Contour

A contour cuts along a path, with the tool offset to one side so the finished edge lands exactly on the design line. It runs at the depth schedule defined by the assigned tool preset, stepping down through multiple passes when the total depth exceeds the depth-of-cut. Variable-width tools (V-bits, tapered endmills) get extra shoulder clearing passes between depth steps so the finished wall is uniform.

Cut side and offset

You set the Contour Side to choose where the tool cuts relative to the path:

Outside — tool runs outside the path. Use to cut a part out of stock.
Inside — tool runs inside the path. Use to cut holes, slots, or sized openings.
On Line — tool centre follows the path exactly, no offset.

A non-zero Contour Offset shifts the tool further from the path in addition to the cut-side offset, in mm. Useful for leaving a finishing allowance, or for tuning fit on a part that came out slightly oversize.

Tabs

Hold-down tabs are short bridges of uncut material that keep a through-cut part attached to the stock during the final passes, preventing it from shifting or being thrown by the tool. Tabs are configured via the Tabs setting:

Off — no tabs.
Auto — MapleCAM places a chosen number of tabs at even intervals around the path. Set count, width, and height.
Manual — you place each tab explicitly. Set width and height, then drop tabs at specific points along the path.

Settings

Setting	Description
Contour Side	Outside, Inside, or On Line.
Contour Offset	Extra offset from the path, in mm. Stacks on top of the cut-side offset.
Tabs	Off, Auto (count + width + height), or Manual (positions + width + height).

Feed rate, plunge rate, spindle speed, total depth, and depth-of-cut all come from the assigned tool preset.

Tool requirement

Any rotary cutter (flat endmill, ball endmill, V-bit, tapered, surfacing). Laser tools won't appear in the tool selector for contour operations.

When to use