how do i get a vector to cut at a dynamic depth?

[outcaststudios]

i have a customer who wants a pattern consisting of half round semicircles that are overlapping. the vectors are semicircles that are staggered. (think fish scales) i need the deepest ares to be the base of the semi circle and the shallowest area to be where it overlaps the next scale. basically i need fish scales that are angled and over lap whats the simplest approach? i will post the vectors when i can!
thanks in advance.

[Gary Campbell]

Using a pure semicircle as an example, select and use the "Ramping Toolpath". Select options linear or smooth and set a start depth for the shallow end and the total depth for the deepest section. Play with the options until you get the desired effect.

[outcaststudios]

awesome thanks gary!
-greg

[steve_g]

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=28974&stc=1

Or… hereare some fish scales made by V-carving traditional closed vectors.
SG

[outcaststudios]

steve g
wow! the ones on the right are almost exactly what they are asking for! except they want the actual scales faces to also slope upwards instead of cutting just the profile around it, i think i have to also cut the individual faces they also want a lip around hte curved portion of each scales edge,i made the vectors for that part by jut doing an offset of the original edge. still cant seem to find the function for 'ramping toolpath' in vcarve though. i see 'ramps' for the profile toolpath? but i know that is just for entering and stuff like that where else shoudl i look? thanks!
-greg

[steve_g]

Greg…
If I’m understanding your customers wishes correctly… It will require a 3D model to achieve.
The ramping as described by GC, is located under the 2D profile toolpath section under the Ramps options. This method uses a single, open vector to accomplish a similar look to what I did with the closed vector. The disadvantage to the ramping method is that your drawing gives no clue as to how the finished part will look! However, it does render correctly…
SG

[outcaststudios]

SG

Understood. i was afraid that was the case, off to solidworks i go! just trying to do as much 2d to 3d as i can,but thank you very much for the input,we really appreciate it!
-greg