| 1. Confirm the Design Format |
DXF
DWG
SVG
PDF
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Use a vector-based drawing whenever possible. Raster images such as JPEG or PNG contain pixels rather than editable cutting paths and normally require tracing.
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Import the file into CAD or CAM software and verify that the drawing scale is not changed during import.
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A readable 2D design with editable lines, arcs, circles, and closed contours.
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| 2. Set Units and Scale |
Drawing dimensions, unit symbols, and overall width and height.
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The design should use one consistent unit system. Common CNC units are millimeters or inches. Imported files may be interpreted incorrectly if the unit is missing.
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Confirm at least one known reference dimension, such as the total design width or the diameter of a hole.
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Correct physical dimensions and fewer risks of oversized or undersized machining.
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| 3. Clean the 2D Geometry |
Open contours, duplicated lines, overlapping segments, fragmented curves, and unwanted construction lines.
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Profiles intended for cutting should form closed, non-intersecting contours. Duplicate geometry can cause repeated machining or incorrect toolpaths.
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Join connected segments, remove duplicates, close small gaps, and delete dimensions or guide lines that are not part of the finished shape.
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Valid, continuous geometry suitable for pocketing, profiling, engraving, or relief generation.
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| 4. Define the Material and Stock |
Material type, stock length, stock width, and stock thickness.
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The stock must be large enough to contain the complete design, including clamping clearance. Material properties influence cutting speed, tool selection, and depth of cut.
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Enter the actual stock size and establish the work origin at a repeatable location, such as a corner, center, or top surface.
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A machining setup that reflects the real workpiece and reduces positioning errors.
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| 5. Convert Lines into Machining Features |
Closed profiles, pockets, engraved lines, islands, and internal cutouts.
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A line alone does not specify whether the tool should cut on the line, inside the boundary, outside the boundary, or remove the enclosed area.
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Assign a machining operation: profile cutting, pocketing, V-carving, engraving, drilling, or contour finishing.
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Clearly defined cutting behavior for every design element.
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| 6. Add Z-Axis Information |
2D boundaries plus intended engraving depth, pocket depth, or relief height.
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A 2D drawing normally contains X and Y coordinates only. A 3D carving path requires Z-depth values or a height map to describe vertical variation.
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Set the top surface as Z = 0 or another defined datum, then specify safe height, cutting depth, maximum depth, and step-down values.
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A three-axis toolpath containing coordinated X, Y, and Z movements.
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| 7. Select the Cutting Tool |
Detail size, minimum internal radius, material, and required surface finish.
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The tool diameter must fit the smallest internal feature. A smaller tool reaches finer details but generally requires more machining time and may be less rigid.
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Typical options include flat end mills for pockets, ball nose cutters for 3D finishing, V-bits for tapered engraving, and drills for round holes.
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A tool selection that balances detail, strength, cutting time, and surface quality.
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| 8. Create Roughing and Finishing Paths |
3D model, relief height map, or depth-defined 2D features.
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Roughing removes most excess material, while finishing uses smaller movements and often a smaller tool to improve the final surface.
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Use a larger cutter for roughing where possible, leave a small machining allowance, then apply parallel, raster, contour, or waterline finishing strategies.
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More efficient material removal followed by a smoother and more accurate finished surface.
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| 9. Set Cutting Parameters |
Tool diameter, flute count, material, spindle capability, and machine rigidity.
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Feed rate, spindle speed, plunge rate, step-over, and step-down must be matched to the material and cutter. There is no single safe value for every CNC machine.
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Begin with conservative values from the tool supplier or machine documentation, then verify chip load, tool deflection, heat, and cutting sound.
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A practical balance between cutting safety, productivity, tool life, and surface finish.
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| 10. Simulate and Check Clearances |
Generated toolpath, stock model, fixtures, clamps, and machine travel limits.
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The simulation should show the complete stock removal process and identify collisions, excessive depths, unreachable details, and rapid movements near fixtures.
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Review tool engagement, cut order, retract heights, workholding clearance, and whether the tool can reach all required areas.
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A verified toolpath with reduced risk of collision, gouging, incomplete cutting, or fixture damage.
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| 11. Post-Process the Toolpath |
Verified CAM toolpath and machine control requirements.
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The output code must match the controller format, axis configuration, units, tool-change method, and machine operating limits.
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Select the correct post-processor, check the generated code, and confirm feed units, spindle commands, safe moves, and tool numbers.
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Machine-readable G-code or another controller-compatible NC file.
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| 12. Perform a Test Cut |
Final toolpath, sample material, workholding setup, and zero position.
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A small test area or inexpensive sample can reveal scaling, origin, depth, tool selection, and surface-finish problems before production.
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Verify the first movement above the workpiece, use a controlled feed override when appropriate, and measure critical dimensions after cutting.
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A confirmed process ready for the final workpiece, with documented corrections if required.
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TitanPro Cutting
