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In Part 1 of this blog we showed you how to setup the multi-sided part shown here. In Part 2 below we will show you how to load a tool library and program the toolpaths needed for Setup 1 (TOP). This article assumes that you have already familiarized yourself on VisualCAMc basics. If you are a new user I recommend that you first review the VisualCAMc Quick Start Guide video. You can also read our additional blog articles here on the MecSoft Blog and on the Onshape CAD Blog – just search for “VisualCAMc” to find the current list of articles. Also for brevity we will not be showing every dialog. We will show you what icon or button to press to display a dialog and then list only those parameters that you need to check. The remaining parameters can remain at their default values.
The Part
The part for this guide is located in the Onshape document named Worm Gear Housing – VisualCAMc Guide. The document is located in your VisualCAMc Public folder that was added to your Onshape account. I suggest that you make a copy of this document to work on during the guide. Just left-click on the document and select Copy Workspace, and change the name if desired. The illustration below shows you the four directions (or Setups) that will be used to machine this part.
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Setup Directions for Machining
Fixturing
For this part we will assume that the stock is being fixtured to the CNC machine table using fixture blocks and side access compression style clamps. To avoid the clamps, we will be machining the outer perimeter at ½ depth from Setup 1 (TOP) as well as doing the same from Setup 4 (BOTTOM). This will leave you 0.7” from the base of the part for clamping.
In the sections below we will define the Machine, Post and Stock. We will also define the Setup for each machining direction as well as a Work Zero for each of these setups. When you are done with this section, the Machining Job tree will look like the one shown here on the right.
Load the Tool Library
To save time programming this part we have created for you a predefined tool library containing all of the cutting tools you will need to program all four sides of the part. Here is how you can access and load this tool library:
1. With the VisualCAMc app loaded and the Onshape part document open, you will see a Folder tab element called Library, located to the right of the VisualCAMc tab. Select it now.
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2. From the Library folder select the tab for the file Worm-Gear-Housing.csv.
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3. Now select the Download button in the top-right corner of the Onshape browser.
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4. The file will download to your local hard drive.
5. Open the local folder where the downloaded file is located and move it to your desktop or a folder location that you have access to.
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6. Now select All Tabs to get back to and select your VisualCAMc tab.
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7. From the VisualCAMc Machining Browser, select the Tools tab.
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8. ![]()
From the Tools Library (lower) section of the browser, select the Import Tools Library icon from the toolbar.
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9. Use the File Open dialog to locate the file Worm-Gear-Housing.csv that you just downloaded in the previous step and pick Open.
10. The tools in the library are listed in the lower portion of the Tools browser. Make sure the Tools Library selector is set to Worm-Gear-Housing.
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11. Now Left-Click-Drag each tool from the Worm Gear Housing Tool Library (bottom of the browser) up and into the Tools folder of the Tools in Session (top of the browser). Do this for each tool.
Note: You can also do this while creating each machining operation (i.e., when the operation dialog is displayed) by switching to the Tools tab, drag & drop a tool and switch back to the Machining Job tab.
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12. Your Tools in Session list should look like this:
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13. Now change back to the Machining Job tab of the Machining Browser.
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Machining Setup 1 (TOP)
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With the Machine, Post, Stock, Setups and Tool Library defined, we are now ready to program the top side of the part. These toolpaths will be located under Setup 1 (TOP) in the Machining Bowser. The completed Setup in the Machining Job tree is shown here.
Since this is a more advanced tutorial, we will assume that you are familiar with the Machining Browser and toolpath operation dialogs. We will simply list the key parameters that need to be checked for each toolpath strategy.
Top Face Off:
1. From the Machining Job, select the Work Zero located directly beneath Setup 1 (TOP). It is important to know what is currently selected in the Machining Job tree before creating an operation! We want these toolpath operations to be located BELOW the Work Zero in Setup 1 (TOP).
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2. ![]()
Then from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 2-½ Axis menu.
3. ![]()
From the menu select Facing to display the Facining dialog.
4. For the machining regions, right-click on the bottom edge of the part to chain-select the entire bottom perimeter.
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5. For the toolpath Name enter: Top Face Off
6. For the Tool, select: Face Mill: 2”
7. Set the Feeds and Speeds suitable for machining 6061 Aluminum.
8. Set Clearance Plane to Automatic and Cut Transfer Method to Clearance Plane.
9. Check the following General Parameters:
Tolerance: 0.001
Stock: 0
10. Check the following Cut Levels Parameters tab:
Location of Cut Geometry: Pick Top: -0.10 (this is the top of the part)
Total Cut Depth: 0
11. Check the following Entry/Exit Parameters tab:
Entry: Lines & Arcs (use default values)
Exit: None
12. Check the following Advanced Parameters tab:
Perform Arc Fitting: Checked
Fitting Tolerance: 0.002
13. Pick Generate Toolpath. The results should be similar to the toolpath shown below:
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14. Now right-click on Top Face Off in the Machining Browser and select Simulate. The toolpath will simulate in the display window:
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15. Use the controls on the Simulate toolbar and then pick Exit from the toolbar to close the simulation. The in-process stock will display over the part.
Z Rough (Top):
1. From the Machining Job, select the Top Face Off operation you just created. It is important to know what is currently selected in the Machining Job tree before creating an operation.
2. From the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 3 Axis menu.
3. ![]()
From the menu select Z Level Roughing.
4. ![]()
Then select Z Level Roughing to display the operation dialog.
5. For the machining regions, right-click on the bottom edge of the part to chain-select the entire bottom perimeter. If the regions are preselected from the previous Facing operation, skip this step.
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6. For the toolpath Name enter: Z Rough (Top)
7. For the Tool, select: Flat Mill: 0.5.
8. Set the Feeds and Speeds suitable for machining 6061 Aluminum.
9. Set Clearance Plane to Automatic and Cut Transfer Method to Clearance Plane.
10. Check the following General Parameters tab:
In Tolerance: 0.001
Out Tolerance: 0.001
Stock: 0.025
Use Facing cut patterns for core regions: Checked
11. Check the following Cut Levels Parameters/Cavity/Pocket cut patterns tab:
Stepover Distance: % Tool Dia.: 40
Cleanup Pass: Checked
12. Check the following Core/Facing cut patterns tab:
Island Offsets: Checked
Stepover Distance: % Tool Dia.: 40
Corner Cleanup: Checked
13. Check the following Cut Levels Parameters tab:
Stepdown: Distance: 0.125
Cut Levels: Top: -0.10
Cut Levels Bottom: -1.50
Clear Flats: Checked
14. Check the following Entry/Exit Parameters tab:
Entry: Helix, Angle: 10, Height: 0.05, Radius: 0.0625
Always engage in previously cut area if possible: Checked
15. Lines & Arcs (use default values)
Exit: None
16. Check the following Advanced Parameters:
Perform Arc Fitting: Checked
Fitting Tolerance: 0.002
17. Pick Generate Toolpath. The results should be similar to the toolpath shown below:
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18. Now right-click on Z Rough (Top) in the Machining Browser and select Simulate. The toolpath will simulate in the display window:
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19. Use the controls on the Simulate toolbar and then pick Exit from the toolbar to close the simulation. The in-process stock will display over the part.
Outer Pocket Profile:
1. From the Machining Job, select the Z Rough (top) operation you just created. It is important to know what is currently selected in the Machining Job tree before creating an operation.
2. ![]()
Then from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 2-½ Axis menu.
3. ![]()
From the menu select Profiling to display the operation dialog.
4. For the machining regions, left-click to select the 5 edges on each side of the part as shown below:
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5. For the toolpath Name enter: Outer Pocket Profile
6. For the Tool, select: Flat Mill: ⅜”.
7. Set the Feeds and Speeds suitable for machining 6061 Aluminum.
8. Set Clearance Plane to Automatic and Cut Transfer Method to Clearance Plane.
9. Check the following General Parameters tab:
Tolerance: 0.001
Stock: 0
Cut Start Side: Determine using 3D model
Total Cut Width: 0
10. Check the following Cut Levels Parameters tab:
Location of Cut Geometry: At Bottom
Total Cut Depth: 1.0
Rough Depth/Cut: 0.188
Depth First: Selected
11. Check the following Entry/Exit Parameters tab:
Entry: Lines & Arcs (use default values)
Engage Motion: Radial (use default values)
Apply entry/exit at each cut level: Checked
Exit: Lines & Arcs (use default values)
Retract Motion: Radial (use default values)
12. Check the following Advanced Parameters:
Perform Arc Fitting: Checked
Fitting Tolerance: 0.002
13. Pick Generate Toolpath. The results should be similar to the toolpath shown below:
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14. Now right-click on Outer Pocket Profile in the Machining Browser and select Simulate. The toolpath will simulate in the display window:
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15. Use the controls on the Simulate toolbar and then pick Exit from the toolbar to close the simulation. The in-process stock will display over the part.
Parallel Finish (Gear Pocket):
1. From the Machining Job, select the Outer Pocket Profile operation you just created. It is important to know what is currently selected in the Machining Job tree before creating an operation.
2. ![]()
Then from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 3 Axis menu.
3. ![]()
From the menu select Parallel Finishing to display the operation dialog.
4. For the machining regions, left-click to select the 4 edges on each side of the cylinder shaped pocket as shown below:
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5. For the toolpath Name enter: Parallel Finish (Gear Pocket)
6. For the Tool, select: Ball Mill: 0.25”.
7. Set the Feeds and Speeds suitable for machining 6061 Aluminum.
8. Set Clearance Plane to Automatic and Cut Transfer Method to Clearance Plane.
9. Check the following General Parameters tab:
In Tolerance: 0.001
Out Tolerance: 0.001
Stock: 0
Stepover Distance: % Tool Dia.: 10
10. Check the following Entry/Exit Parameters tab:
Entry: Engage Motion: Linear: Length: 0, Angle: 0
Exit: Lines & Arcs (use default values)
Engage Motion: Radial (use default values)
Apply entry/exit at each cut level: Checked
Exit: Retract Motion: Linear: Length: 0, Angle: 0
Cut Connections: Straight
11. Pick Generate Toolpath. The results should be similar to the toolpath shown below:
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12. Now right-click on Parallel Finish (Gear Pocket) in the Machining Browser and select Simulate. The toolpath will simulate in the display window:
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13. Use the controls on the Simulate toolbar and then pick Exit from the toolbar to close the simulation. The in-process stock will display over the part.
Gear Pocket Profile:
1. From the Machining Job, select the Parallel Finish (Gear Pocket) operation you just created. It is important to know what is currently selected in the Machining Job tree before creating an operation.
2. ![]()
Then from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 2-½ Axis menu.
3. ![]()
From the menu select Profiling to display the operation dialog.
4. For the machining regions, left-click to select the 5 edges on each side of the part as shown below:
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5. For the toolpath Name enter: Gear Pocket Profile.
6. For the Tool, select: Ball Mill: 0.25”.
7. Set the Feeds and Speeds suitable for machining 6061 Aluminum.
8. Set Clearance Plane to Automatic and Cut Transfer Method to Clearance Plane.
9. Check the following General Parameters tab:
Tolerance: 0.001
Stock: 0
Cut Start Side: Determine using 3D model: Checked
Corner Cleanup: Checked
Total Cut Width: 0
10. Check the following Cut Levels Parameters tab:
Location of Cut Geometry: At Top
Total Cut Depth: 0.500
Rough Depth/Cut: 0.125
11. Check the following Entry/Exit Parameters tab:
Entry: Lines & Arcs
Approach Motion: Length: 0.25
Engage Motion: Radial: Radius: 0.25
Apply entry/exit at each cut level: Checked
Exit: Lines & Arcs
Retract Motion: Radial: Radius: 0.25
12. Check the following Advanced Parameters:
Perform Arc Fitting: Checked
Fitting Tolerance: 0.002
13. Pick Generate Toolpath. The results should be similar to the toolpath shown below:
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14. Now right-click on Gear Pocket Profile in the Machining Browser and select Simulate. The toolpath will simulate in the display window:
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15. Use the controls on the Simulate toolbar and then pick Exit from the toolbar to close the simulation. The in-process stock will display over the part.
Pocketing (Gear Pocket Thru Hole):
1. From the Machining Job, select the Gear Pocket Profile operation you just created. It is important to know what is currently selected in the Machining Job tree before creating an operation.
2.![]()
Then from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 2-½ Axis menu.
3. ![]()
From the menu select Pocketing to display the operation dialog.
4. For the machining regions, left-click to select the top edge of the gear pocket thru hole as shown below:
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5. For the toolpath Name enter: Pocketing (Gear Pocket Thru Hole)
6. For the Tool, select: Flat Mill: ¼”
7. Set the Feeds and Speeds suitable for machining 6061 Aluminum.
8. Set Clearance Plane to Automatic and Cut Transfer Method to Clearance Plane.
9. Check the following General Parameters tab:
Tolerance: 0.001
Stock: 0
Stepover Distance: % Tool Dia.: 10
Cleanup Pass: Checked
10. Check the following Cut Levels Parameters tab:
Location of Cut Geometry: At Top
Total Cut Depth: 0.500
Rough Depth/Cut: 0.125
11. Check the following Entry/Exit Parameters tab:
Entry: Helix, Angle: 10, Height: 0.05, Radius: 0.0625
Exit: Radial: Radius: 0.0625
12. Check the following Advanced Parameters:
Perform Arc Fitting: Checked
Fitting Tolerance: 0.002
13. Pick Generate Toolpath. The results should be similar to the toolpath shown below:
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14. Now right-click on Pocketing (Gear Pocket Thru Hole) in the Machining Browser and select Simulate. The toolpath will simulate in the display window:
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15. Use the controls on the Simulate toolbar and then pick Exit from the toolbar to close the simulation. The in-process stock will display over the part.
Perimeter Profile (Half Depth):
1. From the Machining Job, select the Pocketing (Gear Pocket Thru Hole) operation you just created. It is important to know what is currently selected in the Machining Job tree before creating an operation.
2. ![]()
Then from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 2-½ Axis menu.
3. ![]()
From the menu select Profiling to display the operation dialog.
4. For the machining regions, right-click on the bottom edge of the part to chain-select the entire bottom perimeter as shown below:
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5. For the toolpath Name enter: Perimeter Profile (Half Depth)
6. For the Tool, select: Flat Mill: 0.5
7. Set the Feeds and Speeds suitable for machining 6061 Aluminum.
8. Set Clearance Plane to Automatic and Cut Transfer Method to Clearance Plane.
9. Check the following General Parameters tab:
Tolerance: 0.001
Stock: 0
Cut Start Point for Closed Curves: Use Midpoint of longest side: Checked
Cut Start Side: Determine using 3D model: Checked
Total Cut Width: 0
10. Check the following Cut Levels Parameters tab:
Location of Cut Geometry: Pick Top: 0.00
Total Cut Depth: 0.800
Rough Depth/Cut: 0.250
11. Check the following Entry/Exit Parameters tab:
Entry: Lines & Arcs (use default values)
Apply entry/exit at each cut level: Checked
Overlap Dist for Closed Profiles: 0.200
Exit: Lines & Arcs (use default values)
12. Check the following Advanced Parameters:
Perform Arc Fitting: Checked
Fitting Tolerance: 0.002
13. Pick Generate Toolpath. The results should be similar to the toolpath shown below:
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14. Now right-click on Perimeter Profile (Half Depth) in the Machining Browser and select Simulate. The toolpath will simulate in the display window:
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15. Use the controls on the Simulate toolbar and then pick Exit from the toolbar to close the simulation. The in-process stock will display over the part.
Post Process G-Code
You can post a G-Code file for one or more toolpath operations, an entire Setup of operations or the entire Machining Job. For this part we will post each Setup to individual G-Code files. That way we can decide later (i.e., at the CNC machine) in which order we want to machine each setup.
1. From the Machining Job tree, select Setup 1 (TOP), right-click and select Post-Process. This will post all operations within (below) that setup.
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2. The G-Code file is automatically downloaded to your local hard drive and will use the file naming conventions specified in the Preferences dialog. To change these preferences, select the Preferences icon ![]()
located at the top-right corner of the Machining Browser and then select the Post tab of the Preferences dialog shown below:
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3. Based on my Post Preferences, the file named Worm Gear Housing – VisualCAMc Guide_Setup 1 (TOP).nc was downloaded to my default downloads folder on my local computer.
4. I can go to that file and open it to see the G-Codes for Setup 1 (TOP). A portion of the file is shown below:
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Machining Setup 2 (LEFT) and Setup 3 (RIGHT)
Here is a look at the toolpath strategies for Setup 2 (LEFT) and Setup 3 (RIGHT). Both setups have two Profiling toolpaths to machine the half pockets on both sides of the part. For brevity we will only summarize them here and go into more detail in a companion post:
1. Setup 2 (Left), Profile (Outer Left) shown:
2. Setup 3 (RIGHT), Profile Inner Right) shown:
Machining Setup 4 (BOTTOM)
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Here is a look at the toolpath strategies for Setup 4 (BOTTOM). This setup has a mixture of 2½ Axis, 3 Axis and Drilling toolpath strategies. Again, for brevity we will only summarize them here and go into more detail in a future post:
1. The toolpath strategies used in Setup 4 (BOTTOM) are shown in the Machining Job tree here.
2. The Z Rough (Pockets Only) is shown below with the High Speed pocketing cut pattern.
3. Other toolpath strategies used in this setup include Facing, Z Level Roughing, Drilling, Pocketing and Profiling.
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Let’s Review:
1. You can machine multi-sided parts in VisualCAMc using Setups. Each Setup can have one or more Work Zeros and contain all of the toolpath strategies needed for that setup.
2. The 2½ Axis machining strategies used for Setup 1 (TOP) include Facing, Profiling and Pocketing. The 3 Axis machining strategies used include Z Level Roughing, Parallel Finishing.
3. Each toolpath can be graphically simulated to show the tool motions and the in-process stock definition.
4. The entire Setup was posted to a g-code file for the Haas controller, downloaded to my computer and displayed in notepad for my final review.
5. The blog post covered Setup 1 in detail. Look for future companion blog posts that illustrate setups 2, 3 and 4 in detail.
Try It Yourself
If you want to learn more about the VisualCAMc Milling plugin for Onshape, check out MecSoft’s Products Page and YouTube Channel for what’s new, specifications, videos, tutorials and more. To get VisualCAMc go to the Onshape App store and add VisualCAMc to your Onshape account. Enjoy!
Try VisualCAMc For Onshape
This powerful cloud-based CAM tool works directly inside your Onshape Documents.
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The Thermoplastic Heater Block design shown here is a great example of how VisualMILL’s 2½ Axis toolpath strategies can be used to quickly and effectively rough and finish a complete 3-dimensional component. Maggie Rogers, Design & Fabrication Specialist with OESH Shoes, in Charlottesville, Virginia is using VisualMILL’s Roughing, Profiling, Hole Pocketing, Drilling, Chamfering and Thread Milling toolpath strategies on this component.
“With the VisualMill program and our CNC milling machine I can quickly and easily machine new components for our 3D printers. We machine almost all the parts of our 3D printers right here in our Charlottesville factory, so development can go very fast and we can be constantly improving our shoe printing processes.”
The Heater Block Model:
This article describes the use of two different modules in RhinoCAM, RhinoCAM-MESH and RhinoCAM-MILL. The 
The 6” rosette mesh model was machined using the following toolpath strategies found in the RhinoCAM-MILL module. The Machining Job tree is shown here on the right. Each toolpath strategy is also shown in the images below:
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, VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS®, AlibreCAM® and VisualCAMc for Onshape®. These software products deliver powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solutions for users in the custom manufacturing, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, mold making, aerospace, automotive, tool & die, woodworking, and education industries.
MecSoft Corporation is proud to announce 
In Part 1 of this blog, we show you how to setup for machining a typical multi-sided part in 
From the VisualCAMc Main toolbar, select the Post button or double left-click on Post – None under the Machining Job tree. The Post defines the Post-Processor that you plan to use when generating G-Code. VisualCAMc supports over 300 pre-defined posts for the most popular CNC machine controllers.
From the VisualCAMc Main toolbar, select the Stock drop-down menu and then select the Part Box Stock option. This will display the Part Bounds Stock dialog. The Bounds section of the dialog shows the size of the part as X: 5, Y: 4 and Z: 1.5.
If you want the stock to display in a different color, select the Preferences icon and select a different color from the Stock Colors section of the Color tab of the dialog and then pick Save to close the Preferences dialog.
Pick the Save button from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar to Save your document.
For Type, select Set to Stock Box.
In Part 1 of this blog we showed you how to setup the multi-sided part shown here. In Part 2 below we will show you how to load a tool library and program the toolpaths needed for Setup 1 (TOP). This article assumes that you have already familiarized yourself on VisualCAMc basics. If you are a new user I recommend that you first review the 
With the Machine, Post, Stock, Setups and Tool Library defined, we are now ready to program the top side of the part. These toolpaths will be located under Setup 1 (TOP) in the Machining Bowser. The completed Setup in the Machining Job tree is shown here.
Then from the VisualCAMc Main toolbar select the 2-½ Axis menu.
From the menu select Facing to display the Facining dialog.
Then select Z Level Roughing to display the operation dialog.
From the menu select Profiling to display the operation dialog.
From the menu select Parallel Finishing to display the operation dialog.
From the menu select Pocketing to display the operation dialog.
Here is a look at the toolpath strategies for Setup 4 (BOTTOM). This setup has a mixture of 2½ Axis, 3 Axis and Drilling toolpath strategies. Again, for brevity we will only summarize them here and go into more detail in a future post:
Designer: Eddie Hall
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This cool project was designed by Jed Laver at 
“
This cool project was designed by Ben McDonald at 
Here we see actual light testing on the right below and slip-cased ceramics that were fired to produce the final light containers shown on the left. All of the prototype designs were modeled in Rhino and all toolpaths and cut material simulations were done in RhinoCAM to see what the designs would look like even before starting the prototyping process. 
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Our support staff speaks with users on a daily basis and new users have many questions. One of the questions asked often is: 
When multiple curves that are located end-to-end are selected for one machining operation it is highly recommended that you first merge or join the curves into one poly-curve.
Create Machining Region Set
Select Curve
Select Surface Edge Areas
Flat Areas Selection Filter
Select Flat Areas
Reverse Cut Direction
Automatic Bridge Points on Selections
Manual Bridge Points on Selections
Delete All Bridge Points in Selections
Edit Bridge Point in Selections
Clone Region
MachineWorks Ltd is the leading provider of component software for CNC simulation, verification and polygon-mesh modeling. The new cloud-based technology provides CNC manufacturers with an effective solution for running simulation on a server whilst displaying the results on one or more remote clients.
Today we are mainly using 
