3D View Overview
The 3D View shows a live preview of the part model built from the feature tree using CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry). The model updates automatically as you add, edit, or reorder features in the Sketch view.
Toolpaths for visible operations are rendered as colored lines over the stock block. Use the 3D View to inspect entry and exit points, path direction, depth layers, and overall toolpath coverage before cutting.
The CSG Model
The 3D model is computed using Constructive Solid Geometry — each feature in the tree is either added to or subtracted from the accumulated solid, in order from top to bottom. The result is a solid that represents the finished part geometry.
The model updates with a short debounce delay after changes to avoid unnecessary recomputation while you are actively editing. If the model appears stale, wait a moment for it to refresh.
Toolpath Visualization
Toolpaths are shown as colored lines over the model. Different move types are shown in different colors:
- Rapid moves — fast positioning moves at safe Z height.
- Cutting moves — moves at feed rate where material is being removed.
- Plunge moves — Z-axis moves into the material.
Only operations with their toolpath visibility enabled (◉) are shown. Toggle visibility in the operations list in the CAM panel.
Use the 3D View to check:
- Entry and exit points for each pass
- Depth layers and stepdown progression
- Tab locations on edge route operations
- Clamp clearance on rapid moves
- Overall coverage of the operation area
Open Features (Polylines)
Open sketch features — paths that do not close back on themselves — are rendered in the 3D view as screen-aligned polylines at the feature's Z Top. They sit on top of the CSG solid rather than contributing to it, so you can preview engrave paths, centerlines, and trim cutters in context without affecting the model.
Imported Models
Imported STL and OBJ meshes are displayed at their full triangle resolution. Each imported model has a light blue-gray outline in the sketch view, and the sketch-view legend includes Region and Imported model swatches so imported geometry is easy to distinguish from add features and subtract pockets.
See STL and OBJ Import for details on multi-body splitting and large-mesh handling.
Exporting Models
Click Export Model in the top toolbar (next to Import) to save the assembled 3D model to disk. The export dialog mirrors the 3D viewport's behaviour: it computes a manifold boolean union of all add/subtract features, then appends any imported meshes as raw transformed triangles so their original geometry is preserved regardless of CSG validity.
Export Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Format | STL is shipped today (binary and ASCII variants). Additional formats can be added without UI changes. |
| File name | Defaults to the project name; editable. |
| Curve quality | Coarse 10°, Normal 5°, Fine 2°, or Very fine 1°. Controls the arc/spline tessellation step used when meshing curved profiles. |
| Binary / ASCII | (STL only.) Binary is smaller and faster to write; ASCII is human-readable. |
| Include imported meshes | (STL only.) When off, only the CSG-assembled body is exported — imported model features are skipped. |
A live triangle count and estimated file size update as you change the options. Output uses internal design coordinates, so round-trip (Export Model → Import Geometry) preserves position and orientation.