Frequently Asked Questions

Listed here are some answers to frequently asked questions. If you can't find the answer your looking for then please feel free to contact us.

Q: What does IGES or IGS mean?

A: Initial Graphic Exchange System. An industry standard format for the exchange of CAD data between dissimilar systems. SprutCAM accepts 2 & 3D IGES data.
Watch a narrated video explanation here

Q: What does DXF mean?

A: Drawing eXchange Format (from AutoCAD for CAD files). It is an ASCII format that describes the contents of a CAD drawing in a way that can be interpreted by other software systems. Most commonly used for exchanging 2D CAD files. SprutCAM accepts DXF files.

Q: What is a 'Curve' or 'Polyline'?

A: A continuous line formed from one or more connected line segments. Polylines are specified by the endpoints of each segment.

Q: I have never written a CNC program, will I still be able to use SprutCAM?

A: Most definitely 'yes'. No experience of CNC program writing is required for using SprutCAM, although some familiarity with the milling processes (cutters etc.) involved is beneficial.

Q: I am too busy for an on-site demonstration of SprutCAM, can you undertake online demonstrations?

A: Yes, although this depends on the type of internet connection you have. Ideally you will need an ADSL (Broadband) connection and a PC with the free Microsoft NetMeeting installed. This is usually supplied as part of the Windows operating system. Please contact us if you wish to have an online demo, we will send you a demo CD or a download link prior to the demo.

Q: I don't have any CAD at the moment, can you supply a CAD system?

A: Yes, although we would need to discuss your requirements first so that we can recommend the most appropriate system.

Q: I want the SprutCAM Machinist (2.5D) version, will I need a separate CAD system?

A: No, the SprutCAM Machinist version has it's own very easy to use learn and use parametric geometry construction tools. This is all that is needed for creating 2D geometry for machining. If you require full draughting (borders/hatching etc.) capabilities, we would be pleased to discuss your requirements.

Q: What does parametric geometry mean?

A: When creating 2D (flat) geometry in SprutCAM, we can create associations between similar objects, for example, if we want to create four circles of the same size, we can create the first one, and make the radius values of the other three "the same as the first one" by clicking on it when prompted for the 'Radius' value.
If the radius value of the first circle is changed, then all the other circles change as well. This feature is ideal for producing 'Families of Parts'.

Q: I keep hearing the phrases 'Solid model' and 'Surface model', what are the differences?

A: As far as SprutCAM is concerned, very little. Some CAD systems only work with Solid models, some with Surface models, other so called 'Hybrid' systems claim to work with both.
A solid model is a model which encloses a 'volume'. A surface model does not enclose a 'volume'. If you detach a surface from a solid, it becomes a surface model. Most solid models are converted to a surface model when exported from a CAD system.

Q: I've looked at other 3D machining systems, and they have to 'stitch' the models surfaces together prior to applying any toolpaths, do I have to do this in SprutCAM?

A: Definately not! Because we work with the native model (NURBS included), we don't have to undertake any modification of the model prior to applying toolpaths. This has two benefits 1: You get cutting a lot quicker 2: Because we work with the native model, the cut part is very accurate.

Q: What are NURBS?

A: (Nonuniform Rational B-Spline. A curve definition method based on the B-spline curve, which offers additional flexibility through knots along the spline. Some knots can have more weight added (like a magnet) to pull the curve toward those knots. This feature enables you to create 2-D curves and 3-D surfaces generalized from those curves with precision

Q: What is a Spline?

A: Originally, a pliable (wooden) strip used by draftsmen to draw curves. In the context of approximation and interpolation theory, a spline is a mathematical function that interpolates or approximates a finite sequence of data values. Cubic spline functions are the most commonly used.

More Q & A will be added soon. Don't forget to contact us with your questions.