TechSoft
TechSoft UK Ltd., Falcon House, Royal Welch Avenue,
Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, LL18 5TQ
Tel: 01745 535007 ~ Fax: 01745 535008
ProductsLink
Visual Toolpath

Easy 3D Manufacturing from SolidWorks,
Pro/DESKTOP, etc.

Visual Toolpath
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 SolidWorks, Pro/DESKTOP, etc.) 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.

Orientate and Size Model

Once the STL is opened your first task is to orientate the model for machining.


Material Size and Margins

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 machine.


Roughing Toolpath



Finishing Toolpath  

Select your tool from the Tool Database and set the toolpath direction before clicking on Calculate to generate the machining toolpaths.

Tool database



Cut Out Toolpath

Although not usually needed this cut-out option can be very useful if you need to profile cut around an STL model.


Preview Machining

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.

Preview

Visual Toolpath has a built-in simulation, which shows the tool movement over the model as if it is being machined, as shown above.


Output Toolpaths

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.


Output Toopaths




iPod Dock
What machines can I output to?

STL models processed in Visual Toolpath can be output directly to all Roland 3D capable miller/routers and the TechSoft RouterCAM.

Machines
What About Multi-Sided Machining?

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.

iPod dock in 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.

Sides to Machine

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 Should I 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. Visual Toolpath provides the quickest and easiest route from design to manufacturing available.

Samples

Software Information

Minimum Hardware Requirements
Windows 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista / 7.
Microsoft recommended minimum hardware specification advised.
Minimum screen resolution 1024 x 768.
Network compatible (site license only).

Ordering
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 license if appropriate.



Prices £

VS004 TechSoft Visual Toolpath Site Licence 195.00 buy