Text on path

[kellyWT9NF]

Trying to cut text in sheet metal with cnc plasma cutter. I created two separate curvy lines each with text cut along that path. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to 'explode' that text to make it into an object that can be cut around. Directions I have demonstrate doing this but it's using text in a box in a straight path. When I text on path the dashed line box is not there and after right click I don't have the 'explode' option either. 

It appears I was able to extrude down through the letters but it's not completely translucent.. whereas typically a cut away is just outlined in blue or black line and can be seen through.

Any tips on text on path for cnc plasma cutting would be greatly appreciated!

[g-andresen · Accepted solution]

Hi,

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@kellyWT9NF  schrieb:

When I text on path the dashed line box is not there* and after right click I don't have the 'explode' option** either. 

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*    correct

**  explode is only possible in active sketch mode

Please share the file.

File > export > save as f3d on local drive  > attach it to the next post.

günther

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

In the Screencast I step through a sample part using text on a path, taking it to the Manufacturing Environment and stepping through the process of adding the toolpath.  Note I placed sketch points before creating the toolpath so I could place tabs to prevent the "O" and "0" from falling out.  I will leave all Plasma cutting tool and speeds and feeds up to you.  Model is attached.

[g-andresen · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I recommend using Stencil Fonts for cutting.

Then you do not need the TABS mentioned by @jhackney1972 

günther

[kellyWT9NF]

Sorry Im just getting back to this but thanks so much for all the responces!

Attached is a very early stage of another project Im starting.. I started here cause the text you will clearly see is the most important part so it clearly has to work before I do anything more with it.

One problem I also need to address is creating the tabs to hold the center pieces to some of the lettering that will require it. So the overall concept will be 1/8" sheet metal of some dimension with the text cut from inside of it.

Going to review all your responses now as well. Thanks again!

[kellyWT9NF]

yeah that was one thing I learned of in a demo video.. however I just didn't care for that type of font for what I was doing. In fact I made it even worse and really had my heart set on script for a font. lol! I'm just not sure I can make it happen as of you... but with all your guys amazing help if I got a chance in making it happen I'm asking the right people! 🙂 If can be done I'm certain we can find an alternative.

[kellyWT9NF]

Thanks for this! Im gonna look back over what I have done and compare it to what you were doing in your video. Adding those sketch points is super cool trick!!! Im gonna try it!

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

On this model, I do not think the Tab option, in the Manufacturing Environment, is you best option.  Take a look at the Screencast, it is long, but it shows what I think will be the best method of modifying the model to get the result you want.  I only worked on the top line of text and one letter to show you what I mean.  By the way, please note at the first of the Screencast that I separated your text sketch from your sheet extrusion.  Always keep your model features separate, you can combine sketches, but create features from them independently.  Model is attached I used in the Screencast.

[kellyWT9NF]

Thanks for all that demo! Getting right into the nitty gritty.. great explanation. I was trying the other method above but was running into issues with the cut path not including all the letters and was wondering if perhaps was related to the letters that were overlapping each other. So your last video addressed a whole slew of questions! 

Another question though.. you mentioned to keep the features separate. What do you mean by features? I'm hitting a mental road block understanding how you are saying to keep everything separate.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

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@kellyWT9NF wrote:

Another question though.. you mentioned to keep the features separate. What do you mean by features? I'm hitting a mental road block understanding how you are saying to keep everything separate.

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I am glad you ask.  Your sketch can include any number of sketches that represent features but when it comes time to create the features you should use the sketch over and over to create SEPARATE features.  My Screencast will demonstrate one of the issues if you do not.  By the way, my microphone is acting a little squirrelly tonight, it may be a little loud, caution.

[kellyWT9NF]

Thanks for that John! I definitely see what your pointing out. I believe on my other project with the car you mentioned this as well to keep features separate from one another. I believe I then took it as creating additional sketches. But I think I see now how your showing you can separate features within the same sketch. Allot of subtle ways to do things or do things differently but can save a lot of time and frustration down the the road if aware of these potential issues before they become a problem! So far I've created ALOT of problems and so thankful for all your guys help to get me straightened back out! 🙂

[kellyWT9NF]

I've been whittling away at finishing this first line that you started and gave the excellent instruction on. First line done and with several times referring back to your video it soon became quite easy to clean up all those lines, add the tabs where needed, and then re-constrain/lock them back into place (green line).

Im attempting to start that second line.. I just trying to remember how or where you instructed to turn that text back into vector mode..

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

Go into the sketch containing the text.  Highlight the line of text, right click and select Explode Text.