Re: Engraving (Dolphin does this)

>--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Chris L <datac@l...> wrote:
> Michael,
> Curious....Can you use any "align" a True Type font to location (on
>a part) using typical "Alignment" routines found in any word
>processor... Then totally AVOID any "smashing", "Exploding" or
> "converting" technique, then Create and export Code, then be able
>to immediately Re-Type, Changing the text or Phrase (even font type)
>by highlighting it all the while keeping your previous
> "Alignment" to the location apply ??
>
> Example, Imagine engraving text on a switch tag. I generally have
>the shape of the switch tag drawn on screen, then I will type a word
>or phrase and place it in a preffered location. I am able to
> "center the text" using typical text alignment methods, then place
>the text in the center of the part. After engraving, If I highlight
>the old text, I can re-type a NEW word and it will self center
> itself on the part, and I can send out the code to the machine and
>do it over and over and over and over......... you get the idea.
>
> Chris L

Chris,
Eric has answerd this fine but perhaps some clips will help.
First off you draw your shape in the CAD side, convert to a contour,
save it and move to the CAM side.
In the cam you select the tool and then select feeds and speeds.
You then select the engrave dialog box.
See http://homepage.ntlworld.com/machines/Engrave1.jpg

This is pretty self explanitary you can select fonts, italic,
mirrored etc. Then you have a choice of size, justification etc.
Then you get where to locate your font. In the example I have used
the text "Sample Text" and told it to follow an arc previously called
Contour2. For this I didn't bother to select a depth.
Then in http://homepage.ntlworld.com/machines/Engrave2.jpg
You will see the finished toolpath generated after clicking OK.

There are only four lines of operation selected. The tool, The speed
and feed info and the two seperate lines of text, that's all, no
smashing text, no offsets, no cluttered screen, no secret handshake,
no ear of bat or tongue of newt.
Just a simple operation.
Next screen http://homepage.ntlworld.com/machines/Engrave3.jpg
Shows the result of double clicking on the two engraving operations
and modifing JUST the text then click OK and run.
I think this answers the question you asked above.

John S.