Simple CNC marking/writing apparatus?

[kywoodwrkr]

Does anyone have a real simple method for either printing on or other wise marking an item on a CNC table? Such as labeling parts to be cut out etc etc.
Thanks.
DaveP

[JavaDog]

Put a pen/marker into your router chuck (and don't turn on the router!)?

[kywoodwrkr]

JavaDog,
Well, I saw one entry somewhere where a pencil was used and wondered if that would work on soft wood such as balsa.
It is so porous/fiberous that only a 'roller' type pen or fluid marker would work me thinks.
I can't believe i've got my gym shorts in a bunch over the marking, as I don't even have all my components yet! :-|
Thanks.
DaveP

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by kywoodwrkr JavaDog, Well, I saw one entry somewhere where a pencil was used and wondered if that would work on soft wood such as balsa. It is so porous/fiberous that only a 'roller' type pen or fluid marker would work me thinks. I can't believe i've got my gym shorts in a bunch over the marking, as I don't even have all my components yet! :-| Thanks. DaveP

Have you considered charcoal or wax (China Pen) for balsa, I would think that would work better than a hard-leaded pencil? Be pretty cheap to try out too.

[kywoodwrkr]

JavaDog,
I use a china marker extensively in my various 'tasks' about the shop.
I laminate paper instructions etc etc and use the china marker to make notes on these laminated sheets etc.
Then next time wipe them off and start anew.
It would be a little heavy or wide I think for marking balsa.
I'll have to make a spring loaded apparatus of somekind I guess to hold a shortened pen filler tube.
Maybe a pen filler with a bigger tip would be useful.
I'm so used to using either fine or medium I forget they make bigger points.
Thanks for the information, I guess I'll have to rummage around at Staples or Office Depot.
DaveP

[ViperTX]

Are you using these to indicate where someone other then yourself should cut when they receive the product?

[JavaDog]

It was the best I could think of, kinda obvious though, maybe someone will have a better idea.

Is this just a temporary marking? Or is it something you would want to last?

[kywoodwrkr]

My intent with this is to mark the pieces I'll be cutting out.
For instance W1, W2 etc etc for the different ribs in an airplane wing.
I guess ifI'd just bite the bullet and buya laser system I wouldn't have to worry about the printing.
I could spend all my time worrying about how I'll pay for the sucker!
I guess the drafting would also be a good visual check to determine if the drawing was what I wanted.
Thanks again one and all.
DaveP

[buscht]

Dave, if the bit is small enough, you might be able to just engrave the marking on the part.

Another idea is to print out self adhesive backed labels on your office printer and just stick these on the parts.
Trent

[WP1]

It sounds like you want what would typically be done by ink jet in many production environments i.e. the date code on your bottle of soda. It also sounds like you would want to have this marking head operate beside the router spindle so that you could mark and cut in a single setup.

You could probably use a solenoid actuated rollerball pen operated from an extra output line. You'd want to spring load it with a very light spring so it would just barely make contact and not dig into the soft wood.

You'd need to get the stroke length just right to keep it out of the way when routing and below the bit when marking. You might be able to make good use of one of the linear stepper units to create a second Z axis that you could drive as an A.

I imagine your code could be setup to run over the sheet marking the to-be-cut pieces right before starting up the router and doing the cutting, leaving you with a bunch of cut and labeled components to assemble.

Pete C.

[kywoodwrkr]

My dreams right now are to use a layering facility in a CAD system to 'label' parts to be cut.
Then export or other wise get this layer over to the CNC software for use there.
These terms are probably incorrect but the operational functions will not all be done at the same time-ie labeling and cutting.
One pass to label-one pass to cut.
Appreciate the ideas and suggestions.
Heck, I'm still buying molex connectors to get power to the stepper motors!
Thanks again.
DaveP

[ViperTX]

Well think about using a temporary sheet with support pad....mylar and you could mark with a felt marker and if it's what you want...pull the temporary sheet & pad and replace with the balsa. Change the marker to your cutter and zip away.