First step, we need create a new model on which the text will be carved in rilievi style. Detailed steps: Click “Create New Model” on the left side of artcam software, appears “Size for New Model” dialog box. The size here refers to the block size (or material size). We need set four items here, Height(Y), Width(X), Origin point and Unit (mm or inches). Height and width is set as per the actual size of the material; Unit is selected as per your operating habit; the origin point here means the material origin point, it is also called zero point; origin point normally choose left bottom corner. After finish these four, please click “OK”. As example, the size we set “300, 500” here, unit we select “mm”.

Second step, edit the text with text box in ArtCAM.

Find “Vector Editing” icon on the left side of artcam interface, please select the number five icon “T”; and it appears TEXT TOOL dialog box on the screen. In the text tool, we can edit any text, characters, letters, symbol or numbers.

(1) Font Setup: please select the right font for the text. We select “Arial” as example here.

(2) Size: please set a proper size for the text. We select “93” as example here.

(3) Type the text in the blank.

(4) Create: please click button “Done”.

(5) Position the text: find column “Position Size Align Vectors” in artcam, please click the second icon in second line “middle the vector”. This step is to align the text in the center of the model (material).

(6) We need add text box for the text. Find “Vector Editing” column again in ArtCAM software, click the “square shape” icon in second line, draw the square at outside of the text, click “Create” and “Close”.

(7) Position the text box: find column “Position Size Align Vectors” again in artcam, please click the second icon in second line “middle the vector”. This step is to align the text box in the center of the model (material).

Third Step is, create rilievi text toolpath in artcam.

Select the vectors both text and square. After selected, their colors become blue. Click the “Toolpath” tag in the lower left corner of the artcam page, and the toolbar concerning toolpath will appear on the left side of the page. Click the icon "Area Clearance" in 2D Toolpaths tag, and "2D Area Clearance" dialog box appears, set the parameters in artcam as follows:

(1) Start Depth: from where the material being carved. Normally, we set 0 here.

(2) Finish Depth: the carving depth of the text which is equal to rilievi height. Here, we set 5 as example.

(3) Allowance: keep 0.

(4) Final Tool Allowance: keep 0. 

(5) Tolerance: keep 0.01. 

(6) Machine safe Z: The value should be large enough to clear any clamps used to hold the job. Click on the small black triangle behind, pop-up "safe Z" and “Home position” dialog box, the home position specifies the starting and ending position for the tool before and after processing; here we set safe Z to be 100, and Home position be X0 Y0 Z100.

(7) Tools List: please click “Add”, “Tool Groups Database” appears, select the right tool you will use. Here, we choose “Endmill 3mm” as example. Click “Edit”, set step down to be 5mm, step down should be set according to the tool and material status. Click “OK” and “Select” button. Tool Clearance strategy, select “Raster”; Raster Angle: 0; Independent Finish Depth Option: unchecked.

(8) Add Ramping Moves Option: unchecked

(9) Material: click “Setup”, pop up dialog box of material setup; the value entered in material thickness should be no less than the absolute value of finish depth; material Z zero, select the top; model position in material, select top offset and set value is 0; finially, click “OK”.

(10) Click “Now” icon. The rilievi text toolpath start calculating; after toolpath calculation finished, we will see many red lines. These red lines refer to the actual rilievi toolpath.

Fourth step, simulate rilievi text toolpath in artcam software.

Click on toolpath icon in the lower left corner; select the first icon “Simulate Toolpath” in the Toolpath Simulation column; dialog box pop up, select “fast” option; next click “Simulate Toolpath” icon and simulation starting; check the rilievi effect after simulation finished; if it fit for your requirement, then save the text toolpath.

Fifth step, output the rilievi text toolpath to your computer from artcam

Select “Save Toolpath” in the left side column “Toolpath Operations”; dialog box pop up; select “Model Master 3 Axis Flat(*mmg)” in lower right conner and click “save”; name the toolpath and click “Save” icon.

Suggested: ArtCAM Tutorials: Make 3D Relief Toolpath

                                                                                                  Origin Article from Jinan EagleTec CNC Machinery Co.,Ltd.

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