Artcam proreferencemanual810 186_219

ArtCAM Pro 8.0
Reference Manual
By Delcam plc
Issue: 8.003 Released: 20/07/05

Disclaimer
Delcam plc has no control over the use made of the software described in
this manual and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage
howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users are advised that
all the results from the software should be checked by a competent
person, in accordance with good quality control procedures.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice
and does not represent a commitment by Delcam plc. The software
described in this manual is furnished under licence agreement and may be
used or copied in accordance with the terms of such licence. No part of
this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording,
for any purpose without the express permission of Delcam plc.
Copyright © 2005 Delcam plc. All rights reserved.
Delcam plc
Talbot Way
Small Heath Business Park
Birmingham B10 0HJ
England
Tel: (UK) 0121-766-5544
(Int) +44 (0) 121-766-5544

ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual Contents • i
Contents
Overview 1
ArtCAM Pro Overview....................................................................1
Information about ArtCAM Pro.......................................................1
Comparing Bitmaps, Vectors and Reliefs........................................3
What is a Vector?...................................................................3
What is a Bitmap?..................................................................4
What is a Relief?....................................................................5
ArtCAM Pro Layout 7
ArtCAM Pro Layout ........................................................................7
Using the Design Windows ...........................................................11
Adjusting the Window View...............................................11
Opening a New 2D View Window......................................12
Labelling a 2D View Window.............................................13
Deleting a 2D View Window ..............................................13
2D View Manipulation ..................................................................15
3D View.........................................................................15
Zoom In Tool.................................................................15
Zoom Out Tool ..............................................................15
Zoom Previous...............................................................16
Window Fit ....................................................................16
Zoom Object(s)..............................................................16
Zoom 1:1........................................................................16
Vectors On/Off ..............................................................16
Bitmap On/Off...............................................................16
Greyscale View..............................................................17
Undo...............................................................................17
Redo...............................................................................17
Link All Colours............................................................17
Unlink All Colours ........................................................17
Link/Unlink Colours......................................................17

ii • Contents ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual
Merge Colours ...............................................................18
2D Bitmap Contrast Tool....................................18
Scrolling the 2D View .........................................................19
2D View Options............................................................................19
Using Rulers ........................................................................20
Using the Snap Grid.............................................................20
Using Guidelines..................................................................22
Snapping to Objects.............................................................25
3D View Manipulation...................................................................26
2D View.........................................................................26
Twiddle Tool..................................................................26
Pan View........................................................................27
Zoom..............................................................................27
Zoom Out.......................................................................28
Previous View................................................................28
Scale To Fit....................................................................28
Isometric View...............................................................28
View Along X................................................................28
View Along Y................................................................28
View Along Z ................................................................29
Select Relief Detail.........................................29
Draw Zero Plane ............................................................29
Draw X Y.......................................................................29
Origin .............................................................................30
Objects To Draw............................................................30
Colour Shade..................................................................31
3D View Options............................................................................31
Using the Top Toolbar ...................................................................33
Updating ArtCAM Pro...................................................................33
Installing Your ArtCAM Licence ..................................................37
Managing ArtCAM Pro's Preferences ...........................................37
Working with Models 45
Getting Started ...............................................................................45
Creating a Model .................................................................45
Creating a Model from an Image.........................................47
Opening an Existing Model.................................................48
Viewing Model Information................................................50
Closing a Model...................................................................50

ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual Contents • iii
Shutting Down ArtCAM Pro...............................................51
Managing a Model .........................................................................52
Creating a New Model.........................................................53
Creating a New Model Using Pixels ...................................54
Opening a Model .................................................................54
Saving a Model....................................................................55
Saving the 3D View as an Image.........................................56
Printing a Model ..................................................................57
Importing Images.................................................................61
Editing the Model Dimensions............................................62
Editing Asymmetrical Dimensions in a Model ...................63
Setting the Position of a Model ...........................................65
Clearing a Model .................................................................67
Deskewing a Model.............................................................67
Creating a Greyscale Image from a Relief ..........................67
Adding a Border to a Model................................................69
Using a Spot Filter on a Bitmap Image ...............................70
Adjusting Light and Material Settings ................................71
Using the Selection Rectangle.............................................78
Cropping a Model................................................................79
Using the ArtCAM Pro Notepad .........................................80
Importing Vector Artwork...................................................81
Exporting Vector Artwork...................................................87
Importing a 3D Model File..................................................87
Importing a 3D Model File for Unwrapping.......................92
Importing CopyCAD Relief Data........................................95
Multiplate Engraving Tool ..................................................96
Correcting an Action .........................................................104
Mirroring a Model .............................................................105
Rotating a Model ...............................................................105
Printing a Model ................................................................106
Working with Layers ...................................................................110
Creating a New Layer........................................................110
Naming a Layer .................................................................111
Assigning a Colour to a Layer...........................................111
Manipulating Layers..........................................................112
Using the Font Editor...................................................................116
Using the Face Wizard.................................................................122
Working with Bitmaps 129
Drawing using Bitmaps................................................................129
Bitmap Drawing Tools ......................................................129

iv • Contents ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual
Creating a Model from a Bitmap .................................................130
Importing a Bitmap into a Model.................................................130
Setting a Bitmap's Size and Origin ..............................................130
Working with Colours..................................................................130
Selecting the Primary and Secondary Colours ..................131
Reducing Colours ..............................................................132
Colour Merging..................................................................133
Colour Linking...................................................................134
Edge Marking ....................................................................135
Colour Thinning.................................................................135
Colour Thickening.............................................................136
Adding Colours..................................................................137
Saving a Custom Colour Palette........................................139
Loading a Custom Colour Palette......................................139
Editing a Bitmap Image ...............................................................140
Using the Paint Brush ........................................................140
Using the Draw Tool..........................................................143
Using the Bitmap Line Tool ..............................................144
Using the Erase Tool..........................................................144
Flood Filling ......................................................................145
Copying and Pasting Bitmap Areas...................................146
Converting a Bitmap into Vectors ...............................................147
Creating a Shape from a Bitmap..................................................149
Working with Vectors 151
Overview......................................................................................151
Drawing with Polylines................................................................152
Creating a Polyline.............................................................152
Completing Polyline Creation ...........................................154
Closing a Polyline to Create a Polygon.............................155
Amending a Polyline .........................................................155
Creating Simple Shapes ...............................................................156
Creating a Rectangle..........................................................156
Creating a Circle ................................................................159
Creating an Ellipse.............................................................161
Creating a Polygon.............................................................164
Creating a Star ...................................................................166
Creating an Arc..................................................................169
Editing Vector Objects.................................................................171
Selecting Vectors ...............................................................172
Moving Vectors .................................................................174
Editing Vector Spans .........................................................175

ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual Contents • v
Editing Vector Nodes ........................................................182
Deleting Vector Objects ....................................................191
Copying and Pasting Vector Objects.................................192
Offsetting Vector Objects..................................................197
Splining Vector Objects.....................................................199
Filleting Vector Objects.....................................................203
Trimming Vector Objects..................................................207
Wrapping Vectors to a Relief............................................209
Locking and Unlocking Vector Objects............................211
Fitting Arcs to Vector Objects...........................................211
Nesting Vector Objects......................................................212
Distorting Vector Objects..................................................218
Pasting Vectors Along a Curve .........................................223
Converting Vector Objects ................................................224
Creating a Vector Border...................................................225
Using the Vector Doctor....................................................226
Working with Vector Text...........................................................229
Creating Vector Text .........................................................230
Selecting Vector Text ........................................................231
Editing Vector Text ...........................................................231
Formatting Vector Text .....................................................233
Wrapping Text Round a Curve..........................................238
Measuring Vector Objects ...........................................................243
Transforming Vector Objects ......................................................244
Using Transform Vectors Mode........................................244
Using the Transform Vector(s) Page.................................246
Manipulating Vector Objects.......................................................254
Mirroring Vectors..............................................................254
Aligning Vectors................................................................257
Centring Vectors................................................................258
Merging Vectors................................................................259
Joining Vectors..................................................................262
Closing Vectors .................................................................265
Clipping Vectors................................................................266
Slicing Vectors...................................................................268
Grouping Vector Objects .............................................................270
Viewing the Properties of a Vector Object..................................272
Reversing a Vector Object's Direction.........................................274
Ungrouped Vectors............................................................274
Grouped Vectors................................................................275
Creating Bitmaps from Vectors ...................................................275
Flood Filling Vector Objects.............................................276
Importing Vector Artwork ...........................................................276

vi • Contents ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual
Exporting Vector Artwork ...........................................................276
Creating a Shape from a Vector...................................................277
Creating a Feature from a Vector.................................................277
Creating a Raised Feature..................................................277
Creating a Recessed Feature..............................................280
Creating a Centreline Engraved Feature............................281
Returning a Feature to a Vector.........................................282
Working with Reliefs 285
Overview......................................................................................285
Using the Shape Editor.................................................................286
Creating a Shape from a Bitmap........................................286
Creating a Shape from a Closed Vector ............................290
Creating a Shape Using Vectors ..................................................294
Creating a Swept Profile Shape .........................................295
Creating a Two Rail Sweep ...............................................310
Creating a Weave Shape....................................................316
Creating ISO-FORM Letters .............................................320
Creating a Dome ..........................................................................323
Creating a Feature ........................................................................324
Calculating a Relief......................................................................325
Replacing the Relief...........................................................326
Adding to the Relief...........................................................326
Subtracting from the Relief ...............................................328
Merging with the Relief.....................................................330
Transforming and Manipulating Reliefs......................................333
Using 3D Clipart................................................................333
Copying and Pasting a Relief ............................................344
Pasting a Relief along a Vector .........................................349
Inverting a Relief ...............................................................351
Smoothing a Relief ............................................................352
Scaling the Relief Height...................................................354
Scaling to Volume .............................................................356
Mirroring a Relief ..............................................................357
Mirror Merging a Relief ....................................................358
Offsetting a Relief..............................................................359
Resetting a Relief...............................................................360
Resetting the Relief Height................................................360
Managing and Editing Reliefs......................................................361
Saving a Relief...................................................................362
Loading a Relief.................................................................363
Calculating the Surface Area.............................................366

ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual Contents • vii
Displaying the Calculation Time.......................................367
Adding a Draft Angle ........................................................368
Creating a Triangle Mesh ..................................................368
Creating a Cross-Section ...................................................370
Creating an Angled Plane..................................................371
Blending 3D Shapes ..........................................................374
Relief Envelope Distortion................................................378
Fading a Relief...................................................................386
Creating a Ring..................................................................390
Adding Texture to a Relief ................................................390
Sculpting a Relief ..............................................................397
Removing Holes in the Relief Surface ..............................402
Creating a Greyscale Image from a Relief ........................402
Rotating a Relief or Triangle Mesh...................................402
Machining Models 403
Overview......................................................................................403
Using Toolpaths.................................................................405
2D Toolpaths................................................................................405
2D Profiling .......................................................................407
2D Area Clearance.............................................................417
V-Bit Carving ....................................................................423
Bevel Carving....................................................................428
Smart Engraving................................................................434
Machine Vectors................................................................441
Inlay Wizard ......................................................................447
Drill Holes .........................................................................476
3D Toolpaths................................................................................481
Machine Relief...................................................................481
Feature Machining.............................................................486
Z Level Roughing..............................................................490
Laser Machining................................................................495
3D Cut Out.........................................................................498
3D Rest Machining............................................................505
Managing and Modifying Toolpaths ...........................................508
Selecting Toolpaths ...........................................................509
Transforming Toolpaths ....................................................510
Copying Toolpaths ............................................................512
Merging Toolpaths ............................................................521
Creating Toolpath Panels...................................................523
Editing a Profile Pass.........................................................527
Setting the Machining Order .............................................537

viii • Contents ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual
Adjusting the Machining Parameters of a Tool.................540
Saving a Toolpath ..............................................................543
Editing a Toolpath .............................................................545
Deleting Toolpaths.............................................................546
Calculating a Single Toolpath ...........................................548
Calculating a Batch of Toolpaths ......................................549
Using a Toolpath Summary...............................................550
Using the Tool Groups Database.......................................554
Adjusting the Material Setup.............................................562
Deleting the Material .........................................................564
Creating a Toolpath Template ...........................................564
Loading a Toolpath Template............................................565
Loading Toolpath Data......................................................566
Setting the Toolpath Order ................................................567
Simulating Toolpaths ...................................................................567
Viewing a Toolpath ...........................................................573
Hiding a Toolpath ..............................................................575
Resetting a Simulation.......................................................576
Deleting a Simulation ........................................................577
Saving a Simulation as a Relief.........................................577
Loading a Simulation from a Relief ..................................578
Index 579

ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual Overview • 1
Overview
ArtCAM Pro Overview
ArtCAM Pro is a unique software program which allows users to
easily create impressive, high quality 3D products starting from 2D
bitmap or vector based artwork. ArtCAM Pro transforms ideas into
finished products far more quickly than is possible using conventional
methods. Even in cases where a hand-finished look is desired,
ArtCAM Pro accelerates production. Using ArtCAM Pro and a
machine tool or router to machine most of the job, leaves the artisan
more time to concentrate on the original design and the fine details,
which together help to differentiate products in today's competitive
markets.
Information about ArtCAM Pro
You can find information about the features in ArtCAM Pro from the
following sources:
1. The ArtCAM Pro Assistant (In-line Help). Click on the
on each page displayed in the Assistant window
to view its In-Line Help. For further details, see "ArtCAM
Pro Layout" in the ArtCAM Pro Layout chapter.
2. The ArtCAM Pro On-Line Help pages. From the Main
menu bar, click on the Help menu, followed by the Index
option. You can find a list of shortcuts that can be used in
ArtCAM Pro here.
3. The Assistant's Getting Started page. Click on the
icon in the Other Features area to display details of the
latest features in ArtCAM Pro.

Overview • 2 ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual
4. The ArtCAM Pro Reference Manual (this manual).
5. The ArtCAM Pro Website. From the Main menu bar, click
on the Help menu, followed by the ArtCAM Pro On The
Web > ArtCAM Pro Home Page option.
6. The ArtCAM User Forum. From the Main menu bar, click
on the Help menu, followed by the ArtCAM Pro On The
Web > ArtCAM Pro Forum option. You can also access
the forum at http://forum.artcam.com.
If you have not already registered as a forum member, click
on the Join option on the forum's Home Page to do so.
Registered users are able to download images, example
ArtCAM models and relief files attached to posts.
7. Subscribe to the ArtCAM Pro Newsletter. From the Main
menu bar, click on the Help menu, followed by the
Subscribe to the ArtCAM Pro Newsletter option to
send an e-mail requesting subscription to the quarterly
newsletter.
8. The Frequently Asked Questions page. From the Main
menu bar, click on the Help menu, followed by the
ArtCAM Pro On The Web > Frequently Asked
Questions option.
ArtCAM Pro Reference Manual
This manual provides you with instructions on how to create and
manipulate both 2D and 3D models, and then machine them.
This Reference Manual is divided into the following sections:
• Overview. This section provides an overview of what
ArtCAM Pro can be used for.
• ArtCAM Pro Layout. This section explains the layout of
ArtCAM Pro, how to use its design windows and manage its
preferences.
• Working with Models. This section explains how to
create and manage an ArtCAM model, as well as create and
edit fonts for use within ArtCAM Pro.
• Working with Bitmaps. This section explains how to
create and manipulate bitmap images in a model. These can
then be used to create vector objects or 3D shapes as all or
part of a relief in a model.

• Working with Vectors. This section explains how to
create and manipulate vector artwork in a model. This can
then be used to create a three-dimensional shape as all or
part of a relief, or to machine a 2D model.
• Working with Reliefs. This section explains how to
create different types of shapes and combine them with any
existing relief, how to transform, manipulate, edit and
manage the relief. The relief can then be used to machine a
3D model.
• Machining Models. This section explains how to machine
a model from the vector artwork or three-dimensional relief
that you have created.
Comparing Bitmaps, Vectors and
Reliefs
Vectors and bitmaps are two different methods of reproducing
particular types of images. ArtCAM Pro uses both bitmap images and
vector objects to create three-dimensional shapes. In ArtCAM Pro, a
vector object can be created from a bitmap image, and vice versa. For
more details, see the Working with Bitmaps and Working with
Vectors chapters.
Vector Data Bitmap Data
The three-dimensional shapes created from the bitmap images and
vector objects in ArtCAM Pro make up a relief. This relief is used to
machine a 3D model.
What is a Vector?
Vector data is defined mathematically. Objects are geometrical, being
made up of a number of points connected by lines or curves. Vectors

are extremely flexible and can be manipulated with both ease and
accuracy.
The amount of data required to display all of the attributes of a vector
object is very small, so graphics made up of vector objects can have
very small file sizes. As the objects become more complex, the sizes
increase.
Vector data is ideal for producing smooth features. A vector object not
only has greater definition than the bitmap, the geometry of the vector
object can also be used to drive an assigned machining tool directly,
which, in turn, can produce a better finish.
ArtCAM Pro can read files containing vector data saved in the
following formats:
• Drawing Interchange files, including PowerSHAPE and
AutoCAD (.dxf)
• Encapsulated PostScript format (.eps)
• AutoCAD 2D Drawing files (.dwg)
• Adobe Illustrator image (.ai)
• Windows Metafile (.wmf)
• Lotus, PC Paint or DUCT picture (.pic)
What is a Bitmap?
Bitmap data is made up of a set of values specifying the colour of
individual pixels (picture elements) that make up an image. Bitmap
data is characterised by resolution and bit depth.
Resolution relates to the detail in an image and is expressed in dots per
inch (.dpi) or pixels per inch (.ppi). The higher the resolution (i.e. the
more dots used to describe the image), the more detail possible.
Bit depth has to do with the number of colours the image can display.
Bits are the building blocks of binary data. A black and white image is
1 bit, meaning it can be off or on, black or white. As bit depth
increases, more colours are available.
Unlike vector data, bitmap data is large. For example, a simple object
like the letter in the previous image is 32,838 bytes as vector data in
ArtCAM Pro. When rasterized (changed to a bitmap), the file size
changes to 40,078 bytes in ArtCAM Pro. For small compositions the
increase in file size may not matter greatly, but for larger compositions
the difference in file size seriously impacts machining times.

ArtCAM Pro allows three-dimensional shapes to be created from areas
of bitmap colour. It can also read bitmap files generated by other
drawing and desktop publishing packages or those scanned from paper
based artwork saved in any of the following formats:
• Windows Bitmap (.bmp)
• TIFF image (.tif)
• PCX image (.pcx)
• CompuServe image (.gif)
• JPEG image (.jpg or .jpeg)
What is a Relief?
A relief is made up of one or more three-dimensional shapes created in
ArtCAM Pro. A three-dimensional shape becomes all or part of a
relief when the relief combination method selected for the shape has
been calculated.
Ultimately, a relief is made up of a grid of points in a similar way to a
bitmap image. However, instead of colour, each point is assigned a
specific height.
When a new model is created in ArtCAM Pro, you are required to set
its size in millimetres or inches. The model's resolution is also
specified here. The number of points in the model determines the
resolution of the relief and any associated bitmap image. For further
information, see "Creating a Model" in the Working with Models
chapter.
A compromise must be made between the quality of a model,
including any relief within it, and the speed of the processor in your
computer. For most jobs, a model of 1,000,000 points is a reasonable
value. Since a relief is made up of a number of points, even the quality
and smoothness of the three-dimensional shapes created from vector
objects depends on the resolution of the model, although this is to a
lesser extent than with those shapes created from bitmap images.
A relief can be saved or loaded in the .rlf format. If there is no bitmap
image of the same resolution as the relief, ArtCAM Pro creates a
greyscale bitmap representation of the 3D model when it is loaded.

ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual ArtCAM Pro Layout • 7
ArtCAM Pro Layout
ArtCAM Pro Layout
The ArtCAM Pro screen layout has been designed to let you work
effectively and efficiently.
The hub of ArtCAM Pro is the innovative Assistant window. When
you have an open model, the Assistant's Home page displays a
collection of tools to help you create, edit and machine a model. These
tools appear in the form of buttons.
Grouped in a logical arrangement, you can to navigate to the button
that you require quickly. To find out more about most of the buttons in
ArtCAM Pro, click on it to display a page in the Assistant window
showing In-line Help. The In-line Help informs you of exactly where,
when and how to use the button, thus reducing the learning curve.
The screen layout is divided into eight regions:

8 • ArtCAM Pro Layout ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual
1. Main menu bar - Click on a menu item to display a drop-
down menu that contains a range of sub-menus and
commands relating to the features in ArtCAM Pro. If an
item in a menu is greyed-out, then it is does not apply to the
currently active 2D View window.
2. Top toolbar - Click on one of the eight available tabs to
display a toolbar that contains a range of buttons relating to
the features in ArtCAM Pro.
3. Assistant Window - On starting ArtCAM Pro, the
Assistant's Getting Started page is displayed. This page
is divided into three areas. The Create Model area allows
you to create a new ArtCAM model of a specific size, or
from an imported image file. The Open Model area allows
you to open existing ArtCAM model files, listing the last
four models on which you have been working. The Other
Features area allows you to create new or modify existing
fonts, create a face relief from a photographic image and
find out about the latest features in ArtCAM Pro.
When a model has been created or opened, the Assistant's
Home page is displayed. The Assistant's Home page
contains buttons for almost all of the features in ArtCAM
Pro, as well as a summary of your model and relief
dimensions. For almost every button you click on, a

corresponding interactive In-line Help page is displayed in
its place. These buttons are divided into ten areas:
• File - You can use these buttons to manage your
model files, as well as the image, vector and triangle
model files that you want to use.
• Model - You can use these buttons to manage the
appearance of your model, as well as adjust how a
model appears in the 3D View window.
• Bitmap Editing - You can use these buttons to
draw and paint bitmap shapes, as well as manage the
content of the Colour Palette and the size and shape
of the brush you use.
• Vector Editing - You can use these buttons to
create vector objects in the form of shapes or text, as
well as measure and manipulate the vector objects
that make up the artwork in your model.
• Vector - Bitmap - You can use these buttons to
convert a vector object in your model to a bitmap, or
vice versa.
• Position Size Align Vectors - You can use these
buttons to transform, mirror, align and centre vector
objects, as well as wrap them around a curve or nest
them within a defined area.
• Group Merge Join Trim Vectors - You can use
these buttons to group, merge, join, trim, clip and
slice the vector objects you create as part of your
model.
• Relief Operations - You can use these buttons to
load, save and calculate reliefs, create a triangle
mesh or cross-section.
• Vector Based Relief Creation - You can use
these buttons to create three-dimensional shapes
from the vector artwork in your model, and paste an
imported relief along a vector object.
• Relief Editing - You can use these buttons to scale,
smooth, invert, offset, sculpt, reset or add texture to a
relief. You can also create an angled plane or a
blended shape, distort a relief or copy and paste a
relief.

You can change the appearance of the Assistant's Home
page in the following way:
• Click on the arrow displayed in each of the ten areas
of the Assistant's Home page to either hide or
display the buttons within that particular area.
You can also change the appearance of each page displayed
in the Assistant window when you click on any of the
buttons on the Assistant's Home page:
• Click on to hide all In-line Help shown on
the page. You can also click on the icon in the
top-right corner of the page to hide In-line Help
shown.
• Click on to display In-line Help on the
page. You can also click on the icon in the top-
right corner of the page to display the In-line Help.
• Click on the icon in the top-right corner of the
page to return to the Assistant's Home page.
You can play a video tutorial on how you can use the page
that is currently displayed in the Assistant window if you:
• Click on the video icon when the In-line Help is
shown.
4. Design Windows - This is the central area of the screen.
ArtCAM Pro uses two types of view. The 2D View window
displays the vector and bitmap artwork in your model and
previews of any calculated 2D toolpaths, while the 3D
View window displays a three-dimensional relief and any
calculated or simulated toolpaths.
5. Project - This tab displays the Project page in the
Assistant window. You can use this page to view
information about your model, to create, delete or edit the
design windows and calculate reliefs. You can also edit,
calculate, delete and simulate toolpaths, or create a template
from them.
6. Layers - This tab displays the Layers page in the
Assistant window. You can use this page to organise the
vector artwork in your model into layers. Each layer you
create can be given its own name and colour. You can also
toggle the visibility, snapping and locking for the vector

artwork on each layer. You can also use this page to control
which sheet of nested vectors or plates is active at any given
time.
7. Toolpaths - This tab displays the Toolpaths Home page
in the Assistant window. You can use this page to create
machining toolpaths, drill holes, add bridging and lead
moves, manage the machining order, produce a toolpath
summary, and manage the tools database.
You can also use this page to simulate toolpaths, save
toolpaths, edit toolpaths, load or save a toolpath template,
and edit the machining parameters relating to a tool.
8. Add In - This tab displays the Add Ins page in the
Assistant window. You can use this page to control 'plug-
in' tools compatible with ArtCAM Pro. The root of the Add
In tab is in the ArtCAM Pro installation folder, and 'plug-in'
tools will be made available to download from the ArtCAM
Maintenance Download page. For details, see "Updating
ArtCAM Pro" on page 34.
Using the Design Windows
When you create or open a model in ArtCAM Pro, a 2D View and a
3D View design window are displayed. You use the 2D View
window to create the vector and bitmap artwork you need to produce a
three-dimensional relief in ArtCAM Pro. This relief is shown in the
3D View window.
Adjusting the Window View
You can adjust the appearance of the 2D View and 3D View
windows in ArtCAM Pro:
1. From the Main menu bar, click on the Window menu,
followed by the option for how you want the design
windows to be displayed:
• Cascade - Click on this option to display both the
2D View and 3D View windows overlapping one
another.
• Tile - Click on this option to display both the 2D
View and 3D View windows beside one another.

• 2D View - Click on this option to display the 2D
View window only.
Note: You can also display the 2D View window by pressing the F2
key on your keyboard when the 3D View window is displayed.
• 3D View - Click on this option to display the 3D
View window only.
key on your keyboard when the 2D View window is displayed.
You can also select which design window is displayed from the
Project page:
1. Click on the Project tab to display the Project
page.
2. With the Views element shown, click on the 2D View or
3D View window that you want to view.
Opening a New 2D View Window
To open a new 2D View window:
• From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu, and
then on the New View option.
A 2D View window appears named as 2D View: 1 by default. You
can change the name of the new window if you want to. For details,
see "Labelling a 2D View Window" on page 13.
The content within the new 2D View window is identical to that of
the previous window.
The Colour Palette beneath the new 2D View window is the same as
that which is below the previous 2D View window, although any
colour links or relief attributes used are removed.
You can also open a new 2D View window from the Project page:
page.
2. With the Views element shown, right-click on the last 2D
View created to display the context menu, and then click on
the New View option.

Labelling a 2D View Window
The 2D View window that automatically appears when you open or
create a model is named 2D View: 0 by default. You can edit the
name of any 2D View window that is open in your current ArtCAM
Pro session.
To edit the name of a 2D View window:
1. Make sure that the 2D View window you want to rename is
active by clicking on it.
2. From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu, and
then on the Edit View Name option. The Edit View
Name dialog box appears:
3. Click in the View Name box and then type the name you
want for the 2D View window in it.
4. Click on the OK button to close the Edit View Name
dialog box.
You can also edit the name of any 2D View window from the
Project page:
page.
2. With the Views element shown, right-click on the 2D
View that you want to name to display the context menu,
and then click on the Edit View Name option.
3. Type the name you want to use for the 2D View window,
then click.
Deleting a 2D View Window
You can delete any active 2D View window in a model:
1. Make sure that the 2D View window you want to delete is
active by clicking on it.

2. From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu, and
then on the Delete View option.
If you have not previously saved the current model, or any
changes that you have made since it was saved last, the
following message box appears:
3. If you want to save the changes in the model:
• Click on the Yes button to open the Save As…
dialog box. For details on using the Save As…
dialog box, see "Saving a Model" in the Working
with Models chapter.
If you do not want to save the model you are working on:
• Click on the No button to close the message box and
the 2D View window. The Getting Started page
appears in the Assistant window. For details, see
"Getting Started" in the Working with Models
chapter.
If you have decided that you do not want to delete the 2D
View window:
• Click on the Cancel button to close the message
box.
You can also delete any 2D View window from the Project page:
page.
2. With the Views element shown, right-click on the 2D
View that you want to delete to display the context menu,
then click on the Delete View option. For further details,
see "Viewing Model Information" in the Working with
Models chapter.

2D View Manipulation
You can change the 2D View of a model using the tools above the
window:
3D View
Click on the 3D View button to display the 3D View window.
key on your keyboard.
Zoom In Tool
You can use the Zoom In Tool button in two ways. You can:
• Enlarge the area directly beneath the cursor by 50%.
• Zoom in on a defined area of the model.
To enlarge an area directly beneath the cursor by 50%:
1. Click on the Zoom In Tool button , move the
magnifying cursor over the area of the model that you
want to zoom in on, and then click.
Note: You can also magnify the area directly beneath the cursor by
50% if you hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and right-click.
To zoom in on a defined area of the model:
1. Click on the Zoom In Tool button , and then move the
magnifying cursor over the area of the model that you
want to zoom in on.
2. Click and drag to create a bounding box around the area of
the model that you are interested in.
3. Release the left mouse button to view the area defined by
the bounding box you have drawn.

Zoom Out Tool
Each click on the Zoom Out Tool button reduces the size of the
image by 50%.
Note: You can also reduce the area directly beneath the cursor by
50% if you hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and right-
click.
Zoom Previous
Click on the Previous Zoom button to restore the previous zoom
setting.
Window Fit
Click on the Window Fit button to automatically adjust the
zooming to view the whole model.
Zoom Object(s)
Click on the Zoom Object(s) button to focus in on a selected
vector object within the model. For details, see "Selecting Vectors" in
the Working with Vectors chapter.
Zoom 1:1
Click on the Zoom 1:1 button to return to a zoom aspect ratio of
1:1.
Vectors On/Off
Click on the Vectors On/Off button to hide the vector objects
drawn in the model from view.
Click on the Vectors On/Off button to display the vector objects
drawn in the model.
Bitmap On/Off
Click on the Bitmap On/Off button to hide the bitmap images
drawn in the model from view.

Click on the Bitmap On/Off button to display the bitmap images
drawn in the model.
Greyscale View
Click on the Greyscale View button to display a greyscale view
of the existing relief.
Click on the Greyscale View button to hide the greyscale view
of the existing relief.
Note: You can set the default colours used in the Greyscale View
using the ArtCAM Options page. For details, see "Managing
ArtCAM Pro's Preferences" on page 37.
Undo
Click on the Undo button to cancel each of your consecutive
editing actions, working backwards.
Redo
Click on the Redo button to repeat each of the editing actions you
have previously cancelled in succession, working forwards.
Link All Colours
Click on the Link All Colours button to simultaneously link all
colours in the current Colour Palette, other than the Secondary Colour,
to the Primary Colour.
Unlink All Colours
Click on the Unlink All Colours button to unlink all colours
currently linked together in the Colour Palette.
Link/Unlink Colours
Click on the Link/Unlink Colours button to link the Secondary
Colour to the Primary Colour.
You can see that the Secondary and Primary Colours are linked when
they appear in the Colour Palette as follows:

When the Secondary Colour is linked to the Primary Colour, it is
displayed as the Primary Colour in the bitmap image.
Click on the Link/Unlink Colours button again to unlink the
Secondary Colour from the Primary Colour.
Note: You can also link or unlink the Secondary and Primary Colours
if you click on the Link/Unlink Colours icon in the Colour
Palette or double right-click on the Secondary Colour itself.
Merge Colours
Click on the Merge Colours button to merge the current
Secondary Colour with the current Primary Colour.
2D Bitmap Contrast Tool
You can adjust the contrast of a bitmap image shown in the 2D View
window, making it far easier to draw vector outlines representing
specific areas within the bitmap image.
The contrast command changes the amount of shading applied to a
bitmap image shown in the 2D View window. You can use it to blur
the image, to make colours appear more saturated.

2D Bitmap Contrast slider set at
100%…
2D Bitmap Contrast slider set at
50%…
The ability to adjust the contrast of a bitmap image from within
ArtCAM Pro greatly reduces the need to edit the image elsewhere
before it is imported. It is a particularly useful tool when working with
scanned or faxed data.
The 2D Bitmap Contrast slider is located on the far-right side of the
2D View toolbar, as shown below:
To set the contrast applied to the bitmap image, click and drag on the
2D Bitmap Contrast slider. Click and drag the slider to the right to
restore the image to its original sharpness, or click and drag the slider
to the left to blur the image.
Scrolling the 2D View
If you cannot see all of an open model in the 2D View window, often
as a result of zooming in, ArtCAM Pro automatically displays
scrollbars along the vertical and horizontal axes:

To view a different area of the open model, you can:
• Click on the arrow at either end of the scrollbar.
• Drag the thumb in the scrollbar to the appropriate position.
• Click directly in the scrollbar on either side of the thumb to
page back and forth.
2D View Options
When drawing vector objects in ArtCAM Pro, there are three
invaluable features available to help you create a vector object
according to an exact set of measurements. These are:
• Rulers. For details, see "Using Rulers" on page 20.
• The Snap Grid. For details, see "Using the Snap Grid" on
page 21.
• Horizontal and vertical guidelines. For details, see "Using
Guidelines" on page 23.
These features help consistently align and size vector objects.
Using Rulers
You can use the rulers adjacent to the X and Y-axis of the 2D View
window to make measurements.
The ruler along the X-axis also displays the units of measurement
(millimetres or inches) selected for the model that is shown in the 2D
View window. For details, see "Creating a Model" in the Working
with Models chapter.
To turn the rulers off:
1. From the Main menu bar, click on the 2D View menu,
followed by the Show Rulers option to deselect it. The
rulers along the X and Y-axis of the 2D View window are
hidden.
To turn the rulers on:
followed by the Show Rulers option to select it. Rulers
appear adjacent to the X and Y-axis of the 2D View
window.

Using the Snap Grid
The snap grid is a network of fixed points that controls the placement
of vector objects, making it easier to consistently size and align them.
You can use the Snap Grid Settings dialog box to adjust the
spacing of gridlines, to activate or deactivate the grid, or to force
vector objects to automatically align themselves to the snap grid.
Displaying the Snap Grid
To display the snap grid in an active 2D View window
followed by the Snap Grid Settings option. The Snap
Grid Settings dialog box is displayed:
2. Click to select the Draw Snap Grid option .
3. Click on the OK button to close the Snap Grid Settings
dialog box and draw the snap grid.
To hide the snap grid in an active 2D View window, repeat the
previous steps, clicking on the Draw Snap Grid option to deselect it
.
Setting the Grid Spacing
You can set the spacing between grid points using the model's units of
measurement selected in the Setup Job Dimensions dialog. For
details, see "Creating a Model" in the Working with Models chapter.
To set the grid spacing:
followed by the Snap Grid Settings option to display the
Snap Grid Settings dialog box:

2. Define the distance between each grid point in the Grid
Spacing box.
dialog box and set the grid spacing.
Snapping to the Grid
To make the cursor snap to the nearest point on the grid when creating
or editing a vector object:
followed by the Snap Grid Settings option to display the
Snap Grid Settings dialog box:
2. Click on the Snap To Grid option to select it .
dialog box and activate grid snapping.
Note: To temporarily disable the snapping behaviour, press and hold
down the Shift key on your keyboard.

Using Guidelines
While a Snap Grid is made up of a network of fixed points, a
guideline is a solid line parallel to either the horizontal (X) or vertical
(Y) axis that can be moved to any position in the 2D View window.
To create guidelines, the rulers must be checked on. For details, see
"Using Rulers" on page 20.
To create a horizontal guideline:
• Click and hold down the left mouse button on the top ruler
to display a guideline in the 2D View window, and then
drag it into position.
To create a vertical guideline:
• Click and hold down the left mouse button on the left-hand
ruler to display a guideline in the 2D View window, and
then drag it into position.
To reposition a guideline:
• Move the cursor over the guideline you want to move.
When the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow ,
click and drag the guideline into its new position.
Warning: You must have the both the Show Rulers and the Show
Guidelines options selected in the 2D View menu to see guidelines
in the 2D View window.
Defining a Guideline's Position
You can define the position of a guideline using the Position Guide
dialog box. This is a more accurate method than clicking and dragging
a guideline into position.
To display the Position Guide dialog box, move the mouse cursor
over a guideline and click the right mouse button:

The Selected Guide area of the Position Guide dialog box allows
you to:
• Reposition a guideline.
• Delete a guideline.
• Lock a guideline into position.
To reposition a guideline:
• Define the new position for the guideline in the New
Position box, and then click on the Apply button.
To delete a guideline:
• Click on the Delete button.
To lock a guideline in its current position:
• Click to select the Locked option .
The Insert Parallel Guide(s) area of the Position Guide dialog
box allows you to:
• Create a guideline at an absolute position.
• Create any number of guidelines at a position relative to the
selected guideline.
To insert a parallel guideline at an absolute position:
1. Click to select the Absolute position option .
2. Define the position of the parallel guideline in the Position
box.
3. Click on the Add New Guide(s) button to draw the
guideline.
4. Click on the OK button to close the Position Guide
dialog box.

To insert any number of parallel guidelines at a relative position:
1. Click to select the Relative to guide option .
2. Define the number of guidelines that you want to draw
using either of the following methods:
• Type the number of guidelines in the Count box.
• Use the and buttons on the right of the Count
box to set the number of guidelines.
3. Define the distance between each of these parallel
guidelines in the Position box. You can set the relative
position for the new guidelines using a positive or negative
value.
For example, if you want to create a new guideline to the
right of an existing vertical guideline, or above an existing
horizontal guideline, you must type a positive value in the
Position box e.g. 10.
If you want to create a new guideline to the left of an
existing vertical guideline, or below an existing horizontal
guideline, you must type a negative value in the Position
box e.g. -10.
4. Click on the Add New Guide(s) button to draw the
guidelines.
Tip: If you want to carry out more than one action in the Position
Guide dialog box, instead of clicking on the OK button, click on the
Apply button. This applies the change and keeps the dialog box open.
Snapping to Objects
Using snapping, you can align a vector object relative to another
vector object on any visible layer or guideline shown in the 2D View
window. For further information on guidelines, see "Using
Guidelines" on page 23. For further details on layers, see "Snapping
on a Layer" in the Working with Models chapter.
Snapping is enabled by default. You can enable and disable snapping
as follows:
followed by the Snap to Objects option.
When enabled, the Snap to Objects option is selected
, and vice versa.

Note: Make sure that the Toggle Snapping button for the layer is
also enabled . For details, see "Snapping on a Layer" in the
Working with Models chapter.
Tip: To temporarily disable snapping, press and hold down the Shift
key on your keyboard.
With the Snap to Objects option enabled, the mouse cursor shown
in the 2D View changes when it snaps to any of the following places:
• A point (node) in another vector object. This is shown by
the cursor changing to a .
• The mid of a linear or arc span within another vector object.
This is shown by the cursor changing to a .
• The centre of another vector object, defined by a bounding
box. This is shown by the cursor changing to a .
Tip: If you hold down the X key on your keyboard, the cursor also
changes to where two vector objects intersect.
• The point at which two guidelines intersect. This is shown
by the cursor changing to a .
• A horizontal guideline. This is shown by the cursor
changing to a .
• A vertical guideline. This is shown by the cursor changing
to a .
• Directly above or below the X co-ordinate of a polyline's
Start Point (node). This is shown by the cursor changing
to a .
Directly above or below the Y co-ordinate of a polyline's
Start Point (node). This is shown by the cursor changing
to a .
Note: The and cursors only appear when you are creating
polylines. For details, see "Creating a Polyline" in the Working with
Vectors chapter.

3D View Manipulation
You can change the view of a model using the tools above the 3D
View window:
2D View
Click on the 2D View button to display the 2D View window.
Note: You can also move from the 3D View to the 2D View window
by pressing the F2 key on your keyboard.
Twiddle Tool
The Twiddle Tool button allows you to rotate the model around a
central point, adjust the viewpoint (pan) and zoom in on or out from
the current viewpoint.
To rotate the model:
1. Click on the Twiddle Tool button .
2. Move the cursor over the model, click and hold down
the left mouse button, and then drag the model to the
required viewing angle.
To pan the model:
both mouse buttons, and then drag the model to the required
viewing position.
To zoom in on the model:
the right mouse button, and then drag upwards.
3. Release the mouse button to set the viewpoint.
To zoom out from the model:

the right mouse button, and then drag downwards.
3. Release the mouse button to set the viewpoint.
Pan View
The Pan View button allows you to adjust the viewing position of
the model:
1. Click on the Pan View button .
2. Move the cursor over the model, then click and drag the
model into the required viewing position.
Note: You can also use the Twiddle Tool to adjust the viewpoint of
a model. For details, see " Twiddle Tool" on page 27.
Zoom
You can use the Zoom button to zoom in on a defined area of the
model:
1. Click on the Zoom button , then move the magnifying
cursor over the area of the model that you want to zoom
in on.
2. Click and drag the mouse to create a bounding box around
the area of the model that you are interested in.
3. Release the left mouse button to view the area defined by
the bounding box.
Note: You can also use the Twiddle Tool to zoom in on the model
shown in the 3D View window. For details, see " Twiddle Tool"
on page 27.
Zoom Out
Click on the Zoom Out button to reduce the size of the image by
50%.

Previous View
Click on the Previous View button to restore the previous zoom
setting.
Scale To Fit
The Scale To Fit button resizes the model so that it fits in the 3D
View window.
Isometric View
The Isometric View button displays the model in the standard
isometric view. The viewing angle is shown by the XYZ
representation on the button.
View Along X
The View Along X button displays the model from the X-axis.
View Along Y
The View Along Y button displays the model from the Y-axis.
View Along Z
The View Along Z button displays the model from the Z-axis.
Select Relief Detail
Click on the Select Relief Detail list box to display the list of
options you can use when colour shading the relief, and then click on
the option that you want to use:
• Low Detail – Select this option to colour shade the relief at
a quarter of the model's pixel resolution.
• Medium Detail – Select this option to colour shade the
relief at half of the model's pixel resolution.
• High Detail – Select this option to colour shade the relief
equal to the model's pixel resolution. This option produces
excellent visual clarity, but can mean that the relief takes
longer to render.

Draw Zero Plane
Click on the Draw Zero Plane button to hide the zero level of
the relief from view.
If you want to display the zero level of the relief, click on the Draw
Zero Plane button again.
Draw X Y
Click on the Draw X Y button to draw vertical lines across the
relief. Horizontal lines are drawn across the relief by default.
Draw X Y Off… Draw X Y On…
Origin
Click on the Origin button to display/hide the origin in the 3D
View window. The X-axis is red, the Y-axis is green and the Z-axis is
blue.
Objects To Draw
Click on the Objects To Draw button to display the Objects
To Draw list box. The Objects To Draw list box lists the block of
material, the relief, all of your calculated toolpaths and all of your
toolpath simulations:

All items shown in the 3D View window are highlighted in blue in the
Objects To Draw list box. If an item is not highlighted, it is not
shown in the 3D View window.
You can hide any of the objects displayed in the 3D View:
1. Click to select the object in the list box that you want to
hide. The selected object is no longer highlighted in blue.
2. Click on the Apply button to show the object in the 3D
View window.
3. Click on the icon in the top right corner of the Objects
To Draw list box to close it.
To show any of the hidden objects in the 3D View:
1. Click to select the object in the list box that you want to
show. The selected object is now highlighted in blue.
2. Click on the Apply button to show the object in the 3D
View window.
3. Click on the in the top-right corner of the Objects To
Draw list box to close it.
Colour Shade
Click on the Colour Shade button to replace the relief or
toolpath simulation with a colour shaded view.
3D View Options
You can choose whether ArtCAM Pro itself, or a graphics accelerator
card using a set of fully Open GL compliant drivers, is used for
shading the 3D View window.
To adjust the 3D view options in ArtCAM Pro:
1. Start ArtCAM Pro. The Software Shading message box
appears:

If you do not want this message box to appear the next time
that you start ArtCAM Pro, click to select the Don't show
this message again option. Click on the OK button to
close the message box.
2. Click on the Configure 3D View Options icon at the
bottom of the Assistant's Getting Started page to
display the 3D View Options page.
3. Click on either of the Open GL Drawing Mode radio
buttons to select the method of shading that you want
ArtCAM Pro to use when rendering your 3D models:
• Software Shading – Select this option if you
want ArtCAM Pro to shade a model using its own
algorithms, independent of the graphics card that you
have installed.
If you have a fast processor installed alongside a
relatively poor graphics card (common on high-end
notebooks), you should select this option.
If you select this option, ArtCAM Pro re-renders the
model every time the viewpoint is adjusted or the
model is changed in any way.
• Complete Open GL Support – Select this option
if you want ArtCAM Pro to shade a model using
small triangles.
This option should only be selected if you have a fast
processor, a graphics accelerator card and a set of
fully compliant Open GL drivers installed. For
example, NVIDIA's GeForce2 Ultra, GeForce 3
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or higher.
If you select this option, the model is always shaded.
It also produces very fast rendering times and
excellent visual clarity.
Warning: Many graphics accelerator cards have a limited subset of
Open GL, used only to meet the system requirements of selected
games. Please check with the manufacturer of your graphics
accelerator card to confirm that it is fully Open GL compliant before
selecting this option.
The size of the triangles that ArtCAM Pro uses to
render a model in the 3D View window is controlled

by the list box in the 3D View toolbar. The higher
the detail, the smaller the triangles that are used. For
details, see "3D View Manipulation" on page 27.
4. Click on the Apply button to confirm your 3D View
settings.
5. Click on the Close button to close the 3D View Options
page and return to the Assistant's Getting Started page.
You can also display the 3D View Options page in the following
way:
1. From the Main menu bar, click on the Window menu, and
then on the 3D View Options option.
If you attempt to change the Open GL Drawing Mode while a
model is open in ArtCAM Pro, the following message box appears:
Click on the OK button to close the message box, then shut down and
restart ArtCAM Pro for the new Open GL Drawing Mode to take
effect. For further details, see "Shutting Down ArtCAM Pro" in the
Using the Top Toolbar
You can hide or view the Top toolbar which contains the File, Model,
Bitmap, Vector, Vector Editing, Vector Merging, Relief and
Relief Editing toolbars.
Hiding the Top toolbar increases the size of the central area of the
screen, which in turn allows you to increase the size of the design
windows.
If the Top toolbar is hidden, you can still access the options on the
File, Model, Bitmap, Vector, Vector Editing, Vector Merging,
Relief and Relief Editing toolbars from the Main menu bar. The
Top toolbar is shown by default.
To hide the Top toolbar:
• From the Main menu bar, click on the Window menu, and
then on the Show Top Toolbar option.

To view the Top toolbar:
• From the Main menu bar, click on the Window menu, and
then on the Show Top Toolbar option.
Updating ArtCAM Pro
ArtCAM Pro customers have the option to purchase maintenance
along with their software. Maintenance is a contract between you the
customer, Delcam plc and your reseller. Having a valid maintenance
contract ensures that you always have access to the most up-to-date
version of the software, with the most advanced functionality helping
you stay competitive and get the most from your software investment.
Delcam plc are committed to releasing a new major version of
ArtCAM Pro containing new features and functionality at least once a
year. Having maintenance will ensure that you automatically receive
the new versions along with any associated documentation. You will
also be authorised to download useful 'plug-in' tools from the
Maintenance Download page.
Contact your local software supplier for more information about
maintenance.
All users with maintenance can check for software updates from
within ArtCAM Pro:
1. From the Main toolbar, click on the Help menu followed by
the Check For ArtCAM Updates option. ArtCAM Pro
displays the Maintenance page in the Assistant window
and searches for the dcam.paf file installed on your
computer.
If the dcam.paf file cannot be found in the default location
shown on the Maintenance page, or you are not on
maintenance, the Logon Failure window is displayed:

Click on the icon in the top right corner of the window to
close it. From the Maintenance page, you can either
instruct ArtCAM Pro to search again for the dcam.paf file,
or you can locate the file manually.
To instruct ArtCAM Pro to search again:
• Click on the Search button.
Note: If ArtCAM Pro fails to display the Maintenance Download
page after locating the dcam.paf file, click on the Login button.
To locate the dcam.paf file manually:
• First, click on the Browse button to display the
Select PAF File dialog box:
• Next, click on the Look in list box and select the
directory in which the dcam.paf file is stored.
The default location is C:Program FilesCommon
FilesDelcam

• Once you have found the dcam.paf file, click on its
file name. Its name appears in the File Name area.
• Finally, click on the Open button to display the
Maintenance Download page.
If the dcam.paf file is found and a software update is
available, a window is displayed containing the
Maintenance Download page:
You can use this page to obtain the latest ArtCAM product
downloads to which you are entitled. For example, the
ArtCAM_extras.htm link allows you to download a selection
of new plugins for the Add Ins page.
If the dcam.paf file is found and there are no software
updates currently available, the following message box
appears:
If you want to display the Maintenance Download page
anyway, click on the Yes button. If you do not, click on the
No button to close the message box.

2. Click on the OK button on the Maintenance page to return
to the Assistant's Home page.
Installing Your ArtCAM Licence
In order to use ArtCM Pro, you must ensure that you have installed a
vaild licence. This licence can be installed as one of two different file
types: a PAFfile (dcam.paf ) or a Delcam Licence file (dcam.dcamlic).
To install your ArtCAM licence:
1. From the Main menu bar, click on the Help menu, followed
by the Install Licence (PAF) File option.
2. Click on the Browse button to display the Select
Licence File To Install… dialog box:
3. Click on the Look in list box and select the directory in
which the licence file is stored. The default location is
C:Program FilesCommon FilesDelcam
4. Once you have found the licence file, click on its file name.
This appears in the File Name area.
5. Click on the Open button to install the file.
Managing ArtCAM Pro's Preferences
Many of the default settings in ArtCAM Pro can be controlled from
one central location. Using the ArtCAM Options page, you can:
• Choose the colours associated with vector objects used to
indicate their current state.
• Define the speed at which the relief rotates in the 3D View
window when spun.

• Define the default settings used for machining strategies
within 2D and 3D toolpaths.
• Instruct ArtCAM Pro to check for or ignore self-
intersections in imported vector artwork.
• Control the increments used in ArtCAM Pro.
• Control the size of the design windows when ArtCAM Pro
is started.
• Set the size of text information shown in the 2D View
window.
• Save reliefs in the same directory as the ArtCAM model file
in which they were created by default.
• Choose the colours for the greyscale image of the current
relief show in the Greyscale View and how they are
blended.
• Control the size of the 'scratch' file associated with the
Undo and Redo buttons.
To adjust the aforementioned display settings in ArtCAM Pro:
1. Click on the File tab in the Main toolbar to display
the File toolbar.
2. Click on the Options button to display the ArtCAM
Options page. The default colours and settings currently
used in ArtCAM Pro are shown on the page.
3. In the 2D Drawing Colours area, click on the arrow to
display its settings:
• To change the colour associated with a selected
ungrouped vector object, click on the current
Selected colour to display the Color dialog box:

For details on how to select a colour, see "Assigning
a Colour to a Layer" in the Working with Models
chapter.
• To change the colour associated with two or more
selected ungrouped vector objects, click on the
current Mulitiple Selected colour to display the
Color dialog box. For details on how to select a
colour, see "Assigning a Colour to a Layer" in the
• To change the colour associated with two or more
overlapping vector objects, click on the current
Overlapping colour to display the Color dialog
box. For details on how to select a colour, see
"Assigning a Colour to a Layer" in the Working with
Models chapter.
• To change the colour associated with 2D toolpath
previews, click on the current Toolpath Preview
colour to display the Color dialog box. For details
on how to select a colour, see "Assigning a Colour to
a Layer" in the Working with Models chapter.
• To change the colour associated with a selected
grouped vector object, click on the current Selected
colour in the Grouped area to display the Color
dialog box. For details on how to select a colour, see
Models chapter.
• To change the colour associated with locked vector
objects when selected, click on the current Selected

colour in the Locked area to display the Color
Models chapter.
• To change the colour associated with locked vector
objects when deselected, click on the current
Unselected colour in the Locked area to display
the Color dialog box. For details on how to select a
colour, see "Assigning a Colour to a Layer" in the
4. In the 3D View area, click on the arrow to display its
settings:
• To change the frame rate at which a relief or triangle
model in the 3D View window rotates when spun,
define the new speed in the Spin Update Rate box.
For details on how to rotate a relief or triangle
model, see "Rotating a Relief or Triangle Mesh" in
the Working with Reliefs chapter.
5. In the Machining area, click on the arrow to display its
settings:
• Climb Milling rotates the toolbit in the same
direction as the feed motion. To set climb milling as
the default cutting direction used in toolpaths, click
to select the Use Climb Milling by Default option
.
• A raster machining strategy machines in passes back
and forth along a specified angle. To set the default
angle for toolpaths that use a raster machining
strategy, type the angle in the Default Raster
Angle box.
• When using an offset machining strategy in a
toolpath, machining inwards from the outside edge of
the block of material by default, click to select the
Start Offset Machining at Edge option .
• If you are machining small areas of material with
very fine detail, click to select the Use Engraving
Engine for Area Clear option . Other than using
the Engraving engine for Area Clearance toolpaths,
this option adds tails to remove up-stands when the

stepover is greater than the tool radius. This option is
deselected by default.
• To show the cutting direction in all 2D toolpath
previews shown in the 2D View window, click to
select the Cutting Direction option .
• ArtCAM Pro shows rapid and plunge moves in all
simulated toolpaths by default. To hide all rapid and
plunge moves, click to deselect the Rapid &
Plunge Moves option .
6. In the File Import area, click on the arrow to display its
settings:
• ArtCAM Pro identifies all self-intersections within
imported vector artwork by default. To ignore any
self-intersections, click to deselect the Check for
Crossings option .
Note: You can use the Vector Doctor tool to check for self-
intersections in vector artwork. For details, see "Using the Vector
Doctor" in the Working with Vectors chapter.
7. In the Text Defaults area, click on the arrow to display
its settings. These settings allow you to control the default
increments used in the Size and Transform areas of the
Text Tool page and the Text Position area of the Text
on a Curve page in ArtCAM Pro:
• In the Point spin increment box, define the
incremental value used between each click on either
the or arrow whenever the points option is
selected. This option is set to 3 points by default.
• In the MM spin increment box, define the
the or arrow whenever the mm option is
selected. This option is set to 1 mm by default.
• In the Inches spin increment box, define the
the or arrow whenever the inches option is
selected. This option is set to 0.04 inches by default.
8. In the 2D Drawing Options area, click on the arrow to

• ArtCAM Pro replaces a selection of points (nodes)
with a single vertical or horizontal linear span by
default. To align a selection of points (nodes) with
either the X or Y axis whilst preserving the points,
click to deselect the Align Nodes – replace with
a single line option .
• To set the size of the text information shown in the
2D View window, such as the numbers and letters
displayed when creating a Two Rail Sweep, type the
point size of the font in the pt box. A default size of
15 points is used.
9. In the Miscellaneous area, click on the arrow to
• To maximise both of the design windows when
ArtCAM Pro is started, click to select the Maximise
Views on Startup option .
• To save a relief file (*.rlf) in the same directory as
the ArtCAM model file (*.art) from which it was
created, click to select the Save Reliefs in Art File
Directory option .
10. In the Greyscale View area, click on the arrow to
• To change the colour of the relief's zero plane, click
on the current Base Colour to display the Color
Models chapter.
• To change the colour of the lowest points in the
relief, click on the current Lowest Colour to
display the Color dialog box. For details on how to
select a colour, see "Assigning a Colour to a Layer"
in the Working with Models chapter. ArtCAM Pro
blends the relief from this colour to the colour
selected for its highest points.
• To change the colour of the highest points in the
relief, click on the current Highest Colour to
display the Color dialog box. For details on how to
select a colour, see "Assigning a Colour to a Layer"
in the Working with Models chapter.

• If you do not want ArtCAM Pro to use a linear blend
for the colours selected for the lowest and highest
points in the relief, click to deselect the Linear
colour blend option . When deselected, this
option produces a more detailed view of the higher
points in the relief.
11. In the Scratch File Settings area, define the amount of
space that you want to allocate on your computer to the
temporary scratch file. The default size is 100mb.
The scratch file is stored in the Temp directory associated
with the User currently logged-in to Windows. For example,
C:Documents and Settings<user>Local SettingsTemp.
12. Click on the Apply button to confirm your settings.
If you want to restore the default settings at any time, click
on the Reset button.
13. Click on the icon to return to the Assistant's Home
page.
Note: You can also click on the icon at the top of the page to
return to the Assistant's Home page.

ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual Working with Models • 45
Working with Models
Getting Started
When you start ArtCAM Pro, the Assistant's Getting Started page
is displayed. This page is divided into three areas:
• Create Model – This allows you to define the dimensions
of a block of material or select an image file from which
you want to produce an ArtCAM model. For details, see
"Creating a Model" on page 45.
• Open Model – This allows you to open ArtCAM model
files that you have already created. For details, see
"Creating a Model from an Image" on page 47.
• Other Features – This allows you to create your own or
edit existing fonts for use within ArtCAM Pro's Text Tool,
create a relief from a photographic image containing a side-
profile of a person's head and neck, and display details of
the latest features available in ArtCAM Pro. For details, see
"Using the Font Editor" on page 116 and "Using the Face
Wizard" on page 122.
Creating a Model
To create a model:
1. Click on the Create New Model icon on the
Assistant's Getting Started page to display the Size
For New Model dialog box:

46 • Working with Models ArtCAM Pro 8.0 Reference Manual
Note: You can also display the Size For New Model dialog box by
pressing the Ctrl + N keys on your keyboard.
2. Define the Height (Y) and Width (X) according to the
physical size of the model you want to create.
3. Click on the centre or any of the four corners of the box to
define the X-axis zero and Y-axis zero origin.
The Job Origin icon appears in the position you have
clicked on.
4. Click and drag on the slider to set the Resolution of your
model.
Drag the slider to the right to increase the resolution of the
model. Drag the slider to the left to decrease it. Generally, a
resolution of approximately 1,000,000 points is reasonable
to work at.
5. Make sure that the Units option is set according to those in
which you are working, either millimetres or inches.
6. Click on the OK button to display a 2D View and a 3D
View window.
The 2D View window is the area in which you draw or
import the bitmap images and vector objects, and import or
create the reliefs, that make up your model. The 3D View
window is the area in which you can view a three-
dimensional impression of your model.
The model has a single default layer. For details, see
"Creating a New Layer" on page 110.

Note: You can create a new model at any time by clicking on the
New Model button in the File area of the Assistant's Home
page.
Creating a Model from an Image
You can create a model by importing any the following types of image
files into ArtCAM Pro: Bitmap (*.bmp), TIFF (*.tif) GIF (*.gif) and
JPEG (*.jpg). ArtCAM Pro calculates a relief from the imported
image.
To create a model from a saved image file:
1. Click on the Create Model From Image icon on the
Assistant's Getting Started page to display the Load
Photograph dialog box.
2. Click on the Look in list box and select the directory where
the image file from which you want to create a model is
stored.
3. Click to select the image file from which you want to create
a model. The file name appears in the File name box.
4. Click on the Open button to display the Set Model Size
dialog box:
5. Make sure that the Units option is set according to those in
which you are working, either millimetres or inches.

6. If you know the resolution (dpi) at which the image was
originally scanned, type this value in the d.p.i. box. If you
do not, go straight to the next step.
7. You are now ready to set the size of the image. In the
Method area, click to select the Image size radio button
.
8. Define the height (Y) of the model in the Height box.
9. Define the width (X) of the model in the Width box.
10. In the Height In Z box., define the maximum depth of the
relief that you want to allow ArtCAM Pro to calculate from
the image.
Tip: If you use an image with a high Z height, the resulting relief
detail is likely to be poor. You should only use images with a low Z
height, such as textures.
Note: The default value in the Height In Z box is 1.0 irrespective of
the units you are using. Make sure the Z height is correct.
11. Define the X-axis zero and Y-axis zero origin in the model.
For further details, see "Editing the Model Dimensions" on
page 62.
12. Click on the OK button to close the Set Model Size
dialog box and create your model. The model has a single
default layer. For details, see "Creating a New Layer" on
page 110.
Note: If you have imported a colour image file, it is displayed as a
greyscale image in the 2D View window.
Note: You can also create a new model from a saved image file
(*.bmp, *.tif, *.gif or *.jpg) using the File > New (From Image)
option from the Main menu bar.
Opening an Existing Model
To open a model that you have previously saved:
1. Click on the Open Existing Model icon on the
Assistant's Getting Started page to display the Open
dialog box:

Note: You can also display the Open dialog box by pressing the Ctrl
+ O keys on your keyboard.
2. Click on the Files of type list box, and then on the file
type of the model you want to open.
Note: You can open a model saved as an *.art, *.bmp, *.tif, *.pcx,
*.gif, *.jpg, *.rlf, *.dxf and *.dwg file only.
3. Click on the Look in list box and select the directory where
the model file that you want to open is stored.
4. Once you have found the model file, click on its file name.
5. Click on the Open button to open the model.
Note: You can also click on the Open File button in the File
area of the Assistant's Home page to open a model when already
working on another.
Opening Recent Models
If you want to open a model that you were working on recently:
1. From the Assistant's Getting Started page, click on the
icon beside the correct ArtCAM model file name.

Tip: You can also open previously saved models by clicking on the
File menu in the Main menu bar, and then on the appropriate file
name listed above the Exit option. Up to five models are listed.
Viewing Model Information
You can use the Project page to view information about the ArtCAM
model on which you are currently working.
To view details of the model on which you are working on:
• Click on the Project tab to display the Project
page in the Assistant window.
The Project page contains a tree that is divided into four model
elements.
The icon denotes the root of the tree. If the current ArtCAM
model has been saved, the name of the model file is shown beside this
icon.
You can display details about a model element by clicking on the
icon, or you can hide them by clicking on the icon. The four model
elements shown within the Project tree are as follows:
• Artwork – This element details the model dimensions.
• Views – This element details all of the open design
windows within the model.
• Relief – This element details the relief dimensions
within the model, its minimum and maximum height and its
origin.
• Machining – This element details the thickness of the
material block and all of the toolpaths that you have
calculated.
Closing a Model
To close the ArtCAM Pro model that you are currently working on,
you can either:
• Click on the icon on the top-right corner of each of the
open 2D View windows; or

• From the Main menu bar, click on the File menu, followed
by the Close option.
If you close a new model before saving it, or close a previously saved
model before saving any changes you have made, the following
message box appears:
If you want to save the model:
1. Click on the Yes button to open the Save As… dialog
box. For further details, see "Saving a Model" on page 55.
1. Click on the No button to close the message box and return
to the Getting Started page.
Shutting Down ArtCAM Pro
To shut down ArtCAM Pro:
1. From the Main menu bar, click on File menu, followed by
the Exit option.
If you click on the Exit option before saving a changed model, the
following message box appears:

Managing a Model
When you have created or opened a model in ArtCAM Pro, the
Assistant's Home page is displayed.
You can use the buttons in the File and Model areas of the
Assistant's Home page to help you manage a model. All of these
buttons can also be found on the File and Model toolbars:
Using the buttons on the File toolbar you can:
• Create a new model. See "Creating a New Model" on page
53.
• Open a saved model. See "Opening a Model" on page 54.
• Save an open model. See "Saving a Model" on page 55.
• Display or hide a note file attached to a model. For details,
see "Using the ArtCAM Pro Notepad" on page 80.
• Import vector files created in other applications. See
"Importing Vector Artwork" on page 81.
• Correct a mistake that you have made. See "Correcting an
Action" on page 104.
• Open the Help for ArtCAM Pro.
Note: Click on the Help Index button in the File toolbar to
display ArtCAM Pro's Online Help.
• Manage the preference settings for ArtCAM Pro. For
details, see "Managing ArtCAM Pro's Preferences" in the
ArtCAM Pro Layout chapter.
Using the buttons on the Model toolbar you can:
• Edit the dimensions of a model. For details, see "Editing the
Model Dimensions" on page 62.
• Set the position of a model. For details, see "Setting the
Position of a Model" on page 65.

• Delete all bitmap artwork in a model. For details, see
"Clearing a Model" on page 67.
• Create a greyscale image from a relief. For details, see
"Creating a Greyscale Image from a Relief" on page 67.
• Add a border to a model. For details, see "Adding a Border
to a Model" on page 69.
• Reduce the colours in a model. For details, see "Reducing
Colours" in the Working with Bitmaps chapter.
• Adjust the lights and material settings for a relief. For
details, see "Adjusting Light and Material Settings" on page
71.
• Mirror a model. For details, see "Mirroring a Model" on
page 105.
• Rotate a model. For details, see "Rotating a Model" on page
105.
Creating a New Model
To create a new model:
1. Click on the New Model button in the File area of the
Assistant's Home page to display the Size For New
Model dialog box. For further details, see "Creating a
Model" on page 45.
Note: You can also create a new model by pressing the Ctrl + N keys
on your keyboard, or by clicking on the File menu in the Main menu
bar, followed the New… option.
If you click on the New Model button while working on an
unsaved model, and then the OK button in the Size For New Model
dialog box, the following message box appears:

Creating a New Model Using Pixels
To create a model made up of an exact number of pixels:
1. From the Main menu bar, click on the File > New
(Specify Pixel Size) option to display the Size For New
Image In Pixels dialog box:
2. If you want to use the image currently on the Windows
clipboard as the new model, make sure that the Open
Clipboard option is selected .
3. In the Width box, define the width (X) of the model in
pixels.
4. In the Height box, define the height (Y) of the model in
pixels.
5. Click on the OK button to create the model.
Opening a Model
To open a model that you have previously saved:
1. Click on the Open File button in the File area of the
Assistant's Home page to display the Open dialog box:

Note: You can also display the Open dialog box by pressing the Ctrl
+ O keys on your keyboard.
For further details, see "Opening an Existing Model" on
page 48.
Saving a Model
You can save a model as an ArtCAM model file (*.art), Windows
Bitmap (*.bmp), TIFF (*.tif), PCX (*.pcx), GIF (*.gif) or JPEG
(*.jpg) image.
To save the ArtCAM model you have created:
1. Click on the Save button in the File area of the
Assistant's Home page to display the Save As… dialog
box:

Note: You can also display the Save As dialog box by pressing the
Ctrl + S keys on your keyboard, or by clicking on the File menu in
the Main menu bar, followed the Save As… option.
2. Click on the Save In list box and select the directory in
which you want to save the model.
3. Click on the Save As Type list box, and then on the file
type you want to save the model as.
Note: ArtCAM Pro saves the model as an *.art file by default. This is
an ArtCAM proprietary file that stores not only your vector or bitmap
artwork and a relief, but also any toolpaths that have been created as
part of the model.
4. Type the file name you want to use for the model in the File
name box.
5. Click on the Save button.
To save the changes you have made to a model since it was last saved:
1. Click on the Save button .
Note: You can also save a model if you click on File in the Main
menu bar, and then on the Save option.
Saving the 3D View as an Image
You can save the contents of the 3D View window as a Windows
Bitmap (*.bmp), TIFF (*.tif), PCX (*.pcx), GIF (*.gif) or JPEG
(*.jpg) image.
To save the model displayed in the 3D View window as an image:

1. Click on the 3D View window that you want to save as an
image to make sure that it is active.
2. From the Main menu bar, click on the Windows option to
display the Windows menu, and then on the Save 3D
View Image option. The Save As dialog box appears:
3. Click on the Save In list box and select the directory in
which you want to save the image.
4. Type a name for the image in the File Name box.
5. Click on the Save As Type list box, and then on the image
type in which you want to save the contents of the 3D View
window (*.bmp, *.tif, *pcx, *.gif or *.jpg).
6. Click on the Save button to save the image.
Printing a Model
You can print a model as it is shown in the active design window.
To print a model:
1. Click to select the design window that you want to print.
2. From the Main menu bar, click on the File option, followed
by the Print option to display the Print Setup dialog box:

3. Make sure that your printer settings are correct. For details,
see "Print Setup" on page 60.
4. In the Options area, click on the print option that you want
to use:
Note: If you are printing the 3D View window, the print options are
automatically greyed-out. In this instance, ArtCAM Pro prints to fit
the 3D View window in its current orientation.
• Print model to scale – Click on this radio button
if you want to print the model according to its
physical dimensions.
Before printing, make sure that the model can fit on
the paper onto which you are printing. For details,
see "Print Setup" on page 60.
• Stretch to fit page – Click on this radio button
if you want to print the model according to the
dimensions of the paper onto which you are printing.
• Print current screen view – Click on this radio
button if you want to print the model as it
currently appears in the 2D View window.
5. Click on the OK button to close the Print Setup dialog
box and print the active design window.

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