blendercam/scripts/addons/docs/examplechain.md

# Example Chain Workflow

1. Convert the model from CSG to mesh (in this example [**FreeCAD**](https://www.freecad.org/) is used for conversion). The Precision setting is very important for obtaining the correct result.

![Tesselation with Freecad](_static/tesselation.png)

![Result with Freecad](_static/partFreecad.png)

2. Save the mesh as PLY or STL.

3. Import mesh to **Blender**.

![Import Stl](_static/importStl.png)

4. Use and Apply the 'Edge Split' modifier.

![Edge split modifier](_static/edgeSplit.png)

5. Enter **Edit Mode**, Select the surface *(in Face Select mode)* that will be a curve source, and 'Separate' it. Use **Select Linked** (shortcut `L`) to select connected faces.

![Separate selection](_static/partObjSep.png)

6. Repeat with other curve sources.

![Separate selection 2](_static/partObjSep2.png)

7. Use **Set Origin to Geometry** on all separated surfaces.

![Separate selection 2](_static/partOrigGeo.png)

8. Exit **Edit Mode** and Select separated surfaces. Convert them to curves using **Object > Convert > Curve**

![Convert to curve](_static/partConvert.png)

*(or you can use **Object Silhouette** from the **[ Curve Tools ]** panel)*

![Cam Panel](_static/curvecampanel.png)

![Object silhouette](_static/partObjectSil.png)

9. Edit curves to separate holes from external contour.

![Object silhouette](_static/partSeparateHoles.png)

10. Add **Pocket** and **Profile** operations : 

![Pocket 1](_static/partPocket1.png)
![Pocket 2](_static/partPocket2.png)
![Profile 1](_static/partProfile1.png)
![Profile 2](_static/partProfile2.png)

For pads and pockets some curves may need to be modified in **Edit Mode**

It's highly recommended to create roughing and finishing passes. 

For the roughing pass add an offset by altering cutter's diameter. 

For **Profile** operation, 'First Down' and 'Ramp In' options are recommended. 'First Down' helps avoid non-cutting moves and 'Ramp In' reduces cutter load by avoiding vertical plunge into material. 

For **Pocket** operation instead of 'Ramp In' try using 'Helix enter' option.