[DaltonFIN]

Hi,

I'm a guitar builder and learning to use ArtCam for this work. Some simple 2D routings I can manage, but I have a problems with 3D-profiles ( reliefs ).
I have made some STL-files from guitar bodies on SolidWorks and brought them to ArtCam.
But how can I separate the vectors from STL-file?
I would like to make the profile routings ( outsides of the guitar body and pickup-pockets etc. ) in 2D and use 3D-routings only for carved top.
I just can't make the routings separately. While choosing 3D routing it routes the whole profile in single work ( sides, pockets and carved top ).
While I try to make 2D profile routings and pockets it says: "No vectors choosen...etc.". And I can't find the outside vectors from my STL-file.
It just shows "single block" with all the profiles and only way is to route the whole "block" in single 3D- routing.

So, how can I "mix" 2D and 3D routings on STL-file?

[ger21]

.stl files don't contain any vectors, only triangular faces. You'd need to export the vectors separately from Solidworks.

[coherent]

I haven't used solidworks much but you should be able to import a STL file as solid body. I don't think Artcam can do so.
Try this in solidworks, but you may have issues if there are too many sufaces.
Start SolidWorks and click Open.
Change file type to STL.
Click Options.
Change import as to Solid body.
Select STL file and click Open.
You should now have an STL file converted into Solid Body. I have Artcam but it's an older version. I don't know what type file you can import, but check the import options on Artcam and see if you have a match you can export on solidworks.

[DaltonFIN]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I have now tweaked with Solidworks and Artcam and found out that it's better to export the drawing from Solidworks in igs-format.
It makes smoother surface than .stl- or .prt-

I'm still struggling with the toolpaths.

See the attached screenshot from simple sample part:

https://ibb.co/iddFtm

I'd like to make the toolpaths in Artcam for this part like:

3D machine relief only for arched top. ( not the pocket in the middle and not the outside profile )
2D pocket toolpath for the pocket in the center
2D profiling toolpath for outside profile

I tried the " Create boundary from relief" but it only shows the vectors for outside profile but not for the pocket in the center.

I relly cannot find out how to make the separate toolpaths for these.