Re: Text Engraving

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "jfglass2001" <jfglass2001@y...> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions on multi-line text engraving? I

For working with text CorelDraw is hard to beat. You can import a
drawing of the object you want to engrave text on or just do a square
on the sheet that represents the boundaries of the object. With that
in place you have, as the others have noted, hundreds of fonts to
choose from. All of the positioning, kerning (space between letters
and lines) and even decorative accents are available. Once you
position the text where you want it in relation to 0,0 then you can
with the click of a mouse remove the "fill" of the letters (the test
will disappear (don't panic) and then with it still selected pick the
outline tool (pen nib) and give it a hairline outline. Some fonts
engrave better than others especially in small sizes. The page size
in Corel can be used to determine were 0,0 is since it is at the
bottom left of the page. You can build a custom page size to match
the table area of your machine. Corel will export the file in DXF or
HPGL. The thing with HGPL is that it automatically just plots the
outline of the objects so it takes filled text and creates an outline
file. You can get some funky things though with HPGL.

I use the above method to make flat engravings and to engrave on
303SS writing pens using a 4" rotary table mounted vertically (work
spins horizontally). While CAD is good for making parts you need,
other tools are better suited for artistic type endevers. I saw
copies of Corel 8 on EBAY yesterday for 9.95. There were several
copies of Corel 10 for 60.00

The VFontz and VCarve(sp?) programs can help you when/if you want to
get more creative and do some CNC carving in softer materials. They
can do things like use a "V" type cutter and your Z axis to vary the
width of the cut lines.