What is VCarve?
VCarve is a new and innovative piece of software which allows you to get a whole lot more from your CNC miller/router. It allows you to create an exciting 3D carving from a simple 2D image. The software has a range of drawing tools of its own and can import various vector formats. However, most users will probably start with a drawing created in 2D Design. (Using 2D Design V2 most clip art and even scans can be converted for use.) From the drawing, the VCarve software automatically generates a tool path to “V-carve” the image.
What is V-Carving
V-Carving produces a constantly varying and flowing 3D carved effect on the job, which is similar to how a craftsman would carve by hand. Imagine a stone mason cutting letters into a piece of marble, starting at a sharp corner, pushing the chisel deeper where a font stroke gets wider and pulling the tool out to form precise, sharp corners. V-Carving allows a V shaped routing or engraving tool to cut at varying depths to create a manually carved effect. Whilst very sophisticated, VCarve is user friendly, and has a short learning curve.
What can you do with VCarve in schools? From VCarve, designs can be manufactured extremely quickly and give a really interesting 3D effect. VCarve designs can be added to both hand made products as well as being combined with CAD/CAM (see below for a range of possible uses).
Decorative inserts in furniture
V-Carve designs into wooden furniture to create decorative panels or to add that extra special finishing touch.
Moulds for casting
V-Carve the negative parts of the design in jelutong or modelling wax, to create a mould. Cast stunning jewellery pieces, badges or plaques in pewter or resin.
Logos or motifs on CAD/CAM products
Take your standard key fob project and inject a wow factor by quickly V-Carving a design into the plastic.
Signage
Use VCarve to create 3D relief signs. Use the texture toolpath to create an even more interesting hand carved finish.
What else does VCarve do?
As well as its core functionality of V-Carving, it can also profile cut with a slot drill. VCarve has special features such as automatic tab creation, which enables flat pack models with multiple parts to remain in one piece.
