Machining a Font?

[Gary J]

I'm having problems with fonts.
I need to be able to create a machinable path, for engraving purposes, using Acad 2002. Some of the fonts in the text library are ideal; however I require the text to be saved as DXF format to allow import to my CAM program and engraved etc.
Is there anyway I can do this, without creating another layer, tracing each letter using Plines, and then exporting to DXF? This method takes me ages :roll:

I run a small company, making custom-made styling parts for cars, so it's a problem when someone wants something odd engraved and I can't charge them for the actual time it takes to process.

www.custom-bitz.co.uk, click the link and you'll see what I'm up against, there must be an easier way?

Thanks In Advance, Gary

[f700es]

If you have Express Tools you can explode a font and then just save as a .dxf. Will this work?

F7

Let me know if you do not have express tools, I know of a download site ;)



I'm having problems with fonts.
I need to be able to create a machinable path, for engraving purposes, using Acad 2002. Some of the fonts in the text library are ideal; however I require the text to be saved as DXF format to allow import to my CAM program and engraved etc.
Is there anyway I can do this, without creating another layer, tracing each letter using Plines, and then exporting to DXF? This method takes me ages :roll:

I run a small company, making custom-made styling parts for cars, so it's a problem when someone wants something odd engraved and I can't charge them for the actual time it takes to process.

www.custom-bitz.co.uk, click the link and you'll see what I'm up against, there must be an easier way?

Thanks In Advance, Gary

[gcp310]

if you can get yourself a copy of coreldraw, you can export any style text out of coreldraw as an .eps or .wmf file.

if you export it out as a .wmf you can insert it into autocad, then explode,scale,rotate it. you then can use pedit and create a pline with it which in turn creates your path. you can then also creat 3d text by extruding it as a three d item.
Are you at solid modelling yet in your course?

Hope this helps

G

[fuccaro]

Gary
I recommend you the method proposed by F700es. I used it and I am happy with the results.
This subject was discussed earlier in this Forum here
http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=394&highlight=
G please send me more info, the method you propose sounds interesting but after I insert the wmf I can not explode it.

[Gary J]

I've just looked at the previous topic and unfortunately, I don't have the express tools :( I tried the TXTEXPL command and it was unrecognised, as was the PLJOIN.
I've already tried the EXPLODE function, it just removes the font and resorts to ISO 2.5 style.
If the offer of a link to a reputable download server is available, I'll welcome it ;)

Gary

PS, I don't have Corel Draw, only MM Fireworks.

[gcp310]

ok,

1- create text in coreldraw.(not sure about fireworks)

2-select text,then export out of coreldraw as a .wmf.
make sure that you export it out as curves,not text.
there should be a dialogue box asking you wether its text or curves.

3-import it into autocad,it will appear as a block. explode the block
use region and extrude to desired thickness.

a tip, make sure your text color in coreldraw is not black.makes it hard to see when its inserted into cad.

Hope this helps

G

[Gary J]

I just tried exporting from F/Works in wmf, no luck. It just froze the PC!
I have an old copy of Coral Draw 4, will this acept the wmf method? I got this with my first PC some years back, I don't even know if it'll run on XP Pro?

Gary

[f700es]

I'm having problems with fonts.
I need to be able to create a machinable path, for engraving purposes, using Acad 2002. Some of the fonts in the text library are ideal; however I require the text to be saved as DXF format to allow import to my CAM program and engraved etc.
Is there anyway I can do this, without creating another layer, tracing each letter using Plines, and then exporting to DXF? This method takes me ages :roll:

I run a small company, making custom-made styling parts for cars, so it's a problem when someone wants something odd engraved and I can't charge them for the actual time it takes to process.

www.custom-bitz.co.uk, click the link and you'll see what I'm up against, there must be an easier way?

Thanks In Advance, Gary

Cool Stuff!!! Man, I could have used you when I had my sports car (before my son came along). I did a engine dress up on it and a nice billet plug cover would have finished it off.
http://picserver.student.utwente.nl/getpicture.php?id=117764
It was a Dodge Stealth (Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO).

[Gary J]

Thanks guys, after downloading the express tools, everything works. As the CAM software I've got is quite basic (and free) I saved as R14 DXF, without joining the Plines and all is well and functional.

This site just gets better and better :!: :!:

Big thanks to f700es for the link

See image of it working. Saved a whack of time!

If you still want a billet cover, let me know. I can even engrave it for cheap now ;)

Gary

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/gary10/images/cadcam.JPG

[f700es]

Thanks guys, after downloading the express tools, everything works. As the CAM software I've got is quite basic (and free) I saved as R14 DXF, without joining the Plines and all is well and functional.

This site just gets better and better :!: :!:

Big thanks to f700es for the link

See image of it working. Saved a whack of time!

If you still want a billet cover, let me know. I can even engrave it for cheap now ;)

Gary


Glad you got it working Gary. Alas.... :cry: .... I sold the Stealth and it's coolness and am stuck driving a Infiniti G20 (Nissan Primera for you guys across the pond). I'll keep you in mind down the road when I do another dress up. Take care. :)

F7

[Gary J]

I had a Primera GT for a while, SRDe20 engine if I remember correctly. Ex- Cop car, tuned to 170bhp+, not as nippy as my current car though.

Gary

[rad-man]

So i've been searching all morning about how to convert text to lines/arcs so i can program them on my cnc, and I finally found out that i need Express tools.

So then i searched and searched and found this thread about a "secret" download link, but i dont see it. anyone?

is f700es still around?

[f700es]

So i've been searching all morning about how to convert text to lines/arcs so i can program them on my cnc, and I finally found out that i need Express tools.

So then i searched and searched and found this thread about a "secret" download link, but i dont see it. anyone?

is f700es still around?

Wow!! This is an old thread. Let me see if I can find that link again. You have to have full AutoCAD (not LT) for the Express Tools to work.

[rad-man]

yea, fullblown 2005. No biggie if you cant find it b/c i may be able to duck outta here early since its fri, and i can get my disks tonight.

Thanks!