Toolpath for engraving - Which program is best

[ifeliciano]

Hi guys,

I have a CNC router and want to engrave the text on my B737 panels. What is the easiest program to create the toolpaths for engraving the text as a single line? I'm using either MS 33558 or Futura font. Both True-type fonts.

I tried V-Carve Pro and Fusion 360, both created a toolpath along the inside and outside outline of the text.

[paul_planes]

You need single line fonts for simple engraving. Use a V-Bit tool and engrave the lines.

Try ArtCAM Free - create the single line vectors and use the Profile toolpath "machine along vector" option. The tool will simply follow the vectors.

cheers
Paul

[ifeliciano]

Paul. Right, But I don't have MS33558 nor Futura in single line. I'm making panels for a 737 sim, any font wont do.

[jonesthesoftware]

Hi
Download futura font ttf files from internet, copy files into the \windows\fonts folder which will automatically install them on your pc. Open your software select the futura font and set about 3-5mm height text and write and position your text. Select toolpaths and select a v bit tool, maybe 30 deg v, create a tool if you haven't already. When setting up the the tool set the tool tip width as 0.2mm cutting edge width regardless of the actual width. Select the text to be engraved and set depth to be cut as 0.01mm. Create your toolpath to suit your machine. Put the cursor over the text centre on your drawing and read the x,y co ordinates from the software screen. Position your tool on your cnc at these co ordinates and set the z co ordinate zero so it just touches the surface of your paint. I use a sheet of printer paper and nudge the z down 0.1mm at a time till it traps the paper, then 0.05 lower than that to get z zero.
Download your gcode and run it. You may need to reset the engraving depth to get the best result. Patience is required because unless your table and material are flat to within 0.05mm you will not get even engraving. Acrylic sheet is normally +-1mm tolerance. Reset the zero or engraving depth for every word and sometimes for individual letters of that word. Slower mc traverse speed is best and a sharp tool. Let your paint harden for a few days before engraving to give crisper finish. I apply matt laquer after engraving otherwise the heat at the engraving tip melts the laquer and screws up the engraving
Hope this helps
Regards
Geoff

[Buddym]

For what it's worth there are some CamBam single line fonts that look pretty good when engraved on the CNC

[Westozy]

VCarvePro will work perfectly, you have not set the tool path correctly if you are engraving both sides of the line! Select FuturaMD for Boeing font and do no create an 'engraving' tool path. Select Profile cut "On the line" and it will engrave perfectly. I use VCarvePro for all Aerosim Solutions products! Cheers Gwyn

[cmdr114b]

I also use CamBam stick fonts and they work very well.
John

[ifeliciano]

Guys,

Thanks so much for your replies and sorry for the late response (my browsers were redirecting me away from this site for a long time).