Rotary machining creates new manufacturing possibilities for CNC operators by enabling designs that wrap around cylindrical materials. Using VCarve Pro CAM software, rotary machining projects can be prepared directly within the software when paired with a compatible rotary axis machine and the appropriate post processor.
Rotary machining workflows allow manufacturers to use different materials, generate toolpaths, and preview how the design will be visualised once the manufacturing is completed.
Setting up a rotary project in VCarve Pro
In VCarve Pro, a rotary job type can be selected, allowing the user to define the material dimensions by specifying its length and diameter.
Depending on the CNC machine requirements, the Z zero position can be set using one of two reference points:
- Cylinder surface: for referencing the material surface as the Z zero position
- Cylinder axis: for referencing the centre of the material as the Z zero position
The XY datum position can be defined to match the CNC’s requirements. Note that all designing in VCarve is completed on a flat rectangular plane, and is then wrapped around the rotary axis.
The project orientation determines how the design is wrapped around the rotary axis:
- Along X axis: to wrap the Y axis around the rotary axis
- Along Y axis: to wrap the X axis around the rotary axis
The material setup section allows you to set the clearance requirements, including the Z gaps and plunge distances above a workpiece. These settings depend on the individual CNC’s setup and should be managed by the machine operator.
Designing and previewing rotary toolpaths
Once a rotary project has been configured, users can create vectors and apply toolpaths in the same way as a standard CNC project within VCarve Pro. Text, patterns, and shapes can be positioned on the workpiece before being wrapped around the cylinder for machining.
Before sending machining files to the CNC machine, VCarve Pro allows users to preview the completed rotary project. The design can be viewed in both 2D and 3D, allowing the model to be rotated and inspected from multiple angles to verify the final result.
VCarve’s rotary machining workflow provides an efficient solution for creating cylindrical designs. By enabling engraving and carving on curved surfaces, rotary CNC machines increase workshop capabilities and open up new manufacturing possibilities.
Learning rotary machining in VCarve Pro
Wood Designer provides training for professionals and hobbyists looking to develop their skills in VCarve Pro and Aspire (which shares this feature). Through our VCarve Pro rotary CNC training program, users will learn how to prepare, configure, and preview rotary projects with confidence.
Click below to download and test VCarve and Aspire. We also have more information here on our VCarve training options and how we can support your CNC journey.
