What is Visual ToolPath?
Visual Toolpath is a 3D machining program designed specifically for the educational user. It has been conceived by TechSoft to meet the 3D manufacturing needs of students and teachers.
How does Visual ToolPath work?
Having designed your 3D masterpiece (in 3D CAD such as SOLIDWORKS) you may well want to manufacture it on your router or milling machine. To do this you need to transfer the 3D file from your design software to the Visual Toolpath software. The effective standard for 3D data transfer is the STL file format, so you simply save the file in STL format in your design software and then open it in Visual Toolpath. You then follow a simple wizard to automatically create the tool paths needed to machine the model. It really is as simple as that.
What machines can I output to?
STL models processed in Visual Toolpath can be output directly to all Roland 3D capable miller/routers and the TechSoft RouterCAM.
How About Multi-Sided Cutting?
Some 3D objects can be machined from just one side (maybe a simple soap dish). However, many objects may need machining from 2 or more sides (maybe a bar of soap). Visual Toolpath supports either 1, 2 or 4 sided machining. This allows the use of TechSoft’s
self-centering vice.
The software has in-built routines to allow the user to quickly and easily set up the software when machining with the self-centering vice. You can also easily add, and then edit, support tabs to a model. These allow it to be machined from multiple sides, whilst still being held in the block of material.
Why Buy Visual Toolpath?
Most 3D manufacturing software is very powerful but is designed for commercial use. It is not always as user friendly as you might like. Too many options and features can make the whole process complicated and confusing. Visual ToolPath has been created specifically for educational users and is designed to be both intuitive and helpful.