Design and machining raised letters

**compfranon** · 06-09-2010

I have a custom "one off" depending on how well it works. to machine a square number plate with raised lettering.

Requirements:

Use a true type font
pocketing not scanning the surface, to give good character definition
small border around the perimeter
Aluminium plate

I'm looking for a recomendation on what packages are suitable to draw up the detail and options for software programming. I would like to do as much as I can myself, but have a few friends that may help but it's their work environment.

Appreciate any help or advice.

**John S** · 06-09-2010

Like this ?

Click image for larger version.

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Just did this in Vectrics Cut2D

http://www.vectric.com

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**compfranon** · 06-09-2010

Originally Posted by John S

Like this ?

Just did this in Vectrics Cut2D

http://www.vectric.com

.

Looks just the ticket John,

Looks like I model and create a dxf, the vectrics does the programming bit, will the eval download allow me to do my job.

**John S** · 06-09-2010

You can model and create a dxf then bring that into Cut2D or do as i did, define a shape, in my case I guessed 250mm x 250mm x 6mm thick.
then chose Arial text 70mm high , did the ABC bit. Then swapped from CAD to CAM and chose a tool and depth, calculate and job done.

No the eval download will only create code for the samples with the program, loco wheel, con rod and the badge that's there.

.

**compfranon** · 06-09-2010

Originally Posted by John S

You can model and create a dxf then bring that into Cut2D or do as i did, define a shape, in my case I guessed 250mm x 250mm x 6mm thick.
then chose Arial text 70mm high , did the ABC bit. Then swapped from CAD to CAM and chose a tool and depth, calculate and job done.

No the eval download will only create code for the samples with the program, loco wheel, con rod and the badge that's there.

.

You make it all sound so easy John, pity the eval won't do my one off. OK, it's in the mix, when I get the sizes and details etc i'll draft them up as a dxf and work it from there.

**John S** · 06-09-2010

It is that easy, that plate took longer to upload the file than do.
when you have your artwork as a dxf give me a shout and I'll code it for you.

**compfranon** · 06-09-2010

Cheers John, that would be a great help.

**compfranon** · 10-09-2010

I asked my mate to try solidworks, for dxf and to try toolpath, he says using the uk number plate font, the number eights have a sawtooth top edge.

Other mate tried using artcam 2008, using uk number plate font he gets vector errors when trying to create toolpath, both will try more, but any help or guidance would be appreciated.

**routercnc** · 10-09-2010

Hi compfranon,

The UK number plate '8' has a flat top so that's a bit odd. A workaround would be to trace over the font (in solidworks or other CAD) and create your own vector version of that number.