Quick Start Guide

Start using the CAD/CAM application in minutes

Quick Start Guide

This quick start guide will help you get started with the CAD/CAM application right away, showing you the basic features and essential steps to create your first project.

Accessing the Application

1. Open browser

   Open your preferred browser and navigate to the application URL

2. Sign in

   Click the “Sign In” button in the top right corner

3. Enter credentials

   Enter your credentials (email and password)

4. Dashboard

   You will be redirected to the main application dashboard

If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one by clicking “Sign Up” on the login page.

Interface Overview

Once logged in, you’ll see the main dashboard with the following elements:

Main Dashboard

CAD Editor

Complete design environment for creating and modifying 2D and 3D models. Accessible from the “CAD Editor” button in the main dashboard.

CAM Editor

Environment for generating and optimizing toolpaths for CNC machines. Accessible from the “CAM Editor” button in the dashboard.

Projects

Management of your existing projects, with options to organize, search, and filter. Shows information such as creation date, last update, and team members.

Materials

Complete library of materials available for toolpath simulation and optimization. Includes physical properties and machining parameters.

Components

Collection of reusable parts that can be quickly inserted into your projects. Includes both standard and custom components.

Machine Configurations

Settings for different types of CNC machines, including parameters, limitations, and specific post-processors.

Drawing Tools

Drawing tools configuration, including styles, default parameters, and preferences.

The dashboard also shows statistics about your projects, recent activity history, and quick access to frequently used features.

Creating Your First Project

To create a new project:

1. Access Projects section

   Click the “Projects” button in the dashboard

2. Create new project

   Select “New Project” or click the ”+” button in the top right corner

3. Enter information

   Enter a descriptive name for the project and, optionally, a description

4. Enter information

   Enter a descriptive name for the project and, optionally, a description

5. Select organization

   Select an organization (if applicable) or keep as personal project

6. Create

   Click “Create Project”

You will be redirected to the project page, where you can start adding drawings and components.

Using the CAD Editor

To start designing:

1. Access CAD Editor

   From the dashboard or project page, click “CAD Editor”

2. Familiarize with interface

   The design environment will open with the following areas:

   • Top toolbar: Contains file, edit, view, and other tools
   • Left sidebar: Contains drawing tools, layers, and settings
   • Central workspace: The space where you create and modify your drawings
   • Properties panel on right: Shows properties of selected element
   • Bottom status bar: Shows coordinates, measurement units, and other information

Creating a Basic Drawing

1. Select a tool

   Select a drawing tool from the left sidebar (e.g., “Line”, “Rectangle”, or “Circle”)

2. Draw on canvas

   Click and drag on the workspace to create the shape

3. Modify properties

   Use the properties panel on the right to modify dimensions, color, or other properties

4. Add more elements

   Continue adding shapes and geometries as needed

Use the Shift key while drawing to constrain proportions (e.g., to create a perfect square instead of a rectangle).

Saving Your Work

1. Access File menu

   Click “File” in the top toolbar

2. Save or export

   Select “Save” or “Export”

3. Choose format

   Choose desired file format and location

4. Confirm

   Click “Save” to confirm

Using the CAM Editor

To generate toolpaths:

1. Access CAM Editor

   From the dashboard or project page, click “CAM Editor”

2. Import model

   Import your CAD model or select an existing drawing

3. Familiarize with interface

   The CAM interface includes:

   • Top toolbar: Controls for file, simulation, and view options
   • Left sidebar: Machining tools and machine settings
   • Central view area: Shows model and toolpaths
   • Control panel on right: Specific settings for machining operations

Creating a Basic Toolpath

1. Select operation

   Select an operation type from the right panel (e.g., “Contour Milling”, “Pocket”, “Drilling”)

2. Select geometry

   Select the geometry to machine on the model

3. Configure parameters

   Configure machining parameters such as depth, speed, feed

4. Generate path

   Click “Generate Path” to create the toolpath

5. Verify

   Use the 3D view to verify the generated path

Machining Simulation

1. Start simulation

   Click the “Simulate” button in the top toolbar

2. Control simulation

   Use playback controls to view the simulation step by step

3. Check potential issues

   Verify for potential collisions or problems

4. Adjust if needed

   Adjust parameters as needed and regenerate the path

Generating and Saving G-code

1. Generate G-code

   Once satisfied with the toolpath, click “Generate G-code”

2. Select post-processor

   Select the appropriate post-processor type for your CNC machine (Fanuc, Heidenhain, etc.)

3. Preview

   View the generated G-code preview in the “G-code Editor” tab

4. Save

   Click “Save G-code” to export the NC file ready for the machine

Using AI Features

The application includes powerful artificial intelligence tools that can help speed up your workflow:

AI Design Assistant (in CAD Editor)

1. Access assistant

   Open the CAD Editor and look for the “AI Design Assistant” section in the right panel

2. Describe what you want to create

   Enter a text description of what you want to create

3. Generate model

   Click “Generate” to get a model based on your description

4. Modify result

   Modify the result as needed using standard CAD tools

The more detailed your description, the better the generated result will be. Include dimensions, proportions, and spatial relationships when possible.

AI Toolpath Optimizer (in CAM Editor)

1. Generate toolpath

   After generating a toolpath, look for the “Optimize with AI” option

2. Select objectives

   Select optimization objectives (machining time, surface finish, etc.)

3. Optimize

   Click “Optimize” to automatically improve the path

4. Compare and choose

   Compare results and choose your preferred version

Project Management

To effectively manage your projects:

1. Access Projects section

   Go to the “Projects” section from the dashboard

2. View projects

   View all your projects with name, update date, and number of drawings

3. Search projects

   Use the search bar to find specific projects

4. Manage project

   Click on a project to open it and view details

Project Organization

Descriptive Names

Assign descriptive names to projects and files for easy identification

Detailed Descriptions

Use the description function to add important details

Folder Organization

Organize drawings in logical folders within the project

Tagging

Use tags to categorize and quickly find projects

Selective Sharing

Share projects with team members when needed

Versioning

Keep track of different versions of your projects

Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to using CAD/CAM tools, here are some tips to help you get started:

Start with simple projects

Create basic shapes and simple machining operations to familiarize yourself with the interface before moving on to more complex projects. This will help you develop confidence with the tools and workflows.

Use tutorials

Explore the tutorials available in the application to learn the main features. These are specifically designed to guide you through common operations.

Save frequently

Make it a habit to save your work regularly to avoid data loss. The application also offers an auto-save feature, but it’s always good practice to save manually after significant changes.

Explore documentation

Consult this documentation for detailed information about specific features. The documentation is structured to support both sequential learning and point-of-need reference.

Try simulation

Always use simulation before generating G-code for your machine. This allows you to identify potential problems without risking damage to equipment.

Leverage AI

AI features can help you overcome creative blocks and optimize your work. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the AI Design Assistant, even just to inspire new ideas.

The best way to learn is through practice. Take time to explore the different features of the application by creating test projects.

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In the following sections, we will explore in detail each of the application’s features. The next chapter focuses on the CAD Editor and its advanced features.