1.

Introduction

ArtCAM

1. Introduction
Introduction.
ArtCAM Pro allows complex 3D reliefs to be created quickly and easily from 2D vectors or
bitmaps. These vectors and bitmaps can be generated within ArtCAM or imported from other
systems. ArtCAM can import 3D models and generate reliefs from them.
ArtCAM Pro contains tools for editing the reliefs and combining stored reliefs. Once a 3D
Relief has been created, toolpaths can be created to machine it. Multiple toolpaths are easily
generated for roughing, finishing and engraving, and the toolpaths can be simulated to allow
complete visualisation of the product before manufacture.
Training files are stored in C:/Program Files/ArtCAM PRO/Examples and C:/Program
Files/ArtCAM PRO/Examples2 or C:/temp.

Starting ArtCAM Pro

Double click the ArtCAM Pro icon on the screen with the Left
mouse button.

Options
not available are greyed out and cannot be used. To start working a New Model can be made,
an existing model opened or an image file opened.

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ArtCAM

Select the Create New Model icon.

A new model must be given a size to work

in, a origin position and a resolution. The
resolution is the total number of squares
for each axis.
When working with bitmaps and you are
using really fine delicate detail, the
resolution should be a high value. A height
of 100 with a resolution of 1000 gives 10
bitmap squares per millimetre.

Resolution
The dragon model shows the 2D view of the model broken up into a number of squares
(pixels). Each square is given a height in ArtCAM dependent upon the command used. The
first relief uses a low resolution, which means a loss of fine detail in the resulting 3D relief.

If a higher resolution is chosen, the model is broken into many more pixels and therefore the
fine detail can be shown in the relief.

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Set the Height and Width as 100 and the resolution as 796 x 796 points.
Select OK.
Menu Bar
Tabbed Toolbars
2D view
Assistant

3D Relief View

ArtCAM displays
2D view, with the 3D relief view just underneath. You can easily swap between views.
ArtCAM commands can be accessed using the tabbed toolbars or the Assistant, which
contains additional help.

Menu Bar
At the top of the Main window, there is a Menu Bar.

Clicking on a menu item opens a pull-down

menu that contains submenus and commands. If
a menu item does not apply to the currently
active view it will be greyed out.
For example the File menu looks like this:
There is one sub menu, indicated by the arrow at
the right hand side next to the Import option.
The commands at the right hand side of some
menu options are shortcut keys for that option.
Pressing the Ctrl key and the letter N is a
shortcut for opening a New model.

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Tabbed Toolbars
There are Eight toolbars underneath the Menu Bar, which contain all of the most frequently
used commands in ArtCAM Pro and can be accessed by clicking the relevant tab.

ArtCAM Assistant
The ArtCAM Assistant gives the most information and help. Information can be hidden or
shown by clicking the arrows up or down.
Project Information - this shows the actual size of the
artwork and height of the relief
File - These are the standard file options that allow you to
control which model you are working on.
Model - This controls, the editing of the model and also
includes Lights and Materials for shading the relief.
Bitmap Editing - These bitmap commands work with colours,
directly on the defined resolution.

Vector Editing - Vectors are flat 2D lines, independent of

resolution. These command control the creation of the vectors.

Vector-Bitmap - A closed vector can be filled with a bitmap

colour.
Position Size Align Vectors - Vector Editing
Group Merge Join Vectors - Adding Vectors
More Commands
Assistant Tabs
The other tabs contain commands and project information.

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2D and 3D views
The 2D and 3D view can be shown side by side by selecting Tile from the Window menu.

Select Window Tile Vertically.

The 2D view is used for designing the

bitmaps and vectors and assigning
them heights.
The 3D view is used for looking at
the relief and the simulation of the
toolpaths. F2 and F3 are used to
switch between the 2D view (F2) and
the 3D view (F3). By pressing the
same button again, the view will be
maximised or set smaller.

Status Bar
The Status Bar is at the bottom of the main window.

As the cursor moves over the 2D or 3D Views, the X, Y, Z co-ordinates of the current cursor
position are displayed in the Status Bar. If a vector is selected, the current Width and Height
are also displayed here.

Tooltips
By placing the cursor over a button a tooltip appears. This gives a brief description of the
function of that button. In the 2D view the bitmaps and vectors can be switched on and off
independently.

Greyscale
Within ArtCAM there is a greyscale function on the 2D view, which is automatically updated
when the relief is changed. The greyscale provides information on height as the higher points
are lighter and the lower darker.

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Bitmap contrast control.

ArtCAM has the ability to temporarily make lighter a bitmap, to enable vectors to be seen
more clearly. This is in the form of a slider bar at the top of the 2D window.

Context Help
By pressing the F1 key you can get more detailed information. This opens a Help page in the
Assistant with the topic already selected.
The Help is displayed in the Assistant and can be accessed from the Help Menu on the
Menu bar.

Select File Close.

The model has been closed.

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