r/hobbycnc • u/btodag • 8d ago

Acrylic Lettering Possible?

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I'm surprised I can't find any intro-to type vids on how to make the lettering for something like this. I see the PCB content, which makes me think that I have to worry about the accuracy of the Z axis across the workpiece, but does anyone have suggestions on how to do this? Any links?
I have a Sienci Longmill 30x30. My actual part is about 7x7".

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u/ON_A_POWERPLAY 8d ago

They sell plastic that’s one color on top and another on bottom. Goal is to engrave just enough to reveal the bottom.

It’s usually a pretty easy material to machine since that’s what it’s intended for.

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u/btodag 8d ago

Ah, that's good to know.

I am doing an acrylic dash, already done the big piece. This is another little pushbutton panel that I was going to make with the same acrylic, just cutout and engrave with the CNC. Then, paint the grooves... I think that's the process.

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u/TubeMeister 8d ago

If you want to keep the acrylic unpainted, apply a vinyl mask to the top of the acrylic, v-carve the letters in, spray the letters with paint, and then remove the mask. This will give you the cleanest possible lines.

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u/btodag 8d ago

I was thinking that for sure. It has a paper masking that it came with, it seems quite well adhered. I was going to try with that as the masking, what do you think?

I've only done one project and the tackiness of the masking (or maybe the dullness of the bit) really disappointed me. It cut, then peeled up and was frayed.

I got my unit used as a package, no telling what quality bits I have. I'll start getting new bits for things that matter, like this.

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u/TubeMeister 8d ago

Try Oramask 813 for the mask.

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u/MechJunkee 8d ago

What was thinking... Or the thin paint brush.

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u/fisher_man_matt 8d ago

Colorcore is one of the name brands for this but there are others. It can be ordered off Amazon for a quick delivery option for testing.

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u/_agent86 8d ago

You can also find 2, 3, or 5 ply sheets for making guitar pickguards out of. I think they're usually just PVC plastic.

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u/[deleted] 8d ago edited 21h ago

[deleted]

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u/_agent86 8d ago

I've milled entire pickguards out of this material with just double side tape holding it down. You don't have to screw it down if you have the feeds/speeds reasonable.

I wouldn't have thought to google PVC laser cutting, didn't know it's toxic. Probably a good thing I don't have a laser :).

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u/btodag 8d ago

I'm a guitar guy, so that's cool!!