Archive for September 20th, 2019

CNC 3018-Pro: Diamond Drag Engraving Test Disk

Posted by Ed in Machine Shop, Software on 2019-09-20

The smaller and more rigid CNC 3018-Pro should be able to engrave text faster than the larger and rather springy MPCNC, which could engrave text at about 50 mm/min. This test pattern pushes both cutting depth and engraving speed to absurd values:

Engraving Test Pattern - 2019-09-18
Engraving Test Pattern – 2019-09-18

Compile the GCMC source to generate G-Code, lash a CD / DVD to the platform (masking tape works fine), touch off the XY coordinates in the center, touch off Z=0 on the surface, then see what happens:

CNC 3018-Pro - Engraving test pattern - curved text
CNC 3018-Pro – Engraving test pattern – curved text

The “engraving depth” translates directly into the force applied to the diamond point, because the spring converts displacement into force. Knowing the Z depth, you can calculate or guesstimate the force.

Early results from the 3018 suggest it can engrave good-looking text about 20 times faster than the MPCNC:

CNC 3018-Pro - Engraving - speeds
CNC 3018-Pro – Engraving – speeds

You must trade off speed with accuracy on your very own machine, as your mileage will certainly differ!

The GCMC source code as a GitHub Gist:

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