Once the project is complete, it’s time to start machining it.
#ART CAM INSIGNIA WINDOWS#
These match standard Windows fonts but are adapted to ensure that they can be cut with a mill. To add text and lettering, the system is supplied with a special library of ‘machining’ suitable fonts. To import new ones, there are online sources, many of which supply them in Delcam’s own ArtCAM format for quick insertion. There’s a whole host from diamonds to donkeys and many plaques and other decorative items in between. 3D reliefĪt the base level, ArtCAM is supplied with a raft of 3D reliefs that can be dragged, dropped, combined and generally mashed up to create the relief needed. Noise can be removed and the vectors adjusted to fine tune them. The system will trace the outlines and create a nice profile from even the most pixelated images. These can be pulled from the user’s own artwork or from stock images found or acquired (depending on copyright). Vector ledĪrtCAM’s relief based processes use simple vector illustrations as the basis for the profile geometry. The next stage is to create the ‘geometry’. This requires dimensions, a material zero for datum and, of course, units. This can be done by importaing 3D geometry within the entry level version as it can’t be created it from scratch. The first stage is to set-up the job at hand. There are then a host of add-on modules that bring additional tools to the system.
To enable this, the company has stripped back the basics within the system to simple design work using bitmaps to build geometry and basic 2 and 2.5 axis machining. With this in mind, Delcam has released ArtCAM Express, an entry level tool for just £99. However, while accepted in many circles as the de facto choice, for others the cost of entry has been more than a little high – particularly considering the rapidly falling cost of machine tools, such as CNC laser cutters, and routers, that can also carry out such work. Using the concept of ‘relief’ modelling, it provides tools that allow the creation of complex geometry from very rudimentary sources (such as vector drawings) as well as sculptural modelling techniques to add, remove and smooth geometry dynamically. While perfectly suited for analytic surfaces, solid features and the like, they can’t handle complexity.ĭelcam’s ArtCAM has been on the market for almost 20 years and it has been serving its industry niche very well. And its here that the mainstream 3D design tools let us down. The Contour Blend tool creates previously unattainable centreline ridged or smooth domed shapes ideal for stylised engraved textįor instance, in the structural packaging, signage or jewellery industries complex geometry is often the name of the game.
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