What's the best strategy ?

[JAZZCNC]

Most Cam programs let you mix 2D and 3D cutting strategies in the same G-code file.
For instance making a 3d sign you would want Holes for mounting, possibly counterbored. Then you'd have 3D relief and possibly V carving for Txt. Next you'd want to cutout the profile shape. Having 5 separate G-code files doesn't make sense so it's common to combine all the operations into one G-code file.

The example above would have 5 operations, Drilling, Pocketing, 3D relief, V carving, Profile. Could be reduced to 4 if you used pocketing for the holes.

What have you been looking at.?

[EddyCurrent]

What have you been looking at.?

Just about everything you can think of ! but taking your example with the 3D sign, which CAM software would do all that ?

DeskProto is my first choice for 3D

[JAZZCNC]

Just about everything you can think of ! but taking your example with the 3D sign, which CAM software would do all that ?

DeskProto is my first choice for 3D

I think Artcam express will let you do this.? But don't hold me to it.!

[EddyCurrent]

I think Artcam express will let you do this.? But don't hold me to it.!

It looks okay but as usual the basic version just lacks the features required and when you start adding the modules you might as well have gone for the top version.
I think I'm going to have to run two lots of G-code, one from a 3D CAM such as DeskProto and one from a 2D Cam such as Vectric Cut2D.
As Gerry says if the origins match then all should be well.

Of course a 'pocket' is just a 'depression' for 3D CAM software but it won't generate the most effective or best toolpaths for that part of the project.

[JAZZCNC]

It looks okay but as usual the basic version just lacks the features required and when you start adding the modules you might as well have gone for the top version.
I think I'm going to have to run two lots of G-code, one from a 3D CAM such as DeskProto and one from a 2D Cam such as Vectric Cut2D.
As Gerry says if the origins match then all should be well.

I've just had a look and it's got most of the basic features you need for both 2D and 3D so what is it you plan on doing that this £99 software can not do.? What you think you need may not actually be the case and you could be paying for features you'll never use.!!

That said.!! . . Regards the separate G-code then it's not difficult using cut and Paste to combine into one file. Just keep a Standard template file with your Header setup then cut and paste. I do this often when I'm setting up and using Fixture Offsets(G55, 56 etc) and want to combine individual parts saved in seperate G-code files into one file.