Apologies for not replying sooner.
I'd like to take text from an Excel file, csv file or something similar and populate the surface of 16 plagues arrayed for CNC engraving.
Too hard, so do it backwards
I'd like to take text and populate the surface WITH 16 plagues arrayed for CNC engraving.
In the description below, there is a little programming to be done. I will give printf examples, as printf is available in many C like languages. Python and even FORTRAN have equivalents. I will use the unix utility awk.
Prepare the text, say triple spaced. I used 100 random names from https://www.name-generator.org.uk/quick/
awk '{printf "%s\n\n\n", $0}' randomnames.txt
Create a Fusion 360 text box, wide enough to take the name without folding it. The formatted text will flow out of the bottom of the text box in a controlled manner
Create the plaque over the first line of names, then make a rectangular array to create the multiple tags
Hint: parameterise the text height
That will give ONE column of plaques, any font, centre justified. To get multiple columns, prepare the text using a monospaced font like courier.
awk '{printf "%-30s", $0} NR%3 == 0 {print ""}' randomnames.txt
mini:scratch atnt$
Lowri Stuart Kareena Ryan Kalem Hewitt
Hallam Redfern Rita Zamora Kayne Eastwood
Ayaana Simmons Massimo Coates Gage Hunt
...
Jazmin Stanley Brody Spencer Abdul Muir
Tayyib Dunn Konnor Mcdermott Dante Leal
Weronika Wagner Jemima Atherton Valerie Tran
Use a two dimensional array of plaques and job done.
With a slightly more complex printf statement, you can get centre justified text on the 2D array of plaques.
Export and dxf and laser it.
Hopefully, there is a sample attached.
