Using The Array Copy Toolpath Option in Vectric Software

[@douglasmitchell4063]

Handy function to know how to use. Without knowing this I would have made 2 layers for my spoil board circles. Make one layer, array and group them. Made a second layer, array and group them as well. Then when I create my pocket toolpaths, I could turn on only one layer that i want to create the toolpath for, switch layers then repeat for the second toolpath. Either way works. Thanks for the video!

[@martymitchell9855]

Such a great explaination of a somewhat confusing process! Thank you!

[@stevegronsky8904]

I sure wish I was aware of this when I created my 1st spoilboard using the " T-Nuts " you described. Would have saved LOTS of time and frustration. Thanks Mark, for a very informative video.

[@josephpiccione1653]

You have a God given talent for teaching. Love your lessons.

[@adsensebarokah5459]

Thank you, thank you very much for this information

[@Igorfun]

I watched it Mark, great info, Thanks a lot

[@butchmiller2451]

Array copy toolpaths is advantages when it comes to machining time, especially with the Minimize Tool Changes option selected.

[@OzarkArtsandCrafts]

Great and, as usual, a useful video. I will be using the array copy toolpath option of the plain array copy from now on. I watch your videos regularly but seldom make comments. Just want add that they all deserve a Star above the regular thumbs up.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Dennis. Both Array Copy options have their place, so I wouldn't completely forsake the Array Copy option for vectors. Just knowing the difference between the two is a big help in deciding which option to use in any specific project.

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Another informative video - appreciate the effort you put into these videos in trying to teach us about how to get the most efficient use of the software. As you said it is a personal preference regarding use of this Array Toolpath Option or the Array Copy option. Since being introduced to the Array Toolpath Option my tendency is to use the Array Toolpath option for several cutouts of the same design or 3d model. This is because of the point you made where you only make adjustments to one design or one model and don't have to go back and do another array copy, etc. etc. After a few of the array copy sessions this can get old, vs. just making the change once and going straight to the toolpath and recalculating.

[@noorsaidijohannoor7563]

Excellent Mark!

[@cacatitj]

excellent video mark tthank you

[@brooksmartin5183]

Mark great explaination

[@borisgutman3457]

Thank you for the video Please can you explain what for "Ramp Plunge Moves "

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I did a video on Ramps that will give you the gist of the subject. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5_HqYp5YpKlhZo

[@russellferriday8191]

You are a star Mark! Array copy toolpath . . Brilliant. did not know it existed. :) What about two sided toolpaths?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Russell! I haven't experimented with this technique and 2-Sided machining yet, so I can't give you a definite answer at this point. It would be an interesting process, and one that could be a challenge - or maybe it's very simple. I won't know until I try.

[@mezalick]

Mark, When cutting multiple 3D models and you want to use the Array Copy Toolpath option you can use a smaller Job size which will maximize the pixels in the 3D model. The Array Copy Toolpath does not need the pixels to generate the 3D cutting.

[@mezalick]

Image cutting 50 very small 3D models from a large sheet of material. You would be losing pixel quality but using a smaller job size you keep the quality of the components.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Excellent point, Michael! The smaller material size is one of those things I sometimes forget about when designing. I'll be sure to bring it up in the Live Q&A today.

[@IrfanMehmoodOfficial]

Awesome technique

[@steverowe2943]

Thank you for making these videos. I am just learning VCarve Pro and have two questions. 1) For the star offset roughing toolpath, it appears that the adjacent stars are very close together and could possibly overlap. Does the software recognize potential interferences between adjacent stars? 2) At around the 27 minute mark, you set the cut depth for the profile cut by formula by subtracting the start depth. I noticed the screen have what appears to be parameters (i.e. - D for starting depth and C for cut depth) and was wondering if you could just enter D in the formula instead of 0.02"?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Steve. Both good questions. 1.) No, the software doesn't automatically recognize potential collisions. That's why it's important to keep the tool diameter in mind while designing, Preview the toolpaths, make any adjustments that are needed, then Preview again if needed. 2.) The short answer is No, only because Start Depth and Cut Depth aren't variables that are built into the calculators. Having said that, one of the presentations during this year's (or maybe it was last year's) Vectric Worldwide Users Group Meeting had a segment on adding certain variables to the calculators. I'll try to find that presentation, and do a little bit of experimenting on my own. If I succeed, I'll certainly do a video on it.

[@joem2209]

Rookie question. Why did you offset the vector around the 3D star by .25”? I did not know you need to offset the vectors around a 3D model. What am I missing?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I offset that vector to show how it was done. You do NOT have to do that. I wanted the bit to cut beyond the boundary of the model by 1/4 of an inch. I could have also used a Boundary Offset of 1/4 inch in my 3D Finishing toolpath. There are many ways to accomplish the same thing within the software.

[@jw4321]

I have version 11 of Desktop. I don't have all the "buttons" on the right side showing toolpath operations. The closest thing I see is the tile toolpath button. What am i missing?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

After doing a bit more research, it turns out the Array Copy Toolpath function is not available in Cut2D Desktop or VCarve Desktop. It, along with the other functions you're not seeing, are only available in Cut2D Pro, VCarve Pro, and Aspire. I apologize for the confusion.

[@roybrown105]

How would you align a double-sided array?

[@joedilaura2560]

Mark, Could the array copy tool path be applied to different sheets? Like the star is the video but I need to cut multiples out of different size boards. Could I add sheets that are the size of the boards I have and array copy tool path to the different sheets? Keep the video coming, I learned so much from you already. Thanks

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Joe. I've done a little bit of experimenting with sheets, and the short answer is I haven't yet found a way to make it work. I'll get into it further during today's Live Q&A. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3i4hKOVoqaSZrM

[@PSS_1]

What if I only needed to make one copy of the toolpath? Is it possible to disable or suppress some copies from such an array?

[@m.c.4574]

Is it possable to Array Copy a two sided model? I have a two sided outlet cover, I need to make several copies of. I am using VCarve Pro 10.5 Cannot figure out how to make multiple copies of a two sided model. Thanks,

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I've not yet tried to array copy a two-sided project, but it's on my list. Try posting this question over on the Vectric Support Forum. There are some absolute wizards over there, and I'm sure one of them has done it.

[@mohammadlateef7543]

Hi there. please there is 1 problem keep apering appearing when i using cercular copy, it says ( failed to copy data to clipboard ). So how can I go on and finish my job. Thank you so much. Mohammad . Iraq

[@LarryCarlock]

When I try to save an array toolpath that uses two different tools, I get an error message that says, "Error: The visible toolpaths use different tools and the selected Post-Processor does not support tool changing". I am using VCarve Pro 12. Please advise

[@upalipremathilake6393]

good

[@dennyleonard1417]

it takes 56 hrs to cut this

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Please remember that this tutorial was meant to demonstrate how to array copy toolpaths only. That's why I never got into machining times in this video. There are a lot of variables involved in carve times. To help reduce carve times, check the Feed Rate and Plunge Rate you have entered for each of the bits you're going to use (using the EDIT button within the toolpath.) The thing to remember is that the CNC will always move at the rate of the slowest axis. In 3D carving, that's almost always the Z axis, because the Z is in almost constant motion. So you can have a feed rate of 200 inches per minute, but if your plunge rate is 30 inches per minute, that how fast the CNC is going to carve. That's why I use a Roughing toolpath - to remove most of the material, with a .030 machining allowance. With about .030 left to machine in the Finishing toolpath, I can set that plunge rate to the same as my feed rate. That single action will give you a huge reduction in machining time.