On Mon, 2012-11-05 at 21:06 -0500, Erik Friesen wrote: > Any ideas how to get code to put text on this round button? > http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/1WD16/679-2144-ND/2034700 > > The software I currently have is, alibre pro(no gcode), vcarve pro, and > meshcam, none of which seem capable of curved text. There is just enough > depth to where I could probably just do it flat, or do each letter flat, > but it won't look quite right. > > Has anyone used these before? http://www.markal.com/products/lacquer-stik/
I haven't done it, but I've watched my Dad fill in engraved or stamped lettering with model paint or nail polish, then wiped over it with a smooth cloth (old t-shirt) or paper towel. A small piece of windshield wiper might work too. These were sanded, but the technique is similar: http://home.fuse.net/astronomy/eyepieces.html http://home.fuse.net/astronomy/Project.jpg The paint sticks might be more convenient. For the curved surface lettering, I would tend to use a 2D lettering utility to get the X and Y g-code, then plug those into an equation that gives Z for each X,Y point in the code. http://timeguy.com/cradek/01276453959 http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?InkscapeHowto It would likely be based on the arc of the button's major axis surface arc (segment of a circle, R^2 = X^2 + y^2), then run through the minor axis arc. Although thinking more, the buttons are pretty small, so you will probably want to engrave close to the edge where the arcs flatten out. ... Maybe just probe the surface at the g-code X,Y points and have LinuxCNC record each surface Z for you. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LogMeIn Central: Instant, anywhere, Remote PC access and management. Stay in control, update software, and manage PCs from one command center Diagnose problems and improve visibility into emerging IT issues Automate, monitor and manage. Do more in less time with Central http://p.sf.net/sfu/logmein12331_d2d _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
