Engraving / carving on a domed object

[Winterdragon]

Good day all,

Ive had this idea to be able to engrave / carve onto a Derby cover for a Motorcycle. its a circular cover approximation 6 inches round and is domed. Im not sure of the height at highest and lowest point yet. But Id like to know how this could be done with Aspire.

Pictures of a derby cover attached for reference.

Thank you in advance,
Winterdragon

[Mike-S]

Model the blank cover with "Create shapes from vectors" or "Two rail sweep" using the high/low dimensions of the cover.
Then take your chosen design and use "Project toolpath onto 3D model."

[highpockets]

Mike is right on point. Creating a model of the part surface to be engraved will produce a good result.

There is also another option, look into a program called G-Code Ripper. It's free, using a probe it will map the surface of the actual part then engrave the image on to the part. The probe doesn't have to be anything sophisticated, I've used a v bit in the router and a piece of aluminum foil with a wire connected to ground on the piece I wanted to probe. Check your CNC for a probe input port. http://www.scorchworks.com/Gcoderipper/gcoderipper.html

[Winterdragon]

Thank you so much.

I will try this in a simulation and see if I can do what youve suggested. Still fairly new with this so Im still learning.

Winterdragon

[Winterdragon]

Afternoon all,

I tried to do as described and Its almost there. Ive attached the File to make sure I didnt mess something up or misunderstand the steps. I can not locate the Project toolpath onto 3d model option in the software.

I didnt use the Eagle head for my test but a simple geometric shape.

Please take a look and let me know what Im doing wrong.

Since its too big to upload, Ive shared on my Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pi086fjo3bo0 ... EPsGa?dl=0


Thank You,
Winterdragon

[Winterdragon]

Try this Link instead...


https://www.dropbox.com/s/aawu4mtam6ozf ... crv3d?dl=0

[dwilli9013]

Is this what you are trying to achieve. The project toolpath onto model is highlighted in yellow.

[Winterdragon]

Yes this is basically what I was looking for. Thank you so much,

I was looking in the toollbars. Im assuming that since the Derby cover is already "machined", I would just leave out the 3d paths for the shape and focus on just the engraving part. Does this sound about right or is there something else I need to do before?

Thank You,
Winterdragon

[dwilli9013]

Yes this is basically what I was looking for. Thank you so much,

I was looking in the toollbars. Im assuming that since the Derby cover is already "machined", I would just leave out the 3d paths for the shape and focus on just the engraving part. Does this sound about right or is there something else I need to do before?

Thank You,
Winterdragon

You are on the right track. You will have to create the dome for the derby cover in the software. Then toolpath that dome with the finishing TP option in the virtual world. You have to give the software something to project onto. Then you would set the actual derby cover up on your table being careful to locate your zero point in the same place you did on your virtual derby cover. Then run your engraving toolpath and enjoy the great piece of work you just put out.
By the way and Diamond drag bit works wonderfully on chrome derby covers and Gas caps. Fatbob tank fillers engrave quite well also. The key is getting your virtual model spot on in your software.
A few test runs in some scrap wood will pay you huge dividends before you get an uh oh on one of your mates bikes.

[Winterdragon]

Thank you Dwilli,

I was actually looking at a Spring Loaded Diamond Drag bit, it has up to a 3/8 of movement therefore, if the dimensions are correct, In theory i should be able to just run the Toolpath as a flat object and let the bit do the rest. Does this sound correct in my thinking?

WD

[dwilli9013]

WD,
Look at engravingbits.com guy is super nice and a quick shipper.
Your z axis will actually follow the contour of your virtual dome so it will not compress the tool. Now with v bits the outer edges of your dome will start to look odd as they progress down the side of the dome.
You also should be mindful if using a v bit as you will certainly penetrate chrome and it will start flaking.

[Winterdragon]

Here goes.

I did the 3D finish on the dome, then the Pocket engrave and projected to 3d model.. Heres what I got so far. It appears that the design does conform to the curvature of the done.. Fingers Crossed.

WD

[dwilli9013]

In this and all toolpathing instances the preview button is your friend. What it looks like in the preview pane is what you are going to get.

[Rcnewcomb]

I did the 3D finish on the dome, then the Pocket engrave and projected to 3d model.. Heres what I got so far. It appears that the design does conform to the curvature of the done.. Fingers Crossed.

It looks like you have it. I look forward to seeing some of your work. Post lots of photos of before, during, and after!

[Winterdragon]

Saved the Toolpath for ONLY the Pocket, since the Dome will already be done. Wanted to see if this was correct and found a toolpath simulator and It Looks Perfect...

Thank you all for the help.
WD