Re: engraving with excel

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Elliot Burke" <elliot@h...> wrote:

> Perhaps if one had a vector font library, excel would be a

reasonable way to

> go.
>

>
> Does anyone else know how to do this, decompose letters into

vectors?

>
> If not, maybe I'll sit down and make a CAD library of letters &

numbers.

Elliot, most CAD programs will create letter outlines from Tru-type
fonts. These are the same fonts used in Windows. Corel Draw will
output these fonts as well as most any closed designs that you want
as DXF files. DXF is a vector based format that can be converted
directly to G-code.

You can also use the Word-Art features in MS Word and Corel-Word
Perfect (very inexpensive) to create lettering. These can be
metafile pasted into a program like VectorCam and converted into
toolpaths that way.

There are also some centerline fonts available that are tru-type
fonts with a very narrow width. They appear as garbage in a word
processor, but cut precisely down the center of the letters when
converted to DXF and G-code. One of these is included with
DeskEngrave, and Vector Cam comes with 2 similar engraving fonts.

There are also some proprietary fonts that are used for engraving.
These are not windows compatible and are usable only for engraving
purposes. They are usually more expensive than the Tru-Type
centerline fonts, but they are also more efficient in some cases.
They are designed by hand for that purpose.

Vfontz and Vcarvz are 2 programs that create a 3D toolpath from a tru-
type font. They evaluate the width of the letters and assign a depth
for a V-tipped cutter. The cutter plunges to the required depth
based on the width of the letters. In the corners the V-tip is drawn
up at a compound 3D angle to create sharpened corners. The result is
nearly identical to the original font. These have a kind of chiseled
look, like the letters carved into a tombstone.

Best Regards,

Fred Smith - IMService

Group specials and discounts are at:
http://www.imsrv.com/2002grp.html