Text for engraving?

[Pete Cyr]

Post by Dave Kearley » Thu Mar 30, 2017 4:28 am
I'm trying to create a test file for text engraving on two-layer plastic. In RDW if i create a text object it gives me outlines - i need a solid fill for scan engraving? If i create text in Illustrator and import it says "No Data" although it clearly is there in Illustrator. If I create it in Inkscape and save as DXF it says no data? What am i doing wrong? Any ideas??

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Post by sebastien laforet » Thu Mar 30, 2017 4:40 am
in rdworks, just set the color to "scan" instead of "cut" to engrave the text. in inkscape, text is a special object type that is NOT exported to dxf. you first have to convert the text to path (ctrl+shift+C) before exporting. be careful, the export may have some glitches on complicated fonts (especially serif ones, and this is especially ugly on small text). and after that, you still have to put the layer color on "scan" to engrave. the best way is save as EPS format, then convert EPS to DXF, this will work with less loss of precision

it is far easier to edit text in rdworks if you have to change it regularly, in inkscape once your text is converted to path you have to delete/recreate/reconvert to path for every modification.
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Post by Dave Kearley » Thu Mar 30, 2017 6:46 am
Yep that works thanks I still cannot get DXF files to import at the correct scale though, AI types work ok but not DXF, all dimensions are set to MM
Any ideas?
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Post by Roy Bartels » Thu Mar 30, 2017 7:30 pm
In illustrator you need to convert your text to curves. Using the pointer tool select the text, then right mouse it, next select create outlines and save your text will then show up in rd works. Once you create outlines the text is not editable as text.
Use scan setting in rdworks and it will engrave it
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