Information
Absolutely new function and available only in eCut 6!
As can be seen from the description of the function is designed to optimize the tool path for CNC / laser / cutter.
It is based on “greedy” algorithm, but in spite of its non ideality, the presence of additional features covers all of its shortcomings.
Options
Process unit – you can set depth of processing [each path, group of shapes]
Origin – machine tool parking point [left-bottom,left-top,right-top,right-bottom]
Best search direction – you can set best search direction for this feature [horizontal,vertical, nearest, nearest to search path, manual]
Sequence – additional feature for searching neighbors [no sorting, separate by color, inside – outside, parent – child, child – parent]
Change first point – allows function to find best point to start curve and decrease tool UP time.
Use the center instead of first point – for searching neighbors you can use first point coordinates, or center of path coordinates.
Leave original – activate if you want to save original shapes.
Reverse shape creation – this feature allows you to create shapes from ending to start.
Use block output – use this feature to output paths block by block. But be very careful – it can harm selected sequence.
Orientation – output block orientation.
Block height – size of block.
Sequence
Few words about two last sequence methods.
Inside – outside
This method output most deep path first. Another words – “holes” first.
Parent – child
This method output outer path and then all its holes, and only after that it goes to another outer path.
Child – parent works backward. First all holes will be added and then outer path.
Manual mode
You can set manual order to your shapes using two methods.
Set one of methods: [nearest to search path, manual] and using Ctrl button draw path in preview window.
If you set manual mode – eCut will search nearst shapes to cursor.
If you set search nearest to path – use Ctrl and mouse to draw red lines and eCut will search nearest shapes to this thick line.