How to convert old engraver

[cnc_4_me]

I am trying to help a friend convert an old engraver to modern controls. he has stepper driven X and Y. The Z axis is only up or down. What software can be used to control this type of engraver.

Thank you

[Al_The_Man]

Mach3 maybe??
Al.

[cnc_4_me]

I see from the manual that Mach3 has a text engraving mode. Does this mode take Mach3 out of 3D and put it in 2D milling mode?

[Tweakie]

I see from the manual that Mach3 has a text engraving mode. Does this mode take Mach3 out of 3D and put it in 2D milling mode?

There is not really a 3D or 2D mode within Mach. All three axis are used for engraving the same as they would be for 3D work. There is no reason why a simple 'up / down' Z axis could not be used with Mach3 but then all the engraving would then all be at the same preset depth. Would this be a problem ?

Mach3 has a text engraving wizard which is designed for 'one line at a time' engraving and has a number of different single line, outline and complex fonts. Easy and quick to use.

I use Mach3 for all my engraving but seldom use this wizard as other, multi line, engraving and graphic cad programs are usually more suitable for my requirements.
A good all rounder would perhaps be 'FrontDesigner', it is cheap and easy to use with various fonts and graphic capability. It can export HPGL which is easily converted to GCode and then used directly with Mach3 adjusting scale to fit the work etc.

Tweakie.

[cnc_4_me]

Tweakie

Thank you very much for that post. That is the best advice i have received in a long time. Can you also give me the name of a HPGL to G-code converter that you know works well with FrontDesigner and Mach3.

Thank you
cnc4me

[Tweakie]

HPGL files can be opened with LazyCam and then exported to Mach3 or alternatively you could use this little prog. by Martin deRoode (may be worth visiting the Majosoft website).

Tweakie

[cnc_4_me]

LazyCam sounds like the way to go. The only thing i need to figure out now is how to make the Z axis work. The Z is a solenoid that is on or off, up or down. I have looked in the mach3 manual and the only thing i see that might work is a torch height control command. But there is very little information on it and i can not identify exaclty how it works.

cnc4me

[Tweakie]

On the Mach forum - Ian (Stirling) is an expert on THC send him a PM and I am sure he will help with all the info you need.

Tweakie.