is enabled.
• Boundary offset should be checked if end detail is missing; automatic offset may not capture everything.
• Material thickness must be verified before generating toolpaths so the profile fits inside the stock.
• Preview both the roughing and finishing toolpaths to confirm the intended result before cutting.