In the following article we’ll take a look at how VCarve Pro supports the creation of inlays, and automates the CNC processes for their manufacture.
What are inlays?
Inlays are the embedding of material pieces into another material’s surface. This is usually used for decorative purposes, enhancing the appearance of a work piece, or for drawing attention to specific detail such as the writing in signage.
Inlays have been used for thousands of years in timber joinery, commonly seen in furniture and musical instruments. Modern day inlays are regularly used for similar projects and signage.
Craftsmen have traditionally created intricate inlays manually, although with evolving technologies, inlays are now more efficient to manufacture and the intricate possibilities are evolving with modern day software and machinery. CNC machinery allows for the automation of the manufacturing process.
VCarve Pro’s inlay feature
VCarve Pro contains inlay capabilities for CNC machinery.
Using standard pocketing and profiling toolpaths on a CNC machine will not allow for inlay features as internal and external cornering needs to link with its corresponding component.
VCarve allows for the recognition of inlay toolpaths, and will automatically compensate for the tool radius on corners.
VCarve’s inlay toolpath features
VCarve allows for the machining of different inlays, with customisable properties for the male and female components, the insert and the pocket/hole.
The male inlay can be either straight or stepped. A straight cut is a cut the depth of the components, creating simple inlay inserts.
Stepped inlays have a step toward one side of the component so that the insert can be mounted when fitted into the female component.
Once an inlay is confirmed, VCarve allows the user to assign the correct toolpath and generate machining files as part of an efficient manufacturing process.
VCarve Pro’s custom VCarve inlay toolpath
There is a dedicated VCarve inlays toolpath, for inlays using a v-shaped tool that produces toolings without rounded corners, as found with straight edge cutters.
The VCarve inlay toolpath simplifies the inlay process by creating all components, mirrors the selected geometries, and assigns toolpaths to the correct sheets.
VCarve Pro has customisable parameters for V-carving inlays, including allowances for glue, depths, multiple machine tools, and boundaries. See below the parameters available for setting up a VCarve inlay toolpath.
Once the parameters are set up, VCarve Pro will automatically assign toolpaths while recognising the required allowances. The VCarve inlay toolpath feature will mirror and reverse the geometry of the plug against the pocket, and place this on the specified sheet materials.
VCarve Pro speeds up the process of creating complex inlays by automating actions and creating smooth and comprehensive machinable inlays.
Access VCarve Pro for advanced CNC manufacturing
VCarve Pro is a multi-purpose CAM software that integrates with a huge range of CNC machines and our PolyBoard cabinet design software. It can also be combined with OptiNest for advanced nesting, label and stock management.
Additionally, VCarve Pro contains its own design tools that allow for engraving, carving, writing, nesting, and many other features required for CNC machining.
Please contact us if you would like to book a VCarve demo with a member of our technical team, including the seamless integration with PolyBoard and OptiNest.
Click here to download and test VCarve today. Optionally, you can include VCarve training with your software order.
