Choosing the wrong toolpath strategy wastes material, breaks bits, and produces ugly cuts. Design Swiftly offers six cutting strategies, each suited to a specific task. Here's exactly when and why to use each one.
The Six Strategies at a Glance
| Strategy | Tool Path | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| On-Path | Tool centre follows the line exactly | Laser engraving, vinyl cutting, score lines |
| Inside Cut | Offsets inward by tool radius | Cutting internal holes, slots, pockets to exact size |
| Outside Cut | Offsets outward by tool radius | Profile cutting parts to exact outer dimensions |
| Fills the entire shape interior | Removing all material inside a closed shape | |
| V-Carve | V-bit follows path geometry | Decorative lettering, sign carving, inlays |
| Drill | Plunges at a single point | Pilot holes, dowel holes, registration marks |
1. On-Path
On-Path places the tool centre directly on your drawn line. Because the cut is exactly as wide as the tool diameter, this strategy is ideal for laser cutting (where the kerf is negligible) and vinyl cutting (where the blade follows the path precisely).
On-Path leaves half the tool hanging over each side of the line. For dimensional accuracy on router jobs, use Inside Cut or Outside Cut instead.
2. Inside Cut (Profile Inward)
The Inside Cut offsets the toolpath inward by the tool's radius so the outer edge of the cutter follows your drawn line. This produces a hole or slot that matches your drawing's exact dimensions.
In Design Swiftly, set Tool Diameter in the Tool Library (e.g. 3mm end mill), choose Inside Cut, and the offset is calculated automatically. Test with the 3D simulator to confirm no overcutting at corners.
3. Outside Cut (Profile Outward)
The Outside Cut offsets outward so the inner edge of the cutter follows your drawn line. Use this to cut out an external shape — a sign panel, a bracket, a wooden part — so the finished piece matches your drawing.
Always enable Tab Generation on outside cuts for any part longer than 50mm. Tabs are small bridges that prevent the part from lifting and shattering your end mill when the final pass completes.
4. Pocket
Pocket clears all material inside a closed shape. Design Swiftly generates a raster-style infill with configurable stepover and renders it in the 3D simulator as a cavity in the stock material.
- Set Depth and Step-Down in the CAM panel
- First pass: roughing at full step-down
- Optional finishing pass at reduced depth for clean floor
- Works on any closed path: rectangles, circles, organic shapes, text
5. V-Carve
V-Carve uses a V-shaped bit (typically 60° or 90°) whose cutting depth automatically varies based on the path width. Narrow paths produce shallow, fine lines; wide paths produce deeper, broad cuts — exactly like traditional hand carving.
This makes V-Carve ideal for sign lettering, decorative patterns, and inlays. Select your text or paths in Design Swiftly, choose V-Carve, enter your bit angle, and preview the 3D result.
6. Drill
Drill plunges the tool vertically at the centre point of a circle or a single-node path. Use it for dowel holes, pilot holes, and registration marks. Set a Peck Drill depth increment to prevent chip build-up on deep holes.
Setting Up Strategies in Design Swiftly
- 1Draw your shapes on the canvas
- 2Select shapes and open the Simulator tab on the right sidebar
- 3Choose a strategy from the dropdown menu
- 4Set tool diameter, depth, feed rate, and plunge rate
- 5Click Generate G-Code — the code appears in the editor
- 6Preview the 3D toolpath. Adjust and regenerate as needed
You can mix strategies within one job. For example: Pocket for the background, V-Carve for text, then Outside Cut to profile the finished sign.
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