Lettering Text

[kubotaman]

How does one go about putting lettering on a domed part? I want the letters to follow the roundness(dome) of the part. Hope I am clear as to what I want.

[zeykr]

Which software are you using? Do you want the letters raised above the dome or cut into it?

[ljdm]

What software are you using? Do you want raised text, or v-carved text?

[kubotaman]

I am using Aspire. I know it can be done. I just don't know how.

[tmerrill]

Daryl,

I will assume you are V-carving the text. Just select your text, open the V-carve tool menu and set up your parameters. Then check the box at the bottom of the V-carve menu that says Project Toolpath onto 3D Model.

Tim

[mikeacg]

Tim!

That was exactly what I needed for some cherry hearts I am doing for Christmas! I never saw that check box before. Thanks!!

Mike

[kubotaman]

I got it working. Thanks guy's.

[carlosgmarroquin]

Tim:
I have a doubt about your method, after you project the toolpath into the 3d model, it's blended with the dome, and the final toolpath you will be using to machine de model will be a 3d toolpath not the vcarve tooolpath?

Hope the question is clear.

Thank you

[mikeacg]

Carlos,

Aspire uses the model to create the path but it does not add it to the model - it is not blended. It is still a separate tool path. With my example of the hearts, I needed to make 4 individual hearts, each with a different name on top. I set the type for each of the names and toolpathed them using vcarve. I ran the roughing and finishing toolpath to make each heart blank and then I ran the required vbit toolpath for each of the 4 different names.
I can understand the confusion with this because the first time I set this job up I added the names to the background when I did the toolpaths and I did not get nice crisp lettering since the names were cut with the 1/8" ball I used for the finishing path instead of a vbit. That's why I got so excited when Tim mentioned the checkbox. I will be adding pictures soon!

Mike

[tmerrill]

Carlos,

The method I described would machine the 3D dome using the traditional rough/finish toolpaths. You would then use your V-Carve toolpath, with a V-bit, to cut the text into the dome surface. One tip here is to ensure all your bits are Z-zero'd at the same location.

The Heron Sign tutorial on your Aspire DVD covers this technique.

Another method, which you may be thinking of, would be to create the text and turn it into a 3D component. Then combine it with the dome surface and it would become part of the 3D image which would be machined by the 3D rough/finish toolpaths.

Does this clarify it for you?

Tim

Edit: Mike, good answer. We posted at the same time!

[carlosgmarroquin]

It's clear. Thank you Michael and Tim.

The only thing is that I don't have Aspire. ;(

But I have access to a machine with Artcam Pro 2008.

Do you know if it can be done with artcam?

Thank you

[ljdm]

Yes, in artcam, this is the procedure I use (Artcam Pro 9)

Use Feature Machining to do this.:

1 Do not model the text into the relief - leave it blank
2 Select your text vectors and define a deep recessed feature - make it deeper than the tool could actually cut.
3 Now create the feature toolpath - select corner finishing and ignore all the errors it gives you - eventually you should get what is essentially a vcarve toolpath following the surface of the part.

Only thing to be aware of is the tool needs to be wider than the widest PART of any of the letters or this might not work.

[carlosgmarroquin]

Thank you, Lou.

I see it's not that obvious.

I will try it next time.

[mikeacg]

Hey Tim,

I didn't mean to horn in on you like that but I just happened to be in the house for a few minutes and thought I could handle your light work for you! My hearts are looking good! I may have to charge her more!
Thanks again for your tip!
It sure sounds a lot more difficult to do in Artcam...

Mike

[tmerrill]

Mike,

No problem! I really thought your answer was very good and between the two Carlos got his question answered, which was the important thing.

I just chuckled after posting mine and seeing your's with both of them at 12:02pm.

Maybe Vectric should offer an upgrade path for ArtCam users.....

Tim