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RabbitCAM X Support

Learn how to set up RabbitCAM X, import CAD models, create machining operations and toolpaths, simulate your jobs, and generate CNC programs.

RabbitCAM X
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RabbitCAM X Support

Setting Up the Stock and Part Position

Define the shape and dimensions of your starting material, fit the stock to the model, and position the part inside it before creating machining operations.

Understanding the Part and Stock

The Part is the CAD geometry of the component you want to produce. The Stock represents the starting material that will be machined.

After importing a CAD file, RabbitCAM X creates an initial stock from the model bounds. Review this stock and adjust it to match the shape, size, and placement of your actual material before creating machining operations.

Use the Model tab to configure both the stock and the part position.

Choosing the Stock Type and Dimensions

RabbitCAM X Model tab with Box stock selected and Width X 260 mm, Length Y 150 mm, and Height Z 30 mm.
  1. Open the Model tab.
  2. Select the stock item under Stock in the model tree to display its properties.
  3. Choose the material shape from the Type list.
  4. Enter the dimensions of your starting material. The fields are shown in millimeters.

Two stock types are available:

  • Box — a rectangular block, defined by Width (X), Length (Y), and Height (Z).
  • Cylinder — cylindrical material, defined by Diameter and Height (Z).

The example above uses a Box stock measuring 260 × 150 × 30 mm.

Changing the stock type recalculates the stock from the current part bounds. Choose the type first, then enter your final material dimensions. After changing the dimensions, review the part position inside the stock.

Using Fit Stock to Part

Click Fit Stock to Part to resize and reposition the stock around the current part while keeping the selected stock type.

  • For Box stock, RabbitCAM X uses the outer X, Y, and Z bounds of the part.
  • For Cylinder stock, it centers the stock around the part in X/Y and calculates a diameter large enough to enclose the part's rectangular X/Y bounds, together with the required height.

Use this as a starting point for the setup. If your blank includes extra material for facing, profile machining, or holding the workpiece, enter the actual larger dimensions afterwards and position the part as required.

Positioning the Part Inside the Stock

Use Position in Stock... to align the complete part with the stock.

  1. In the Model tree, right-click Part or its CAD file and choose Position in Stock....
  2. Choose an X/Y anchor. Center XY centers the part along both axes. The other anchors align it with the minimum or maximum X/Y edges, or center it along one axis.
  3. Choose the Z placement: Bottom (Min Z), Center Z, or Top (Max Z).
  4. Review the Calculated Movement and the displayed part and stock dimensions.
  5. Click Move Part to apply the placement, or Cancel to close the window without moving the part.

The alignment uses the stock coordinate system. Top (Max Z) aligns the top of the part with the top of the stock; Bottom (Min Z) aligns their bottom faces; Center Z centers the part vertically.

If the part is larger than the stock along an axis, the window identifies that axis and disables Move Part. Review the stock dimensions and the part orientation before trying again.

For cylindrical stock, also inspect the circular boundary in the 3D view to confirm that the complete part remains inside the material after positioning.

Moving or Rotating the Part

For additional position or orientation adjustments, select the part's CAD file in the model tree and activate Move in the floating toolbar above the 3D view.

Use the transform handles to translate or rotate the selected part. Review its position from several angles and check the stock again after changing the orientation. Select Select when you have finished adjusting the placement.

Checking and Saving the Setup

Before continuing with machining:

  • Check that the stock shape and dimensions match your starting material.
  • Inspect the part from several angles and confirm that it fits inside the stock with the intended machining allowance.
  • Use the part transparency and stock visibility controls to inspect areas that are difficult to see.
  • Review the Workpiece Coordinate System so that the work zero matches your intended machine setup.
  • If you already created machining operations, review their geometry and machining levels, then use Run & Link to update the toolpaths and check the result in Simulation.

Save the setup with File > Save Project or Ctrl+S. For help with project files, see Importing STEP and DXF Files.