Engraving text

[Mick A Martin]

I have changed my technique for making ADA signs from using the CNC router to a laser engraver, after dialing in the laser engraver I was able to engrave a .032" deep pocket for the letters.

[Keith Outten]

Mick,

Looks great!

I suggest you increase the depth to about 0.034" which will take care of the glue you use when you set the letters in the inlay areas.
I'm sure you know that you must use a sans serif font, just thought I would bring it up in case someone else reading this didn't know.
When I make ADA door signs in volume I use a pressure washer to clean the engraved area in Corian door signs. This saves a huge amount of time over using a small brush and compressed air to clean out the engraving dust. Engraved logos often contain lines so small you can't get a brush with bristles small enough and air won't get the cavity clean. This is especially handy when you laser engrave building floor plans from AutoCad Drawings, the pressure washer will clean the plaques up in a minute or two.
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[Mick A Martin]

Thanks Keith for the information, I will slow down the speed down just a fraction to gain the extra depth I understand the font is sans serif font but good point .... I am having so much fun with the laser the speed and detail is fantastic.

[Keith Outten]

Mick,

I knew that once you got started using your Trotec laser you would get the bug

You can spend the next 6 to 12 months experimenting with different materials like, glass, marble, leather, tile, acrylic, wood, paper, etc. The list seems almost endless but time will fly by and sooner of later you will start putting together a list of materials that you can integrate into your products. Once you start combining both laser engraving and CNC in the same projects you will be amazed at the detail you have available to you for signs and for your wife's doll house projects.

Enjoy, and don't forget about the pressure washer!
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[Mick A Martin]

Keith,
The job center software lets you create and save new settings for new material which is great ...... I would like to find out how to laser engrave a gray scale image.

[Mike Null]

Mick

If you have JCX select color in the mode setting. If you have 9.0 select (I think it's gray scale) but anyway the bottom setting in mode. JC automatically reads the color and adjusts power accordingly.

[Mick A Martin]

Thanks Mike I will look into that ....

[Mark Sipes]

Mick how are you dealing with the braille requirements..

[Mick A Martin]

Mark, I think you are down the road from where I live ....I have the Coral draw plugin from Arron, I am not new to ADA signs I used to make them on the CNC ......