[NardisAmps]

Hello...I'm new to this and have a couple questions. I built a 3 axis stepper machine using Mach 2. So far all I have is a CAD program that will import the files to Mach 2 as a DXF.

1) I'm making control panels/faceplates and I need to engrave text. The Mach 2 inst. manual says you cannot import text as a DXF. Is this so? Not even if I explode the text in my CAD program to a polyline? I tried with no results. Any insight?

2) Is there a good CAM program I can use for this that's reasonable in price (less than thousands)? What will I have to spend before I can get into true-type fonts? Any reccomended programs??

Thanks in advance!!
Nardis

[ger21]

1) I'm making control panels/faceplates and I need to engrave text. The Mach 2 inst. manual says you cannot import text as a DXF. Is this so? Not even if I explode the text in my CAD program to a polyline? I tried with no results. Any insight?

If you explode the text into polylines, then it should work. If you can post the .dxf, I should be able to tell you why it's not working.

If you're CAD program can explode TT fonts into polylines, that's probably the easiest way. Try this: http://www.freefirestudio.com/outline.htm It will export True Type Fonts to .dxf, which you can bring into your CAD program for placement or alignment with you're panels. Mach2/3 should work just fine with these too.

[NardisAmps]

Hi Gerry,

I'm using AutoCad. Does that make any difference? Mach 2 won't even recognize the layer w/ the text as a layer. In other words, instead of a green check mark on the layer control box, it remains a red x after loading the file. Your help is GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks,
Nardis

[ger21]

What version of AutoCAD? Unless you have 2004 (I think) or newer, you can't explode text into polylines. You need the Express Tools text explode, which then needs a lot of cleaning up Outline Art is easier. Post the file and I'll look.

Also, if you're using 2002 or newer, I have a macro that will write g-code from inside AutoCAD, without having to export .dxf's. Get it here, in post #66 http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...?t=8226&page=2

[NardisAmps]

Thanks Gerry,

Looks like that's the prob! AutoCad 2000 is what I'm using. Will Outline Art work with that? Will Outline Art allow you to layout numbers and letters in any form or shape? In a polar (circular) array for instance? Also, do you suggest any CAM programs that I can use by themselves? Thanks again!!

Nardis

[ger21]

OutlineArt only works in straight lines. An inexpensive combination would be DesignCAD, which can do text on arcs, and can convert TT fonts to vectors, and SheetCAM, which is a very good 2D/2.5D CAM program for the money. http://www.sheetcam.com

[jjwl89]

Have you checked out Desk Engrave? It is a free program that converts TTF fonts to either GCode or a DXF file. It can also do polar layouts. Download it here The home page can be found here

[NardisAmps]

Thanks again Gerry!! I try messing with SheetCam. Does it engrave text using G2 and G3 arcs or do it use straight line segments?

[ger21]

Does it engrave text using G2 and G3 arcs or do it use straight line segments?

The text will need to be polylines, and if the polylines have arcs, then it will use G2 and G3. However, must CAD programs that convert True Type to vector won
won't use arcs.

[duraflap]

I've been using BobCad for several years now and I have no problems generating a G code for any fonts for my router. The version 21 also has a feature that allows you to add extra spacing between letters as well. I have to say though, Desk Engrave is the cats meow for simplicity if you are just engraving, and it's "FREE".
Dennis