2D software for newbe

[Ger21]

ok guys at what point does something become either 2D, 2.5D or 3D??? any examples of each??

Generally, this refers to the toolpaths, and not the actual parts. Because unless your parts are infinitely thin, they're all 3D parts.

2D is typically used on a machine with a manual Z axis. You set the Z axis to a specific location, and the machine only moves the X and Y axis. Since this typically only applies to very old machines, or very specialized machines, the terms 2D and 2.5D generally are referring to the same type of software, and are interchangeable imo.


2.5D toolpaths are the most common. What 2.5D means, is that the machine will move the Z axis, but cutting is predominantly done only in the X and Y axis. Basically, the Z axis is not moving when the X and Y are. There are some minor exceptions. A lot of 2D or 2.5D cam programs can ramp into the cut, some can do helical milling of holes, and they can also do drilling.

2D or 2.5D CAM programs generally work with 2D vector drawings. Some more expensive ones can create these 2.5D toolpaths from 3D solid models.

3D toolpaths generally have all 3 axis (X,Y, and Z) moving at the same time when cutting. They are created from 3D models, either solid or mesh format. Generlly, the cheaper CAM packages use mesh models only, while the more expensive ones support the use of solid models. These more expensive packages are able to detect features of the models, and create more efficient and localized toolpaths.
The cheaper 3d CAM packages that only use meshes usually only do a raster type of toolpath, basically moving back and forth across the surface of the part, stepping over a small amount for each pass.

V Carving would be considered a 3D toolpath, but is a feature sometimes included in 2D cam programs (V-Carve Pro).