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Toolpath Tabs

Tabs are a way to fix the model to the material block it was machined from. This avoids the model flying off when we come to the final stages of the Finishing or Cutout toolpaths.

This step provides multiple options that allow easier adding and managing of tabs

Add Tabs

Auto Generate Tabs​

You can add/edit the tabs automatically through the form

Tabs Form

Size​

Set the length of the tab and the thickness.

Tab Size

warning

Try to set a thickness that suits the material type. Too thick and it could be too hard to cut. Too thin and it may break off during machining.

Tab count​

EasyCarve will generate this number of tabs which are evenly spaced. It will try to avoid placing tabs on sharp corners.

Once you're done, you can click 'Generate tabs' to generate your tabs.

Tab Count

Apply to all tabs​

Once the tabs are created, we can adjust the tab size. If the tab size in the form is different to the existing tabs, you'll see a button 'Apply to all tabs'.

Apply To All Tabs

Interactive Method​

You can add and remove individual tabs using buttons in the 3D view. This can be done before or after they've been generated.

Click anywhere around the boundary to add a tab at that point. This will have the size defined in the size section.

Add Tab Cursor

You can click the tab itself to remove it.

Remove Tab Cursor