Archive for the ‘Sign Making’ Category

Engraving? Types And Varieties

Engraving is a piece of carved structure, which is made with incisions designed into a hard and flat surface by carving grooves on it. The results of engraving are decorative objects that provide unique decor to the surrounding arena. You can carve engravings on materials like silver, gold, copper, relief print block, wood or copper. With proper backgrounds, different types of engravings truly add a touch of wonder and variety to room decor.

Process of engraving

The process of engraving is purely scientific. The engravers use a hardened steel tool called burin to cut design into the surface, mostly that of copper. The burin cuts a unique quality of line that is characterized by its steady appearance and clean edges. The gravers often use angle tint tool that is more commonly used in printmaking. When the gravers have to carve on larger areas, they use Florentine liner tool that carves multiple engravings. While flat gravers are particularly used for doing fill work on letters, the round gravers are used specially on silver, nickel and steel to create bright cuts. However, other tools like roulets, burnishers and mezzotint rockers are used particularly to bring in a texturing effect.

Engravings are used on different forms like paintings, postage stamps, walls and other items.
Following are the different types of engravings:

Modern engravings

These types of hand engravings are basically available in the firearms and other metal weaponry, musical instruments and jewelry pieces. In most of industrial uses like production of Intaglio plates for commercial purposes, hand engravings are often replaced with CNC engravings done by milling machines.

Laser engraving

It is a practice of using lasers to engrave, mark or etch on an object. Although laser engravings are more applicable on ?laserable? materials like polymer and novel metal alloys, they are mostly applicable on materials like plastics, coated metals, stones and glasses, woods and natural materials.

Music engraving

This is the art of drawing music notations at high quality. In the early 20th century, music staff paper was printed onto vellum or onionskin, which makes it possible to easily rectify any type of mistakes done while engraving. With the advent of personal computers, hand engravings have basically become a past. Now individual parts of an orchestral score can be easily extracted and printed using numerous computer programs.

To decorate your home and office, you can use hand engravings and give an aesthetic touch to the d?cor.

About the Author:

Sharon Albright is the owner of Engraving Site. Read more articles on Engraving and visit her recommended resources.

Originally posted 2007-11-16 10:18:06. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

 We have talked quite a bit about cutting pumpkins with CNC.  Here are some photos and the press release for the company doing it.

Have you carved the pumpkins yet? A company in Fraser, Michigan, has come up with a novel way to quickly make pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. By using CNC waterjets they have turned the tradition of spending hours carving pumpkins into an activity that takes a fraction of a minute. Yes, it is a bit ridiculous but the pumpkins look really cool.

Fraser, MI (PRWEB) October 29, 2007 — Halloween is this week. Have you carved the pumpkins yet? A company in Fraser, Michigan, has come up with a novel way to quickly make pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. By using CNC waterjets they have turned the tradition of spending hours carving pumpkins into an activity that takes a fraction of a minute. Yes, it is a bit ridiculous but the pumpkins look really cool.

"Actually, my kids came up with the idea," said Tom Monroe, Jr., of FluidCut, a waterjet cutting service. "They always see the amazing things we cut with the waterjet so they asked me to use it for their pumpkins. We cut everything from cutting glass sculptures for artists to armor for military tanks. Cutting pumpkins isn’t a problem."

Using water to cut food is nothing new. Much of the packaged food you find in the grocery store is cut with ultra high-pressure waterjets. However, carving the pumpkins with the waterjet does have its difficulties. The water is so powerful it cuts through both sides of the pumpkin. There are tricks that FluidCut uses to alleviate that problem.

Waterjets use ultra-high pressure water to cut almost any material. When cutting hard materials like copper, glass, or granite tile, an abrasive is added to the water. The most commonly used abrasive is the mineral garnet. Monroe said for pumpkin carving only water is needed.

Carving the pumpkins with the waterjet allows FluidCut to cut designs that are not possible with a knife. The kids’ favorite is the Homer Simpson jack-o-lantern, because the eyes and tongue are cut in a continuous spiral so it looks like they are popping out of Homer’s head. Adults seem to like the pumpkins with portraits of classic Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean cut into them. You can see more pictures of the extreme pumpkin carving at the Halloween link at www.FluidCut.com.

The machine can carve pumpkins in seconds, but Monroe said he has to get back to work cutting other things like marble floor inlays and aluminum machine parts for his customers. Carving pumpkins with the waterjet does make some amazing jack-o-lanterns for Halloween but Monroe added he still is going to take an hour or two to carve some pumpkins at the kitchen table. "No matter how fast I can cut them on the waterjet, or how cool they look, I’m not about to give up the tradition of carving them the old fashioned way with my friends and family."

Originally posted 2007-11-11 17:26:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Techno, Inc. CNC Router Systems is excited to announce a special introductory offer of their U.S. manufactured CNC Router for the UK market. This incredible package features a 2m x 3m LC Series CNC Router presented just in time for the Sign & Digital UK 2008 exposition. Already successful in the U.S., Techno is now unveiling this cutting-edge technology to the UK. Each Techno machine features precision ball screws on all three axes driven with state-of-the-art closed-loop servomotors and drives which provide constant position feedback, increased cutting accuracy, and power needed to route all plastics, woods, nonferrous metals and more! A one-time introductory price of 21,000? is being offered for a limited time to the UK market and includes Techno’s 2m x 3m CE Certified LC Series CNC Router, 5HP High Frequency HSD Spindle, and software; also included are all freight and duties. As always, Techno customers are guaranteed FREE Technical Support and CNC interface upgrades via the internet for life of the machine.

Since 1986, Techno CNC Router products have continued to meet the demands and expectations of manufacturing professionals by upholding their strategy of “Making customers their concern long after the machine has been shipped.” Techno systems are designed with the highest quality components at affordable prices, guaranteeing customers a Small Investment with a BIG RETURN! Be sure to visit Techno CNC Routers at Sign & Digital UK 2008, Booth #B42, or for more information, visit: www.technocnc.uk.co.

Originally posted 2008-01-01 17:36:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Techno, Inc. CNC Router Systems is proud to introduce the new Techno Vision digital image verification system.

New Hyde Park, NY (PRWEB) November 17, 2007 — Techno, Inc. CNC Router Systems is proud to introduce the new Techno Vision digital image verification system. Now, cutting digital prints is made easy with a Techno CNC Router. Techno Vision is equipped with a digital camera that automatically locates reference markers on a print file, verifies the image and adjusts it for linear and rotational distortion. The Vision Software, in operation with Techno’s GCODE CNC Interface, transfers this information to the CNC Router allowing customers to route digital prints almost effortlessly. This new system seamlessly integrates with traditional graphics programs and quickly mounts on all Techno CNC Routers.

For a six-month special offer, Techno is selling this unique system for $1500 USD (%u20A4 1100) with the purchase of a new Techno CNC Router. For more information on Techno Vision, call 800-819-3366 or visit the web at www.technocnc.com.

CNC Intro
Questions, Questions and a few more Questions
What is CNC? 
What do the letters “C-N-C” stand for? 
How can it help me? 
Why would I want to learn it?
Where do I start?
Do I need special software?  If so, which one?
Do I need a machine?  If so, how much?

We will get to all of these questions shortly and cover each of them thoroughly.  What has probably led you here today are questions?  You have problems you want to solve and you think CNC can help?  Guess what, that is exactly how I began the CNC journey as well!

So, where am I at today?
Today I have multiple CNC machines that I work with.  Each have their own nuances, software, capabilities and functions.  The point of it is that they are all CNC.  They all follow the same basic process.  That process is pure gold if you know it.  You can move from machine to machine and know what is going on.  That is what I want to teach you.

CNC Machines I own today:
CNC Plasma Cutter – My first machine.  A good first project if you want to build a CNC machine.  Born out of necessity.  She is a little rough around the edges, but a solid friend.

Vinyl Cutter – This is a unique type of CNC Machine.  This machine uses a small knife to cut out vinyl in any shape or size.  Think “sticker machine.”  You know the stickers on the back of every jacked up truck you have ever seen.  You know, “P_ss on Chevy, Ford, Dodge, etc.  So a vinyl cutter is actually a “Redneck sticker-making machine.”  I actually bought it to cut sandblast resist, which is a whole different story.

CNC Milling Machine – My third machine.  This one I purchased.  It is actually a CNC Bridgeport Clone if you want to get technical.  It is funny how addictive this hobby is.  I bought this machine to make the parts for a CNC Wood Router.  “Wait, you bought one CNC Machine to build another CNC Machine?”  The answer is…. YES!  I love this hobby.

CNC Wood Router – My fourth machine.  My father likes woodworking and I like steel working.  This is kind of a bridge machine for me.  I have found woodworking with CNC to be really cool.  It has gotten me into 3D milling on the cheap.  Think of the cost of 3D milling a brick of aluminum or a block of wood into a shape.  That’s right.  No Brainer.  Wood is free in comparison. 

CNC Hobby Growth Story
CNC as a hobby has really seen a huge growth spurt over the last 8 years.  I think I stepped into it about two years after it started cooking in the late 90s.  When I jumped in there were a few CNC Groups going already and about three different CNC Plasma Tables available at the hobby level.  I don’t know where the other machine types were at the time because I came in through the plasma path.  I would guess they were further behind as CNC Plasma Cutters was one of the first areas of CNC to take off in the Hobby arena.

Most of the growth I would attribute to the Internet.  Groups formed, ideas were shared.  Feedback was given.  People started making “chips” and didn’t look back.  The Internet brought a very expensive technology into garages across the country.  When I built my $4000 CNC Plasma Table a hobbyist class machine was around $10,000 and a commercial machine was $100,000 to as high as you wanted to go.

CNC has made it.  Not like Paris Hilton or an Olympic athlete, but it has hit the main stream.  Costs have come down enough that the amateur machinist is working away in his garage.  You can also find tons and tons of info on the Internet about CNC.  All of this has created a critical mass and pushed this obscure hobby out into the light. 

How do you know we hit the mainstream?
In a word, Sears.  Craftsman now has a CNC Wood Router in their fleet of tools.  The tool’s name is CompuCarve.  It is relatively small and can do basic wood routing.  It is a black box design with proprietary design software.  As of this writing it is around $2,000.  When it first came out, there were reports of bugs.  Those reports have died down as the design stabilizes and is improved. 

The Sears CNC Wood Router is actually manufactured by CarveWright.  It looks like Sears partnered with them to get this first unit on the market.  It is aimed at the woodworker that wants to go to the next level in their hobby.

CAD (Computer-aided design)
Geometry authoring tool that involves software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modellers.

CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing)
Considered as an NC programming tool wherein 3D models of components generated in CAD software are used to generate CNC code to drive numerical controlled machine tools

CNC (computer numerical control)
Refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads G-code instructions and drives the machine tool.

CAD/CAM part programming
The computer calculation and creation of a toolpath based on part geometry information created in CAD.

Canned cycle
A predetermined machining sequence used to simplify programming.

Data
Information processed as the basis for calculations.

Database
Computer storage that holds data and is searchable

Detail Drawing
A drawing of a part giving a complete and exact description of its form, dimensions, and construction

Dimension
The desired measurement of a part

Documentation
A CAD process in which a part design is converted to a computer file or hard copy for reference and storage purposes.

Drawing Exchange Format
DXF. A standard storage format for personal computer-based CAD/CAM platforms

Driver
That portion of the electronic package that receives the stepping sequence from the translator and provides the switching of the windings in the stepper motor.

G-Code
Common name for the programming language that controls NC and CNC machine tools

Geometric Modeling
A modeling process in which a designer creates lines and text that represents the shape of a desired part. Geometric modeling is the first step in CAD.

Geometry
The measurement, properties, and relationships of the lines and points of an object that make up its shape

M Code
A code used to signal an action from a miscellaneous group of commands. M codes change cutting tools, turn on or turn off the coolant, spindle, or work piece clamps, etc.

Machine Control Data
Manufacturing instructions defined in CAM and enacted on a CNC machine.

Machine Control Unit
A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine

Machine Tool
Powered mechanical device, typically used to fabricate metal components of machines by machining

Machining
The selective removal of metal or material

Numerical Control
The use of computers and special program instructions to execute the sequence of machining operations to make a part.

Part Program
A series of numerical instructions used by a CNC machine to perform the necessary sequence of operations to machine a specific work piece.

Personal Computer
PC. A computer designed for an individual user and commercial software. Desktops, laptops, and notebook computers are PCs.

Plotter
A large printer used to print blueprints. These output devices support vector graphics, unlike dot matrix and laser printers.

Post Processor
A software link in the CAD/CAM chain that communicates instructions from CAM to a CNC machine

Preliminary Blueprint
A design representing the rough dimensions of a specific part

Primitives or Primitive
Basic shapes such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, blocks, and cones that are combined in solid modeling to create a model of a part.

Prototype
The original test model of a part

Raster Image
A form of graphics in which closely spaced rows of dots form an image on a computer screen. Also known as bit-mapped graphics.

Ramping
The process of controlling the pulse frequency to accelerate or decelerate a stepper motor. Ramping increases the ability to drive larger loads at greater speeds by slowing the first series of pulses allowing the motor to overcome inertial loads and reduces overshooting by slowing the motor down more gradually than an unramped motor.

Scanner
A computer device that converts hard copy drawings into digital form

Software
The coded instructions, formulas, and operations that structure the actions of a computer

Solid Modeling
A type of geometric modeling based on solids in which all visible surfaces of a part are shown. In addition, solid modeling describes interior volume, mass, and weight.

Sub-Program
Acting as a part programming shortcut, a part program sequence that is called on as needed. Also called a subroutine.

Surface Modeling
A type of geometric modeling based on geometry only, in which all visible surfaces of a part are shown regardless of volume definition.

Step Angle
The angular increment the motor shaft will turn each time the windings (coils) are energized. The angle is specified in degrees. For a 200 step per revolution motor the step angle will be 1.8 degrees.

Step per revolution
The total number of steps to rotate the motor shaft 360 degrees. For CNC, 200 or 400 steps per revolution are usually used.

Stepper motor
A device that translates electrical pulses into precise mechanical movement. The output shaft may deliver rotary or linear motion.

Title Block
A portion of a blueprint that contains information such as the company name, part name, part number, designer, scale, and material.

Tolerance
A blueprint specification indicating an unwanted but acceptable deviation from a given dimension

Toolpath
The series of coordinate positions that determine the movement of a tool during a machining operation.

Translator
An electronic device that converts pulses into the correct switching sequence, which will operate the motor one step for each pulse received.

Unipolar
A bifilar wound motor. The current flows only in one direction through each winding. Normally there are two winding per bobbin and eight bobbins per motor. Usually is a 5, 6 or eight wire motor. One or more common leads are used per winding. Has less torque than a bipolar stepper motor but is simpler to drive. Bipolar stepper motor- just two windings. The electronic controls reverse the current alternately between the coils. This motor has more torque but requires more electronic controls.

Vector Graphics
A form of graphics that uses geometric formulas to represent images. Vector graphic images are more easily manipulated than raster graphics when dealing with CNC.

Wire Frame Modeling
A type of geometric modeling in which the edges of a part are represented by solid lines

Working Drawing
A drawing of a part providing data for manufacturing

X-Axis
An axis that is left or right. All movement left of a zero point is minus (-X), all movement right of the zero point is plus (+X).

Y-axis
An axis that is at right angles to the X-axis and intersect the zero point of the X-axis. All movement further away from the zero point is plus (+Y). All movement closer than the zero point is minus (-Y).

Z-axis
An axis that is vertically perpendicular to the X-Y zero point. All movement above the zero point is positive (+Z) while all movement below the zero point is (-Z).

Some technology allowed humans to use machines and program codes to do things that had been done manually. CNC is one of these technologies.

CNC routers have been of great help in many fields (signage- making, 3D moldings and furniture, just to name a few). In that regard, it would be very helpful for its users to know how to get the best deal and quality on their next purchase of CNC routers.

Here are some tips on how you can get the best CNC routers.

1. Buying CNC routers from a manufacturer would be more advisable than buying from distributors.

Buying from a manufacturer will give consumers the following advantages -

- The guarantee that the sales representative knows a lot about the product. Who would know the product better than the manufacturers themselves?

- Consumers can buy the items at a cheaper price too, since there are no third parties or go- betweens involved in the transaction.

Just make sure that you know the nearest service center of the company so that you know where to go to in case you need follow- up services from them.

2. Visit multiple stores to try the different CNC machines.

- It would be advisable that you have materials that you can work on when you try the machines. Bring these materials home to see that of the products can give the quality of workmanship that you are looking for.

- Also, it would be advantageous if you can also check the machines ease of usage and your comfort while you are using the product. These things will help a lot in deciding that router you will use.

3. It is advisable to buy a new CNC router.

New CNC routers are more efficient, and the quality of work can be assured. Of course, not all circumstances would allow businesses the endeavors of having a new CNC router.

In case you would buy used CNC routers, here are the things that you need to look for -

- At least one year warranty from the seller just as an assurance that you would not have to shoulder repair expenses within that period.

- Make sure that all of the upgrades necessary for the machine have been done.

- Ask if it would be possible for repairs to be done after a year and ask how much it would cost.

4. Consult your vendor regarding your CNC router needs so that you will not buy something less than what you are expecting or something more that can add up to your expenses.

5. Test the durability and the reliability of the CNC routers.

These are the two qualities that a CNC router must be able to meet. All the parts of the router should be sturdy enough to carry on the heavy work. Minimal vibrations must be felt during operations, and the cuts must be precise, accurate and smooth. You must know these things before buying the product, and not after you purchase it.

6. Get the software that is easy to learn, manipulate, program and fix during errors.

When using CNC routers, operators will be dealing with programs and codes that tell the machine what to do. That is why it is a basic requirement for the operators to be accustomed to the software that he is using. Most of these things he will learn during trainings and product testing.

7. Consider workspace and the jobs to be done in buying CNC routers.

Materials that CNC routers are working on vary in characteristics such as hardness. Your CNC routers may do the job easily on this product, will have a hard time working on another. These things must be taken into consideration when buying CNC routers.

Also, workspace is another issue. Make sure that your workspace can accommodate the machine that you will be buying.

8. Price is relevant to the CNC router and the future profit that it can bring you.

Do not get a CNC router just because it is cheap. Think long term.

Your CNC router is the key in making the most out of your business. So give it your best shot to follow these tips to get the best CNC router to cater to your needs!

About the Author:

For more great cnc router related articles and resources check out http://cncportal.info

CNC machines are used in a variety of industrial settings and in woodworking shops. Most are out of the price range for the individual user, but can be purchased used for about half the price. These machines increase speed and accuracy when doing large jobs or repetitive tasks.

How CNC Machines Work
CNC machines are used in a variety of industry, manufacturing processes and woodworking shops. CNC routers are used for drilling holes. Some machines have the capability of holding several tools. This allows them to perform more than one operation at a time. They save time and improve accuracy.

CNC stands for Computer Numerated Control. This technology was first seen in the 1970s. The machines need to be programmed and set up properly before operation. Once the initial set up is completed, they are fairly easy to operate and keep running.

In CNC routers, they can be programmed to drill holes in an automatic fashion. This is faster and more accurate over several pieces than in manual drilling. The results are more uniform. This method is very beneficial for larger jobs that require a lot of drilling. Manual drilling can become tiring and when the operator becomes tired, the results can become inconsistent.

Types of CNC Machines 
A CNC lathe is a good piece of equipment for cutting wood. These come in models ranging from fifteen to forty horsepower. The amount of power you need depends on the amount of wood you will use with the lathe. The best models operate in several different modes, from completely manual to all CNC. This allows you to tailor the machine?s operation for each project.

A Bridgeport mill is the best in milling technology. Mills are used in many industries, both large and small shops. They are efficient and reliable. Bridgeport mills are built to last a lifetime. However, they are very expensive. The price is out of the range that most people can afford.

The CNC mill is a specialty piece of equipment. It uses computer programming and robotics for accurate operation. The results are more accurate than any person could ever achieve. For this reason, Bridgeport mills are often used in the airline industry. Once the specs are entered, the CNC decides which tools need to be used and automatically changes the tools as needed.

Engraving equipment is made to engrave a variety of materials including glass, stone, metal, wood, composites and many others. The machines mark and engrave with more accuracy than could ever be achieved by hand. Everything from large signs to small lettering can be done, depending on your needs.

Buying Used units
CNC equipment is very expensive and out of the price range of most people. Buying used CNC electronics is an affordable option for some people. You can save nearly 50% or more on some equipment. Be careful when buying used, you want to be sure the equipment is in good condition.

A better option is to look for refurbished equipment. These machines have been inspected at the factory. Any broken or damaged components are replaced. In many cases, the machine is painted and new decals are applied. It?s like getting a new machine for a significantly reduced price. Often, you will get a one year warranty with reconditioned equipment. This gives you time to be sure it is working properly and if not, you can get it fixed for free.

About the Author: Charles Mahoney publishes many articles for the website http://www.inside-woodworking.com . He writes on topics from CNC technologies and other areas in this field.