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CAM workflows

Rough a model and finish its surface

Understand how two cutters turn layered stock removal into a finished surface.

About 7 minCadivari 0.3.0Watch and try

Useful first: Turn a sketch into a solid · Round a solid edge · Understand axes and work zero · Understand safe clearance

Model Roughing clears material above accessible model surfaces and can leave allowance. Model Surface uses a ball nose to finish those surfaces. The animated arch explains the process; you can inspect the workflow on your rounded block.
Model Roughing clears material above accessible model surfaces and can leave allowance. Model Surface uses a ball nose to finish those surfaces. The animated arch explains the process; you can inspect the workflow on your rounded block.

Model Roughing clears material above accessible model surfaces and can leave allowance. Model Surface uses a ball nose to finish those surfaces. The animated arch explains the process; you can inspect the workflow on your rounded block.

Try it in Cadivari

  1. Place the model

    Open your rounded block and choose CAM → 3D Model. In Setup → Model setup, select its body. Orient Cutter Z toward its accessible top and fit stock with room for the complete cutter.

  2. Add model roughing

    In the model view choose Roughing → Add model roughing. Select a flat end mill, review Stepdown and Stepover, and use Allowance to leave material for finishing. Read any entry or geometry issue before continuing.

  3. Add model surface

    Choose Surface → Add model surface. Use Whole body for the accessible upper surfaces or Selected faces for a chosen area. Select a ball nose and review Stepover and Allowance.

  4. Compare both stages

    Put roughing before finishing. Open Simulate → Toolpaths and Material to inspect Complete job playback and the cutter change. Compare the terraces after roughing with the finished result and Remaining stock.

  5. Understand regeneration

    Change a model placement value. The old output should block until you regenerate the affected roughing and surface operations. Inspect the regenerated paths again.

Over to you

A small exercise

On a practice model with a flat underside and accessible top, inspect separate roughing and finishing operations. Compare their cutters, path spacing and remaining stock without running a machine.

What you should see

Roughing leaves layered material for the ball nose to finish. Model changes require regeneration before output can be used.

Things to look out for

  • Orbiting the camera does not change Cutter Z. Set the machining direction in Model setup.
  • These operations cover supported accessible surfaces. They do not machine undercuts or prove safe cutting loads.
Check your understandingDoes a Surface operation also rough the stock

No. Model Surface is a finishing operation. Add and verify a separate model Roughing operation to remove the bulk material first.

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Go deeper in the knowledge base

Instructions checked against the Cadivari 0.3.0 source and knowledge base on 2026-09-16. Lesson revision 1.