Mark command text into MasterCAM

[gordow]

We design and fabricate custom instruments.  Some of the parts have lettering on them to identify connectors, functions, etc.  The lettering is generated by embossing text from a sketch.  99+% of these parts are not sheet metal parts.  Our workflow has been to send the part files to the shop where they are imported into MasterCAM for programming and fabrication.  However, for parts with lettering on them, the letters are not single strokes but outlines, so the machinist/programmer has to manually enter the lettering using MasterCAM fonts.  Not ideal, but it has worked.  When I recently learned of the new Mark command I hoped that we would be able to send a part file to the shop and the lettering could be used for programming.  I created a simple part with lettering and used the Mark command.  With "Shaded with Edges" on, I could see the single-stroke lettering on the part.  However, when the part is imported into MasterCAM, only portions of the letters come in, see attached screen grab.  When we generate the part drawing, we can create a sheet with the lettering and export it as a dxf, which can be brought into MasterCAM and used, but that is not an ideal workflow either. 

The question is, should I expect to see all the lettering from the Mark command on the part when it is imported into MasterCAM?  Since I don't, is it an issue with the Mark command, the font I am using (generally, romans), or perhaps an issue on the MasterCAM side?  I am continuing to try different possibilities, but wonder if I am looking for something that is not there. 

Any thoughts, suggestions, remedies welcome.  Thanks. 

Gordow

Inventor 2023.3.1

Windows 10

[kacper.suchomski]

Can you attach your file?

[gordow]

Sure.  Attached is the most recent iteration that did not work.  The lines below the text also did not import into MasterCAM. 

[kacper.suchomski]

How did you export to DXF?

I don't see this possibility. I had to export to DWG, open in AutoCAD and save as DXF.

[gordow]

I created an drawing (idw) from the part.  I then exported the drawing in dxf format, using the 1:1 option.  The dxf drawing was then brought into MasterCAM and a tool path was generated.  This is a possible workflow, but not an ideal one. 

[kacper.suchomski]

Have you tried to export the sketch?

[gordow]

That appears to be more work than what we do now or just exporting the drawing to dxf.  I am trying to determine if the lettering can be brought into MasterCAM directly using the part (ipt). 

Thank you for your suggestions, though. 

[kacper.suchomski]

What file types can you import into MasterCAM?
Some file types carry edge information, so there should be no problem with full geometry.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! Have you exported it to SAT? I believe the Mark edges are included in the SAT export file. I believe MasterCAM imports SAT also.

Many thanks!

[gordow]

Using a SAT export did not work either.  I tried the CAM environment in Inventor to see if the letters and lines are present to generate a tool path and they are.  The lines and letters are present in the drawing, too, and they export to dxf.  I am beginning to suspect the issue may be with the add-on in MasterCAM that imports a part file.  I am going to chase that out next week.  Will report back if I learn anything. 

Thanks for the suggestions so far.  If any other thoughts or ideas are still welcome. 

gordow

[gordow]

A brief update:  The folks at Mastercam asked for the file of my test part.  Perhaps they detect a bug.  In the meantime, I have found that I can import the 3D solid into MasterCAM, then merge the dxf drawing (1:1 format) on top of the solid.  Perhaps a couple extra steps, but it keeps the machinist from having to enter text.  However, it doesn't help if the lettering requires a 3D toolpath. 

gordow