Go to: Introduction Solidworks VCarve

Introduction

This week, we will carry out cuts using a CNC router, starting from a design in .DXF format. To perform this process precisely and efficiently, it is essential to have specialized milling software. In our case, we will use the VCarve software, a tool that provides control for material manipulation and cutting, allowing us to translate the digital design into physical pieces with great accuracy.

Installed Software

This week, the following software will be used. You can download the programs using the following links or by searching for the program names in your browser:

SolidWorks Logo

SolidWorks

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Vcarve

VCarve

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Software Function
SolidWorks 3D CAD software for mechanical design and engineering
VCarve/td> Provides a powerful but intuitive software solution for creating and cutting parts on a CNC router.
1

Open SolidWorks

  1. Run SolidWorks on your computer.
  2. Go to the File menu → New.
  3. Select Part and click OK.
Polygon Tool
Fig 1. SolidWorks

Set Units

  1. Go to the Options menu (gear icon at the top right).
  2. In the Document Properties tab, find Units.
  3. Make sure Millimeters (mm, grams, seconds) is selected.
Polygon Tool
Fig 2. Set Units
2

Draw the Side Walls

  1. On the top bar, click on Sketch.
  2. Select the Front Plane.

Draw the Main Rectangle

  1. From the toolbar on the left, select the Rectangle option.
  2. Click at the center of the screen and drag to create a rectangle.
  3. Click on Smart Dimensions and set the height and depth of the shoe rack (480mm * 300mm).
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Fig 3. Main Rectangle
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Fig 4. Side 2D Model
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Fig 5. Side 3D Model
3

Create the Top and Bottom

  1. Go to Sketch → Select the Top Plane.
  2. Draw a rectangle with the width of the shoe rack (1040 mm * 300 mm).
  3. Add tabs on the sides to fit with the side walls.
  4. Finish the sketch and save it as top_bottom.SLDPRT.
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Fig 6. Main Rectangle
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Fig 7. Side 2D Model
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Fig 8. Side 3D Model

Create the Internal Dividers

  1. Go to Sketch → Select the Front Plane.
  2. Draw a rectangle representing the divider.
  3. Add 15mm tabs for assembly.
  4. Save the file as divider.SLDPRT.
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Fig 9. Main Rectangle
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Fig 10. Side 2D Model
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Fig 11. Side 3D Model
5

Create the Back Panel

  1. Draw a rectangle to match the full size of the back panel.
  2. Add 15mm tabs for assembly.
  3. Save the file as back_panel.SLDPRT.
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Fig 12. Main Rectangle
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Fig 13. Side 2D Model
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Fig 14. Side 3D Model
6

Extrude the Pieces

  1. Open each .SLDPRT file.
  2. Go to the Features tab and select Extruded Boss/Base.
  3. Set the material thickness (e.g., 15 mm).
  4. Click the green check to apply the extrusion.