Operations Overview
An operation tells MapleCAM how to cut a path or set of paths. Each operation type produces different toolpaths suited to different tasks.
Operation Types
Spindle Operations
| Operation | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Contour | Cuts along a path with tool offset | Cutting out shapes, inside pockets |
| Clears material from enclosed areas | Recesses, shallow cavities | |
| Facing | Surfaces the top of stock flat | Flattening warped material |
| Engrave | Follows paths at a fixed shallow depth | Text, fine lines, decorative detail |
| V-Carve | Variable-depth carving using V-bit | Signs, lettering, decorative carving |
| Chamfer | Cuts angled edges with V-bit | Edge finishing, decorative bevels |
| Helical Contour | Helical ramp into full-depth contour | Deep contour cuts with smooth entry |
Laser Operations
| Operation | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Contour | Vector cutting along paths | Cutting thin material |
| Laser Engrave | Raster engraving of filled areas | Images, filled shapes |
| Laser Hatch | Line-fill pattern inside regions | Shading, area marking |
| Laser Raster | Greyscale image engraving via variable laser power | Photographic engraving |
| Laser Halftone | Binary-dithered image engraving | Image marking on on/off-only lasers |
| Laser Stippling | Voronoi-stippled point engraving | Pointillist image rendering |
Creating Operations
There are three ways to create an operation:
- Right-click selected paths and choose from the context menu
- Toolbar buttons for common operation types
- Keyboard chords — press Ctrl+E then a key for spindle operations, or Ctrl+L then a key for laser operations (see Keyboard Shortcuts)
The Property Panel
When an operation is selected, the property panel on the right shows all configurable settings. Changes take effect immediately and toolpaths regenerate automatically.
Property Cascade
Operation settings are resolved through a cascade:
- Operation — settings you've explicitly set on this operation
- Operation Group — inherited from the group (display grouping only)
- Tool Preset — defaults from the assigned tool's preset
- Built-in Default — hardcoded fallback values
This means you only need to override the settings that differ from your tool preset.