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Easy 3D Manufacturing from SOLIDWORKS, etc.
What is Visual ToolPath?
Visual Toolpath is a 3D machining program designed specifically for
the educational user. It has been conceived by TechSoft to meet the
3D manufacturing needs of students and teachers.
How does Visual ToolPath work?
Having designed your 3D masterpiece (in 3D CAD such as SOLIDWORKS)
you may well want to manufacture it on your router or milling machine.
To do this you need to transfer the 3D file from your design software to
the Visual Toolpath software. The effective standard for 3D data
transfer is the STL file format, so you simply save the file in STL
format in your design software and then open it in Visual Toolpath. You
then follow a simple wizard to automatically create the tool paths
needed to machine the model. It really is as simple as that.
What machines can I output to?
STL models processed in Visual Toolpath can be output directly
to all Roland 3D capable miller/routers and the TechSoft
Once the STL is opened your first task is to orientate the model for machining.
Next you need to set the size of material you will be using to
machine your model from, and the margin around the model you wish to
Select your tool from the Tool Database and set the toolpath direction
before clicking on Calculate
to generate the machining toolpaths.
Although not usually needed this cut-out option can be very useful if
you need to profile cut around an STL model.
A manufacturing simulation is not only for entertainment, it can be an
important part of the manufacturing process. Whilst it is possible to
skip this stage if you wish, the simulation can be used to see if
“silly” values have been accidentally set for depths of cut, number of
passes, etc. It also allows the user to get an impression of the surface
finish and the time taken. Tooling values may easily be changed and
another simulation run to see the effects of the changes. This is much
easier and quicker (and cheaper) than having to remake the item.
Visual Toolpath has a built-in simulation, which shows the tool movement
over the model as if it is being machined.
Once you are happy with the machining properties you have
created, and have set up the material on the machine, you are
ready to output your toolpaths.
How About Multi-Sided Cutting?
Some 3D objects can be machined from just one side (maybe a
simple soap dish). However, many objects may need machining from
2 or more sides (maybe a bar of soap). Visual Toolpath supports
either 1, 2 or 4 sided machining. This allows the use of
TechSoft’s self-centering vice
The software has in-built routines to allow the user to quickly
and easily set up the software when machining with the
self-centering vice. You can also easily add, and then edit,
support tabs to a model. These allow it to be machined from
multiple sides, whilst still being held in the block of material.
Why Buy Visual Toolpath?
Most 3D manufacturing software is very powerful but is designed
for commercial use. It is not always as user friendly as you
might like. Too many options and features can make the whole
process complicated and confusing. Visual ToolPath has been
created specifically for educational users and is designed to be
both intuitive and helpful.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Windows 98 / Me / 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10.
Microsoft recommended minimum hardware specification advised.
Minimum screen resolution 1024 x 768.
In order to avoid software theft, the software is encrypted with the name of the licensed user, typically the
name of a person, or
the name of an individual establishment.
When ordering please state:
a) Name of licensed user/site (max 28 characters, including spaces).
b) Address for site licence.
Buy with a Self Centering Vice and save £40.00
TechSoft Visual Toolpath Site Licence