CNC scribing?
CNC scribing?
(OP)
Hi,
I'm part marking hundreds of aluminum flat pattern tools, but there's got to be an easier way!
I'm currently using solidworks/solidcam, but in order to get "single-line" text to be pasted into Solidworks, I have to....
-create my text in Autocad,
-export the text as a WMF file (still within autocad)
-import the WMF file back into Autocad as a DXF
-paste the text DXF into my Solidworks part and g-code it in solidcam!
Wheeww!
Solidcam takes forever to recognize and g-code the text. I have to wait 10min sometimes per part (~200 characters each).
Anyone have a better idea?
I hear SigmaNest does it pretty quick. Is there a cheapy program and post process out there that we can use with our Multicam?
Thanks for any insight.
Tom
I'm part marking hundreds of aluminum flat pattern tools, but there's got to be an easier way!
I'm currently using solidworks/solidcam, but in order to get "single-line" text to be pasted into Solidworks, I have to....
-create my text in Autocad,
-export the text as a WMF file (still within autocad)
-import the WMF file back into Autocad as a DXF
-paste the text DXF into my Solidworks part and g-code it in solidcam!
Wheeww!
Solidcam takes forever to recognize and g-code the text. I have to wait 10min sometimes per part (~200 characters each).
Anyone have a better idea?
I hear SigmaNest does it pretty quick. Is there a cheapy program and post process out there that we can use with our Multicam?
Thanks for any insight.
Tom






RE: CNC scribing?
How ever the text that is used inside SW is ttf and there is no stick text that I know of. You would have to create the text manually or import in from a file (DXF/DWG).
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: CNC scribing?
However, I do not know how they would be treated, or even if they would be accepted, in SW.
If you "google" you may find others ... maybe even for free.
Also, you should be able to use the same fonts used in the DXF files. If they are not on your machine you can simply copy them to the c:\Windows\Fonts folder.
BTW, what is the purpose of converting to WMF prior to DXF?
Why not just convert to DXF direct from AutoCAD?
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: CNC scribing?
RE: CNC scribing?
CorBlimeyLimey, the reason for the WMF conversion is that AutoCad text won't directly paste into solidworks. The WMF conversion tricks it into thinking it's not text?
RE: CNC scribing?
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: CNC scribing?
Can you get that to work?
RE: CNC scribing?
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716
RE: CNC scribing?
RE: CNC scribing?
http://www
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: CNC scribing?
Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716
RE: CNC scribing?
The CAMworks.ttf is nothing more than a type of font used. Think new times roman or Arial. The difference is when you use any of the default Microsoft font type you will get text that is a "double line" that can be extruded or used as cut-extrude. When using CAMworks.ttf you will only get a single line for each character that can then be used by an engraving tool, center drill or any other similar tool on a CNC mill to create text on the part. By default any other type of text will create a pocket that the CNC software will try to use as a pocket and will only allow the use of a EXTREMLY small end mill.... .005ish.
RE: CNC scribing?
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: CNC scribing?
RE: CNC scribing?
The work flow would be: text in DWGeditor -> poly lines in DWGeditor -> save as DXF -> import sketch into SolidWorks.
Before I go scrounging around home looking for the file and seeing if it still works, would the routine be useful to you?
Eric
RE: CNC scribing?
Thanks for all your help gents.
RE: CNC scribing?
I use BobCad to engrave text on my parts. It has a "crunch" icon that "crunches text" to lines and then can be used in CNC's. Art L
RE: CNC scribing?
You should try the CAMWorks text, it is all lines and arcs and our CAM software handles is very well.
Mike
RE: CNC scribing?
RE: CNC scribing?
Maybe use Solidworks to add text to surface.
Here is an idea:
Add Extrude cut feature in Solidworks part file
Tools->Sketch Entities->Text