How to merge toolpaths in Vectric software | Efficiency Tools

Overview

This video demonstrates how to use the Merge Toolpaths feature in Vectric software to combine multiple toolpaths that use the same tool into a single parent toolpath. The main benefit is that you can machine complete parts one at a time instead of performing all pocketing, then all detailing, then all cutouts across the entire sheet.

Steps

1. Open the example file
   Click Open an existing file and select the coaster file from the Emerging Toolpath Guides Files folder. In the 3D view, the layers represent the toolpaths: pockets (blue), details (green), and profile/cutout (red).

2. Review the toolpaths
   Open the Toolpath menu. The toolpaths are listed as:

   • Pocket
   • Profile (details)
   • Cutout (with tabs)
     All three use the same tool: 0.25" End Mill.

3. Preview the original toolpaths
   Click Preview Selected Toolpath to observe the current behaviour:

   • All pockets are cut first.
   • Then all details are cut.
   • Finally, all cutouts are cut.
     This means no part is fully machined before moving to the next.

4. Open the Merge Toolpaths feature
   Click Merge Toolpaths. No toolpaths are initially selected, so use the select all toolpaths icon to add all three toolpaths to the merge list.

5. Configure merge options

   • Confirm all toolpaths use the same tool. If different tools are used, a warning will appear.
   • Ordering options: Left to Right Grid, Bottom to Top, and Shortest Path. If multiple are selected, the software uses the shortest rapid move for the preview.
   • Keep Merge by Part checked so that one complete part is finished before moving to the next.

6. Create the merged toolpath
   Optionally rename the merged toolpath, then click Merge Toolpath. The original toolpaths are now nested under a single parent toolpath.

7. Preview the merged toolpath
   Reset the preview and click Preview Visible Toolpath. The toolpath starts at the bottom-left coaster, performs pocket → detail → cutout, and then moves to the next coaster. You can now remove each finished part while the machine continues cutting the remaining pieces.

8. Edit the merged toolpath if needed
   Double-click the merged toolpath to reopen its options. You can change ordering or uncheck Merge by Part. If you uncheck it, a warning appears:

   The resulting merge toolpath will not necessarily preserve the current toolpath order or the cutting order with an existing toolpath.
   Click OK and preview again to see the new cutting sequence.

9. Modify a nested toolpath
   Double-click an individual toolpath inside the merge, e.g. the pocket. Change a value such as pocket depth from 0.3" to 0.25", then click Calculate. The change is automatically applied to the merged toolpath.

10. Ungroup the merged toolpath
    Right-click the merged toolpath and choose Ungroup. The merge is removed and the original separated toolpaths are restored in their original order.

Key Points / Warnings

• All toolpaths being merged must use the same tool. Mixing tools will produce a warning and prevent merging.
• Merge by Part ensures each part is fully machined before moving to the next. Unchecking it may not preserve the desired cutting order.
• Ordering options affect the sequence: Left to Right Grid, Bottom to Top, and Shortest Path. Checking multiple options makes the software use the shortest rapid move between operations.
• The merged toolpath acts as a parent; edits to child toolpaths are automatically updated in the merge after recalculation.
• Tabs on the cutout allow safe removal of finished parts while the rest are still being machined.
• Watch the preview carefully to confirm the toolpath starts and moves safely before running the job.