QuickCam 2D Design Explode Function

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shucker
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QuickCam 2D Design Explode Function

Post by shucker » Thu 30 Aug , 2007 9:32 am

I have produced a maze in the shape of a bears head. I created one shape then used the 'Create offset path' to produce the layers. To get gaps in the path I used the 'Explode' function. I then went to generate the maze but the lines remained exploded and when setting up the machining plans the lines could only be selected a node at a time.

Is there a way of regrouping without selecting the outside path (as this needs to be a different depth)?

All other programs I know will not allow an item to be grouped if you haven't selected the whole part of it, but in the machining plans they do. I haven't exploded the outline - only the internal shapes.

I could just select them all as the outline needs to be deeper, but it would be nice if there was another option, esp if a number of different depths are required. [/img]

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Post by Denford Admin » Thu 30 Aug , 2007 10:11 am

We admit there are some restrictions with the drawing engine, but there is normally a way to create what you need - even if it isn't the most elegant !

The Join function (select items and hit the J key) is pretty clever at joining up multiple lines / polylines that start or end close to one another. It will even flip lines around in order to join them to a nearby line

You can also group multiple items (select items, right click and hit "Make Group") this will make a group of objects easier to select and move in the design. However, these will still be exploded into individual objects in the machining plan screen - everything is broken down into simpler forms when it gets into the machining screen, but you can still drag and window select multiple items to be included in the machining plan.
If you have JOINed a set of lines, then that polyline will remain joined in the machining plan screen

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Steve
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Post by Steve » Thu 30 Aug , 2007 16:15 pm

I would be interested to see the part.

If you can select the line segments you wanted to make a path in the cad software then right click or use the dropdown menu you will see a JOIN command is shown.

If you have drawn a rectangle as 4 lines then select each line and then click join they are grouped and can be edited as one.

Not sure if this helps :?:

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