CarvAcoustic Docs
How to use CarvAcoustic to design and export decorative CNC panels.
Overview
CarvAcoustic generates Vectric-ready DXF, SVG, and PDF output for decorative CNC panels. You configure the design in the browser, click Generate to preview, then Export to download a ZIP bundle ready to import into Vectric Aspire or VCarve Pro.
CarvAcoustic covers the design side only — toolpath setup, simulation, tabs, and G-code are done in Vectric as usual.
Workflow
- 1Create a project. From the dashboard, click New project. Choose a mode and units (inches or mm).
- 2Configure the design. In the editor, set your boundary dimensions, choose a pattern family, and tune the pattern and fabrication settings.
- 3Generate. Click Generate in the right panel. The centre panel shows an SVG preview with the boundary, safe margin, and cut geometry.
- 4Validate. Click Validate only to check the config without re-generating. Errors block export; warnings are advisory.
- 5Save a draft. Click Save draft to persist your current settings. Your work is stored in the cloud.
- 6Save a checkpoint. Click Save checkpoint to create an immutable version snapshot. Checkpoints are never overwritten.
- 7Export. Once there are no errors, click Export ZIP to download the bundle. The button is disabled until the design validates.
- 8Import into Vectric. Open the DXF in Vectric, confirm job size and layers, set up toolpaths, and run simulation.
Pattern families
Three pattern families are available in phase 1. Choose via the Pattern → Family field.
wave_fieldRepeated horizontal guide lines displaced by a sine wave. Controls: density (wave frequency), amplitude (wave height), spacing (line separation), line_width (cut width), symmetry (mirror mode), seed (determinism).
contour_bandsConcentric offset rings inset from the panel boundary. Natural fit for oval or shaped panels. Controls: spacing (ring separation), line_width (band width). Amplitude is not used.
slat_ribParallel slat members running horizontally (grain X) or vertically (grain Y). Lightly curved when amplitude > 0. Controls: spacing, line_width, amplitude, density, seed.
Fabrication settings
Fabrication settings are used for validation and sheet layout. They are passed through to the export for reference in Vectric.
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Material thickness — reference only, not used in geometry. |
| Sheet width / height | Physical sheet size for layout engine. |
| Min bridge | Minimum safe material bridge between cuts. Triggers warning if bridging is thinner. |
| Grain direction | Affects slat_rib orientation and rotation lock. |
| Tool diameter | Minimum feature size. line_width must be ≥ tool_diameter. |
| Kerf allowance | Extra offset to compensate for tool kerf. Currently informational only. |
| Min inside radius | Smallest inside corner the tool can clear. Triggers error if geometry is tighter. |
| Dogbone style | Classic or none. Info message shown when none. |
| Clearance | Gap between copies when multiple copies are laid out on sheets. |
| Border gap | Gap between the sheet edge and the nearest panel boundary. |
Export bundle
The Export ZIP contains all files needed for Vectric and your own records.
| File | Contents |
|---|---|
| sheet-NN.dxf | Cut geometry — import into Vectric. One file per sheet. |
| sheet-NN.svg | SVG version of the same geometry for reference. |
| reference.pdf | Two-page reference sheet: settings summary + layer legend + Vectric instructions. |
| manifest.json | Machine-readable file list with project metadata. |
| project-config.json | Full canonical config that produced this bundle. Reproducible. |
| README.txt | Plain-text handoff instructions. |
DXF layers in every sheet file:
| CUT_OUTER | Red | Panel boundary — outer profile cut |
| CUT_INNER | Blue | Pattern cut paths |
| ENGRAVE_LABEL | Green | Part labels — engrave or surface mark |
| REFERENCE_BOUNDARY | White/Black | Original boundary — do not cut |
| SAFE_MARGIN_GUIDE | Grey (dashed) | Safe margin inset — do not cut |
Vectric handoff
- 1.Open Vectric Aspire or VCarve Pro.
- 2.File → Import Vectors → select sheet-01.dxf.
- 3.Verify the job size matches your sheet dimensions.
- 4.Confirm all five layers imported correctly.
- 5.Assign toolpaths to CUT_OUTER and CUT_INNER layers only.
- 6.Do not assign toolpaths to REFERENCE_BOUNDARY or SAFE_MARGIN_GUIDE.
- 7.Add tabs and hold-downs as needed for your material and machine.
- 8.Run simulation, then post-process for your controller.
Validation reference
Errors block export. Warnings are advisory. Info messages are for your reference.
error
feature_below_minimumline_width is smaller than tool_diameter. The tool cannot cut this feature. Increase line_width or use a smaller tool.impossible_inside_radiusThe tightest inside radius is smaller than min_inside_radius. Increase line_width or reduce min_inside_radius.invalid_boundaryThe boundary shape is invalid, self-intersecting, or the safe_margin consumes too much area.thin_bridgePattern spacing ≤ line_width — bands overlap and no material bridge remains.open_cut_geometryOne or more cut features have open (non-closed) geometry.warning
thin_bridgeBridge width is less than min_bridge. The part may be fragile. Increase spacing or reduce line_width.amplitude_exceeds_marginWave amplitude is larger than safe_margin. Some peaks will be clipped.high_part_countMore than 200 cut features. Machining time may be very long.very_small_partOne or more features are smaller than tool_diameter². They may not cut cleanly.low_material_utilizationCut area is less than 5% of panel area. Consider increasing density.info
dogbones_not_appliedDogbone relief is off. Acceptable for decorative surface panels.