About Engraving
Engraving NC sequences are generally created by the tool following a curve or a Groove cosmetic feature. The tool diameter determines the width of cut, and the GROOVE_DEPTH parameter determines the depth of cut. You can perform Engraving in multiple step increments if you set the parameter STEP_DEPTH to a value that is smaller than the value of GROOVE_DEPTH. You can also select multiple Groove features or curves to be machined within a single Engraving NC sequence.
Engraving can be specified as 3-, 4-, or 5-Axis.
For 3-Axis Engraving, there are two ways to specify the tool trajectory:
• By selecting a reference Groove feature to follow. The tool axis is normal to the surface that the reference Groove feature is projected onto.
• By selecting one or more curves to follow. The current tool axis is used to drive the tool along the curve. You can select the curve individually in the graphics window or from the Model Tree.
For 5 Axis Engraving, there are three ways to specify the tool trajectory:
• By selecting a reference Groove feature to follow. The tool axis is normal to the surface that the reference Groove feature is projected onto.
• By selecting a set of edges for the tool to follow. In this case, you must select a control surface, that is, a surface that the tool axis will be normal to. The control surface must be a surface adjacent to one of the edges selected for the tool trajectory. For all other edges, the surface to the same side of the edge is used as the control surface.
• By selecting one or more curves to follow. In this case, you must select a normal surface, that is, a part surface that the tool axis is normal to. You can select the curve individually in the graphics window, from the Model Tree, or by using
.