German software developer SCHOTT SYSTEME GmbH has launched their latest video to demonstrate the engraving and carving tools found within their CAD/CAM software ‘Pictures by PC’.
 
Professional engraving and carving is an essential requirement for a multitude of industries, from signage work and wood working, through to jewellery manufacture and mould making. The first requirement is the logo/graphic to engrave, which can often originate from a very diverse range of sources. ‘Pictures by PC’ caters for these for example, by enabling raster based bitmap images (hand sketches) to be scanned and vectorised. WMF cliparts can also be imported, modified and machined. The software facilitates the import and modification of artwork originating from industry standard graphics packages, such as Adobe Illustrator (*.ai) and Corel Draw (*.eps). This is also not forgetting the inbuilt Bezier based ‘Graphic Design’ and ‘Typography’ suites, enabling users to create and modify graphics and fontwork. In short, the video demonstrates the flexibility of the software to handle any artwork required for engraving.
 
Once a graphic has been prepared, engraving and carving techniques can be instantly applied using the large range of pre-saved machining strategies that come as standard with the software. The machining techniques can be applied directly to any 2D geometry, with the software automatically converting the toolpaths into 3 axis carving movements, ramping the engraving tool continuously to maintain sharp corners. These toolpaths can also be converted into 4 axis rotary engraving tool movements, and into 5 axis simultaneous carving. In addition to the cost savings associated with CAM programming, SCHOTT SYSTEME GmbH also include standard machine post processors and software support free of charge.

For a software overview, visit http://www.schott-systeme.com/index.php/en/cad-cam-videos/115-cam-software-engraving-and-carving.html