Simple engraving question

[falviani]

Hi,

Here is my configuration:
OS: Windows 10 (10.0)
Word size of OS: 64-bit
Word size of FreeCAD: 64-bit
Version: 0.19.17505 (Git)
Build type: Release
Branch: master
Hash: 755536e9df94d2d39da1468420f1fd333c35da7a
Python version: 3.6.8
Qt version: 5.12.1
Coin version: 4.0.0a
OCC version: 7.3.0
Locale: English/United States (en_US)

I wish to engrave an arbitrary design traced from a piece of artwork (thanks, sliptonic!) The Engrave operation is very focused on shapestrings; when I tried to use it with my art it generated nothing beyond the prefix and suffix codes. What operation should I be using? I have attached the original artwork I traced:

Celtic_Triad_clip_art_small.png (1.87 KiB) Viewed 847 times

Thanks in advance,
Frank Alviani

[chrisb]

You can use the FromShape command.

[mlampert]

The Engrave operation is very focused on shapestrings; when I tried to use it with my art it generated nothing beyond the prefix and suffix codes. What operation should I be using?

The engrave op can also use a sketch or individual edges from a model or a sketch.

[chrisb]

I tried for quite a while with sketches, clones of sketches and more, but nothing showed up in the BaseFeature list. Finally I hit the Ok button of the engrave operation anyway and - surprise - the path was created .

I was successful wit a sketch on top level of the tree using this as 2D geometry in the job. Did I do something wrong or is the BaseFeature list currently unused?

[falviani]

Hi,

I enabled the experimental feature as suggested, and it creates a feature area outside the job. It seems to just contain a reference to the sketch made from the imported image plane. I cannot get a usable tool path generated from it. How do I generate a tool path? And what is a feature area anyway if it can't be used to generate a tool path?

Sorry about noob questions, but I'm quite new to this.

Frank Alviani

[mlampert]

I tried for quite a while with sketches, clones of sketches and more, but nothing showed up in the BaseFeature list. Finally I hit the Ok button of the engrave operation anyway and - surprise - the path was created .

I was successful wit a sketch on top level of the tree using this as 2D geometry in the job. Did I do something wrong or is the BaseFeature list currently unused?

Because PD hides its sketches a sketch needs to be at the root to be eligible as a base object (free sketches, PD sketches can't be used). Once it's a base object you can select one edge of the sketch and then use the loop completion tool to select the rest and add them to the Base Geometry list. If the sketch has holes - rinse and repeat.

Note that like with all other base objects the job creates a clone - so you can reposition/rotate the sketch before engraving ...

[mlampert]

Hi,

I enabled the experimental feature as suggested, and it creates a feature area outside the job. It seems to just contain a reference to the sketch made from the imported image plane. I cannot get a usable tool path generated from it. How do I generate a tool path? And what is a feature area anyway if it can't be used to generate a tool path?

Sorry about noob questions, but I'm quite new to this.

Frank Alviani

If you post your FC file I can have a look

[dubstar-04]

Hi Frank,

I have attached an engraving example. This was done by selecting the edges of the logo.

If you have made a sketch of the logo you should be able to pad/pocket the sketch and use the edges for engraving.

I hope this is useful,

Dan

[falviani]

Thanks for the offer! My latest file is attached.

-Frank Alviani

[dubstar-04]

Thanks for the offer! My latest file is attached.

-Frank Alviani

Hi Frank,

I think you sent me back my own model