CNC Engraving Toolpaths for Mapping Text Onto Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating toolpaths for CNC machines to engrave text or markings on surfaces require manual effort and are inefficient, especially when dealing with complex shapes or non-linear paths, necessitating individual toolpath creation for each surface and marking.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method where a post-processor generates toolpaths by mapping pre-stored 2D reference toolpaths of characters onto the surface of a workpiece based on received information about the surface shape and area to be engraved, allowing for faster and more robust toolpath generation without manual user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual toolpath writing is used to engrave text on surfaces with various shapes and contours, then the engraving can be customized to fit complex geometries, but the time consumption and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining text paths on a reference 2D plane before mapping. The text is first created in a simple 2D environment where path definition is straightforward, then this pre-defined path is automatically mapped to the target 3D surface. This eliminates the need to manually write complex 3D toolpaths for each surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference 2D plane as an intermediary between the simple text creation process and the complex 3D surface engraving. The text path is defined on this intermediate 2D plane, which then serves as a mapping source for the target 3D surface. This intermediary simplifies the overall process by decoupling text creation from surface geometry considerations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual unique machining files are created for each part with varying engravings, then each part can have its specific marking, but the file creation process becomes increasingly complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a single master machining file that contains the text path defined on a reference 2D plane. This master file can be copied and applied to multiple different parts, with the system automatically adapting the path to each target surface geometry through mapping. This eliminates the need to create individual unique files for each part while still allowing varying engravings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single machining file that can serve multiple functions across different part geometries. The reference 2D plane and its defined text path act as a universal template that can be mapped to various 3D surfaces, allowing one file to handle multiple part types with different shapes and contours.
3Manufacturing precision
If text paths are manually defined on CAD models for specific surfaces, then the engraving follows the desired surface contours, but the process requires extensive user input and is not robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically map the pre-defined 2D text path to the target 3D surface without requiring manual user intervention. The mapping process is performed automatically by the system based on the reference plane definition and target surface geometry, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust paths for each surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The text path is preliminarily defined on a simple 2D reference plane where it can be easily created and modified. This pre-defined path is then automatically transferred to the 3D surface through mapping, ensuring manufacturing precision while requiring minimal user input. The preliminary 2D definition stage captures all necessary text positioning information that is then automatically adapted to the target surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of generating a toolpath for engraving at least one character on a surface of a workpiece is provided, the method comprising: receiving, by a post processor, PP, information pertaining to: the shape of the surface to be engraved on the workpiece; an area to be engraved on the surface of the workpiece; and at least one character to be engraved on the surface of the workpiece. Then, the method comprises generating, by the PP, a toolpath for engraving the at least one character on the surface of a workpiece by: mapping a pre-stored predefined reference 2D toolpath of each character to be engraved on the surface onto the surface to be engraved according to the received information.