The nameplate program

Contents: Nameplate input. The Navigator. Load background. Set limits. Input layer tool. Input subsidiary lines. Input text. Milling data control. Export milling data. Help. End Navigator. Case history for nameplate input.

Nameplate input. Navigator for the engraving of ready-made nameplate. The nameplate input operates for easier orientation with a graphic original in the background. The program enables the simple arrangement of the text on existing nameplates. Nameplates, which are to be inscribed, can be digitalised using the scanner and laid in the background for simple orientation. In the text input the original is used as a formula and the text is entered simply in the fields provided. With this, the calibration of the individual text fields is dispensed with. The engraving can be controlled directly. The nameplate input takes place one after the other in the following work groups:
1 | Set the program using Load background . Set limits and Input a layer tool. In order to enter a nameplate you have to set the cutting area and determine a tools.
2 | Enter texts in the designated fields using Input subsidiary lines and Input text. The inscription is arranged within the designated work limits.
3 | Check milling data and export using Check milling path and Export milling data. The finished and checked inscription is exported to the milling machine with the allocated tool.
The Navigator.
| The operation of the Navigator takes place from top to bottom. Fundamentally each function can be selected at any time. However, the consecutive input into the work groups, as the Navigator suggests, is better. The respective appropriate work group is indicated using black script. When the minimum input of the group is complete, the next work group is indicated.
Load background.
The graphic of a nameplate which is to be inscribed can be imported and laid in the background. Suitable graphic formats are PCX, BMP, GIF and JPG or JPEG. For import without problem we recommend images in .JPG or .JPEG format. These images can be imported as grey shade or coloured pictures in the correct dimensions. The formats PCX, BMP and GIF are suitable here for 8 Bit grey shade images only. In addition, the GIF format does not transfer the correct resolution and dimensions. Here, the correct dimensions must be entered manually. A graphic background can also be determined using the aid Graphic background. Image representation can be selected using Graphic background.
Back ground contrast [1..10]: | The background image is usually presented pale in order to be able to discern the input on to the background more clearly. Setting 1 results in a very pale image, Setting 10 produces normal contrast with dark elements. Standard setting = 5.
Back ground inverse: |
YES: | The background image is displayed with inverted grey shades. I.e. dark spots of the image are shown light, light spots are shown dark.
No: | The background is displayed with the specified grey distribution.
Indication take over work limits from background: with YES the work limits are placed on the image dimensions. With this, the subsequent input of the work limits is dispensed with. The image presentation can also be set using the aid Graphic background . Set background. Nameplates can also be set without background. For this case, however, you must take the measurements of the positions of the text fields in the plate and input into the text.
Set limits.
Set the dimensions of the nameplate. The zero point for graphics is bottom left. The work limits can also be determined using the function Layout . Limits.
Input layer tool.
For the milling you always require a milling tool (cutter). Simple incised engravings, such as the engraving on nameplates, takes place in a graphic layer (the actLayer) using an assigned layer tool. First, select the layer in which the inscription is to be created. After this, define the layer tool. A simple engraving tool can also be selected from a list of parameters using Typ e and adjusted as required. The inputs can also take place using the aid Selection ActLayer and the function Extras . tool input.
Input subsidiary lines.
The input of subsidiary lines is optional. Subsidiary lines are helpful if lines and/or contours are to be entered in the nameplate. The subsequent text input starts on existing subsidiary lines. They thus save the laborious arrangement of the individual texts. Subsidiary lines can, for example, be entered using Draw . SubsidiaryLine.
Input text.
Enter the text using parameter in the text field provided. Each text field can also receive a serial number. Texts can also be entered using the function Text . edit line.
Milling data control.
Using milling data control the engraving is drawn using the input tool and can thus be easily controlled. This function require a correctly entered tool. Without tool input only the cutter centre line is drawn.. The milling path control can also take place using the aid Gra phic cutter trace.
Export milling data.
Export the input engraving to the milling machine. Milling data can also be exported using the function File . direct mill or according to the arranged export path using the aid direct mill auto.
H elp.
Display program help for this Navigator.
End Navigator.
End the Navigator to the auxiliary lines. Nameplates can also be entered manually without Background graphics and without this Navigator. All functions are also selectable from the menu.

Case history for nameplate input.
| Scan your nameplate and save the image with the original dimensions in a .jpg file.
| Select the function Nameplate using Menu Text .
| Select Load background and the saved image. Select Graphic background using Background contrast [1..10]: 3 .. 5 and Background inverse: No. Select Take over graphic background Y/N = YES. With this, the work area is set to the plate size.
| Select ActLayer #8 (blue) and an engraving tool (e.g. Type: CuT = 0.150mm; CAn = 20.0°; FEt = 0.2mm; TSt. = 1).
| Draw the auxiliary lines for the text input into the graphic (comp. picture).
| Fill the fields using Text. Settings e.g.:
edit: | Line
Font: | G1500010
Height: | 4.50mm
Modus: | below left
In CAD select the aid milling path control.
| For the export select the layer (#8) with data. If other layers contain data these must be switched white by clicking-on. The layers marked in white are not exported. You obtain a milled graphic in accordance with the image. Now select your export filter.
Finished.