You don't have an old Win PC or a laptop you could run it on?
You just want the G file right?
Max.

I have everything setup on a PC with LinuxCNC. I like LinuxCNC. I don't want to have to mess with XP and the limitations of the free Mach.
Yes I just need the gcode from a dxf file.

 

I just thought if you had an old PC with XP on it you could run the Mach S/W only, no hardware, and save the G-code file and copy and use it on your Linux CNC.
You don't need external hardware to run Mach.
Max.

 

http://www.linuxcnc.org/docs/2.4/html/gui_image-to-gcode.html

http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Simple_LinuxCNC_G-Code_Generators

 

I used the dxf2gcode converter. I just did a dry run on my CNC but it looks like it worked!

My only issue is it looks like the design software only prints with a light grey background. My plan would be to cut the front panel out of plastic with my CNC machine. Then print out the front panel on paper and then paste that on to my front panel.

I wonder if I could route the labeling through a thin piece of Lexan and use that as a template? I would be concerned the the Lexan would just chip away on such small lettering.

 

I get my panels done on reverse engraved Lexan, this way all the lettering/graphics can be any colour by spraying on the reverse side.
Very professional results for instrument panels, and no front grooving.
Max..

 

I get my panels done on reverse engraved Lexan, this way all the lettering/graphics can be any colour by spraying on the reverse side.
Very professional results for instrument panels, and no front grooving.
Max..

I don't understand. Is the Lexan a template or what? Spraying on the reverse side?

Do you send them off someplace to have it done? What is the cost?

 

I think I posted these before, but I get them done by a local engraver, they use a special lexan, any colour, that has a clear front and engrave on the reverse side, the engraving is then sprayed using colour of choice.
Not really cheap.
Max.

 

I think I posted these before, but I get them done by a local engraver, they use a special lexan, any colour, that has a clear front and engrave on the reverse side, the engraving is then sprayed using colour of choice.
Not really cheap.
Max.

I must be dense. Still not following you. How are they painted?

What is that thing anyway? Some kind of cnc controller? Is it a project for you or a customer?

 

@spinnaker

The plastic sheeting has two layers. The front layer is clear, the back layer is a y color you want. You engrave from the back color side (so you have to engrave the mirror image so it looks right when you look at the clear side. Then you spray paint the back colored side and that covers all the clear that is exposed. When you look at the clear front, you see only the paint where the engraving was (that removed all of the colored plastic).

 

So it is sort of a template? Just a permanent one?

 

staples, office depot etc sell sticky papers. look like regular printer paper but after printing backing can be pealed off and print can be simply glued to a surface. nice thing is that it is cheap, easy to do, you can do colors, etc. i add details like cut outline, mounting holes and whatever can help with alignment.

 

I must be dense. Still not following you. How are they painted?

What is that thing anyway? Some kind of cnc controller? Is it a project for you or a customer?

@spinnaker

The plastic sheeting has two layers. The front layer is clear, the back layer is a y color you want. You engrave from the back color side (so you have to engrave the mirror image so it looks right when you look at the clear side. Then you spray paint the back colored side and that covers all the clear that is exposed. When you look at the clear front, you see only the paint where the engraving was (that removed all of the colored plastic).

What he said.!
But these are permanent panels.
Yes they were two CNC retrofits that had obsolete controllers, the second is a rolling machine.
An advantage in a production environment, the panel has no grooves to fill with grease/dirt etc.
Max.

 

staples, office depot etc sell sticky papers. look like regular printer paper but after printing backing can be pealed off and print can be simply glued to a surface. nice thing is that it is cheap, easy to do, you can do colors, etc. i add details like cut outline, mounting holes and whatever can help with alignment.

My problem is the software I am using prints with a gray background. It is really not meant to print rather create a design and then have company create it for you. Expensive though. $38 minimum for my little panel. Way more than I want to pay for this project.

I just might need to switch software.


It would be also nice to print in white for a black background.

 

DraftSight is CAD package (baby version of AutoCad) and it is free.

 

My problem is the software I am using prints with a gray background. It is really not meant to print rather create a design and then have company create it for you. Expensive though. $38 minimum for my little panel. Way more than I want to pay for this project.

I just might need to switch software.


It would be also nice to print in white for a black background.

I thought you were using your CNC? Buy the two-layer plastic and route / mill your letters and markings through the first layer.

 

I thought you were using your CNC? Buy the two-layer plastic and route / mill your letters and markings through the first layer.

Thought about that.

1. Not sure where to order that stuff. Thought I say it on ebay.

2. Don't know if it is n the size I need.

 

Why not just buy a 1/4" piece of lexan and spray paint one side. Engrave the painted side. Then spray paint the same side again with black (or ither contrasting color)? Essentially the same process as max described but with obtainium.

 

Why not just buy a 1/4" piece of lexan and spray paint one side. Engrave the painted side. Then spray paint the same side again with black (or ither contrasting color)? Essentially the same process as max described but with obtainium.

Interesting. So basically just etch the paint?

obtainium???

 

Interesting. So basically just etch the paint?

obtainium???

yeah.

sounded like you had some trouble locating the dual layer lexan that max was talking about.

 

Why not just buy a 1/4" piece of lexan and spray paint one side. Engrave the painted side. Then spray paint the same side again with black (or ither contrasting color)? Essentially the same process as max described but with obtainium.

This method also allows the engraving to be different colours in different places by selective spray painting the second coat.