More Accurate Quick Carve-Time Estimates
Get a better idea of how long your carve will take before you ever click Simulate.
As you work, Easel shows a quick estimate of your carve time. We've rebuilt the calculations behind that estimate so the number you see while designing is much closer to reality, especially for V-carves, where estimates could previously be overly optimistic.
What changed
The design-time estimate now does a better job modeling the work your machine actually performs. It accounts for things like the fine detail passes a V-bit makes when tracing lettering, the plunges and retracts in drill-heavy designs, and the clearing passes required for deep pockets.
You'll notice the biggest improvement on complex projects that use V-bits. Most V-carve estimates should now more closely match the actual carve time.
And because the calculations are still fast, the estimate updates continuously as you design.
Where you'll see it
The quick estimate lives at the bottom of the righthand, 3D preview side of Easel.
There's nothing to enable. Open a design, especially one with V-carving, and you'll simply notice that the time estimate is more accurate than before.
The precise time you get after clicking Simulate hasn't changed. This update makes the quick estimate accurate enough that you shouldn't need to run a full simulation just to sanity-check a carve time.
What it covers
The updated estimate handles several things that used to throw it off:
- V-carving: both the clearing passes and the fine detail pass that traces the center of your lettering and artwork.
- Drilling: peck cycles that add significant time when making deep holes.
- Tiled projects: estimates are based on the tile you're currently carving, not the entire design.
Helpful tips
- It's still an estimate. Actual carve time depends on your machine's speed and acceleration limits. For the most accurate number on your machine, use Simulate.
- Deeper isn't always longer. On some V-carves, increasing the depth reduces the fine-detail area that dominates the carve time. In those cases, the estimate may actually go down as depth increases. That's expected.
- 3D carves are unchanged. This update focuses on 2D and V-carving projects.
FAQ
Do I need to do anything to get the new estimates?
No. The improvement is automatic for everyone. It's the same estimate you already use, just more accurate.
Is this the same as the Simulate time?
No. Simulate runs a full machine-specific simulation to produce a precise number. This is still the quick estimate that updates as you design, but it's now much closer to the simulated time.
Why did my estimate change?
The old estimate often undercounted the amount of work required for detailed carvings, especially V-carves, so many estimates have gone up. In other cases, the previous estimate overcounted and the new estimate may be lower. Either way, the goal is to provide a number that's closer to what your machine will actually do.
Will this change how my project carves?
No. This update only affects the estimated time. Your toolpaths and the finished carve are exactly the same.