How do you all do it?

[stk2008]

Hi all im trying to modify the MUFC

http://blog.galvintan.com/wp-content...5/mufc_new.jpg

so I can engrave it in my brothers phone back.

Every thing I do looks terrible I have to many lines that the machine follows even tho it should only follow one.

Please all what would you do to this image to get it ready for engraving?.

[metalworkz]

Hello,
My browser is timing out when I try to use your link to see the file. Can you post it another way? You may need to edit some of the vectors out of the file. When you create the toolpaths are you using all of the vectors(selection box, select all etc)? You can also just select the vectors you want to include in the toolpath and then calculate the toolpaths. What programs are you using to draw the engraving and CAM the toolpaths?

Regards,

[stk2008]

Hi there that's weird does it to me to?.

any ways here ya go

http://i50.tinypic.com/34rhcmh.jpg

does not have to be this exact one just any MUFC symbol/badge like this.

[metalworkz]

I assume this snip is representative of what you used before?


Do you have an idea what lines you would like to remove? Also how are you trying to engrave this into the phone?
Drag engraving with a sharp pointed tool(diamond etc) will allow using more lines at a thinner width?

Here is a preview in blue plastic at .005" with a .010 pointed engraving bit:



Regards,

[stk2008]

Hi there that's exactly like i had I suppose I could do what you said and select the lines to machine and not all like I normal do.

Is that what you would do using this image?.

cheers

edit

Im going to use a dremal with a small drill bit I know its not great but its all I have and I have had good results before (I must post some of my work soon)

[metalworkz]

How well the engraving will look when finished will depend on the width of the tool that cuts it. If the lines are too close to each other then a bit as wide as .040" etc. may break into previously cut lines. Let me see how close the closest lines are to each other and that may determine what width of a tool you will need to use.
It looks like the lines are about .006" apart so you will most likely have better luck with a pointed tool. You could eliminate some of the lines and still end up with the general appearance and not have a botched up looking job.
Maybe eliminate the double lines that surround the text and the soccer balls and then some of the closer lines in the balls could perhaps be separated a bit more so they won't break into each other when cut?

[stk2008]

thanks for your help metalworkz that looks great but I have tryed to get hold of some of then carbide engraving bits and tbh its proving to be a pain in the ass here in the UK.

I will have a dabble and get back to you but that one in the blue plastic would be perfect for the phone.

What size was the emblem that you engraved? as I think my brothers phone will only take about a 1.500"x1.500" picture.

[metalworkz]

Here is a snip with some lines removed and the small vectors in the scroll area cut and offset to try and improve the cutting of them:



The small vectors in the ball area could probably be edited to reduce the risk of cutting into each other also.

[stk2008]

ohh that last one looks nice actually any chance of you uploading the dxf file .

Thanks for all your help I really appreciate it.

[metalworkz]

You can grind a pointed tip on an old High Speed Steel bit and have a very good drag engraving bit and even an old drill bit will work well if the shank is long enough. If you have a grinder just rotate the bit while grinding the end to form a tapered pointed end, something fairly steep angled may work well. When you set the tool up to run the engraving you do not need to run the spindle but the bit may need some extra support. Try it on some scrap material to get a feel for the depth that works well(start by barely touching the surface and then you can increase the depth as needed by very small increments...say .001" at a time) Once you find what works well then set up the phone for the engraving. I can send a .dxf file of what I did here if it will help and I can scale it down to 1.5" x 1.5"?

[metalworkz]

Here is the .dxf. I hope this helps you pull it off. If you have any more questions ask away. I would suggest trying the complete toolpath engraving on some scrap before doing it on the phone. If any of the lines are a problem look at what you can do to change those lines and correct the situation.

Regards,

[stk2008]

I have never thought or of dragging the tool across the material is that how you did the blue plastic engraving?

I would take you up on the offer that would be great thank you very much if you dont mind send it as DXF that way if I do need to make small adjustments to get it to fit on the case I could without any loss of detail etc.

You have been of great help

thanks again

edit

thanks for file I will play tomorrow thanks