[sdiy] Frontpanel Express line detail

[James R. Coplin]

What I heard back from FPE express is that the tool is not tapered but a
trapezoidal shaped tool with a max cutting diameter of .2mm.  However,
tolerances for the machine and the bit work out -0mm to +0.2mm on top of the
bit width.  Based in the panel I have from them, I would say assume 0.4mm is
going to be the line size.  This makes finer detail fairly difficult to
achieve.  On my Modcan format panels that I make it is difficult to get the
text large enough to be legible at .4mm stroke widths on the dials and minor
labels like around switches etc.  Just FYI if you are planning on making
panels with FPE.

James R. Coplin

> -----Original Message-----
> From: port23.co.uk at googlemail.com [mailto:port23.co.uk at googlemail.com]
> On Behalf Of julian fincham
> Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 3:49 AM
> To: James R. Coplin
> Cc: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject: Re: [sdiy] Frontpanel Express line detail
> 
> FPD simply states "Engraving tool - 0.2mm" but its not at all clear
> what this actually meens -
> 
> Does it meen that the line should be 0.2mm, or does it meen that the
> tool is 0.2mm?
> 
> And then it gets more complicated - if the tool is 0.2mm, what does
> this actually meen?
> 
> Cutter geometry is not as simple as simply stating a width - the
> truncation (the width across the flat on the tip of the cutter) can be
> one widh, but even this wont tell you the line width, as the angle of
> the truncation can change, the clearence angle can change, not to
> mention the cutting angle its self.
> 
> And, once all this is done, with a V cuter, if you plunge the tool
> deeper, the line is going to get thicker regardless!
> 
> In short, i have no idea what FPD meens by 0.2mm, but you are possibly
> better to use any numbers as a guide rather than some absolute.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> At this point, of course, i have to plug my own work -
> 
> http://www.thebeast.co.uk/cnc/
> 
> ; )
> 
> Incidently i grind the cutters i use myself, and use different geomery
> for different jobs/effects/finishes/metal types, to get the best
> visual effect.  I find i get better end results this way, than simply
> 'painting by numbers'
> 
> Indeed this -
> 
> http://www.thebeast.co.uk/cnc/DSCF4271.jpg
> 
> is one of my favourite examples.
> 
> Julian
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 14 September 2010 16:06, James R. Coplin <james at ticalun.net> wrote:
> > I noticed in my last panel that despite my printed proofs and having
> > everything stroked correctly the lines in my panel are decidedly
> larger than
> > what appeared on my proofs (even those printed from their design
> software).
> > I set the project and graphics up to use the .2mm engraving tool
> throughout
> > and all my text etc. I converted to curves, removed the fill, and
> stroked
> > the curves to .2mm with joins and endcaps set to round to match the
> tool.
> > Theoretically, what I was seeing in my proofs and on the screen
> should have
> > been what Frontpanel Express delivered.  Instead, it appears to me
> that the
> > lines are more like .3mm-.4mm in width.  Anyone else have this
> > issue/observation?  My panel was black with no infill.  Does the tool
> have a
> > taper that with infill the text might have been sharper?  Just
> wondering how
> > to adjest before I send off my next panel as it is an expensive
> learning
> > curve.
> >
> > James R. Coplin
> >
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