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Lacados LAKManual Vectric Aspire V12

How to create a fluted column in Vectric software | Wrapped Rotary Machining

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

This tutorial demonstrates how to create a fluted column for wrapped rotary machining in Vectric software. It covers generating the flute vectors automatically using the Fluting Layout gadget, then creating and previewing a profile toolpath that wraps around a cylinder.

Steps

Section titled “Steps”

  1. Create a new rotary job

    • Go to File > New and choose Rotary as the job type.
    • Set length to 12 inches, diameter to 3 inches, units to inches.
    • Set Z0 to Cylinder Axis.
    • Set XY datum position to Bottom Left.
    • Choose orientation X-axis so cutting is along X and wrapping is along Y.
    • Set Resolution to Very High and material to Canadian Maple.
    • Click OK.

  2. Open the Fluting Layout gadget

    • Go to the Gadgets menu and select Fluting Layout under the wrapping category.

  3. Configure the gadget

    • Set Number of Flutes to 6.
    • Set offset from start of worksheet to 1 inch.
    • Set offset from end of worksheet to 1 inch.
    • Optionally configure cove settings if intersecting/end-wrapping flutes are needed.
    • Click OK to generate the vectors.

  4. Inspect the generated vectors and layers

    • Switch to the 3D view to see the flute vectors.
    • Note that the gadget automatically places half flutes at the top and bottom edges so they form full flutes when wrapped.
    • Check the Layers tab: flute vectors and cove vectors are placed on separate layers.

  5. Open the toolpath environment and verify material setup

    • Click the toolpath icon.
    • Open Material Setup and confirm the diameter, Z0, and orientation match the job setup.
    • Set Z1/Z2 clearance and gap above material to safe values for your machine.

  6. Create the profile toolpath

    • Select all vectors using Ctrl + A.
    • Choose Profile toolpath.
    • Set depth to 0.2 inches.
    • Select a Ball Nose tool.
    • Choose the correct rotary machine/post processor, e.g. Desktop Rotary along X.
    • Name the toolpath, e.g. Profile Flutes, and click Calculate.

  7. Preview the wrapped toolpath

    • Click the toggle to switch to the wrapped rotary view.
    • Use right-click drag to rotate around the cylinder and inspect toolpaths.
    • Run a toolpath preview. The software unwraps, simulates the cut, then rewraps the result.

  8. Save the toolpath

    • Click Save Toolpath.
    • Confirm the toolpath is selected.
    • Choose the correct rotary post processor, e.g. G-code wrap Y2A.
    • Save the output file with a clear name, e.g. Profile Flute.gcode.

  9. Save the project file

    • Go to File > Save As and save the CRV file, e.g. Creating a Fluted Column.crv.

Key Points / Warnings

Section titled “Key Points / Warnings”
  • The Fluting Layout gadget automatically accounts for the wrapped rotary job: partial flutes at the edges become full flutes when wrapped, avoiding manual layout errors.
  • Fluting vectors and cove vectors are placed on separate layers for easier management.
  • Material setup in the toolpath environment is populated from the original job setup, but Z clearance values must always be checked for machine safety.
  • The correct rotary post processor must be selected so the Y axis wraps to the A axis during post processing.
  • The preview in the software is visual only; actual wrapping to rotary motion happens when the toolpath is posted.
  • Always verify machine and post processor configuration in the machine setup video/guide before cutting.