Using The 3D Cutting Mode - Roland EGX-20 User Manual

Using the 3D Cutting Mode

This section introduces some advanced techniques for using the 3D cutting mode more fully. Try them out in situations like
the following.
Performing a special engraving operation
This includes times when you want to do something like performing fill engraving over a width that is broader than the
diameter of the nose cone, or engraving the entire surface of an irregularly shaped (that is, non-rectangular) plate. Note,
however, that the thickness of the plate must be uniform.
Creating a relief with a higher-quality finish
When creating a relief, there may be minute fluctuations in the uniformity of the finished thickness, or there may be slight
uncut areas. You can eliminate such problems.
This requires a preparatory operation called "surfacing."
What Is Surfacing?
Surfacing is an operation that cuts the entire surface of the table to obtain a level finish. However, because you cannot cut
the table directly, the process involves attaching an acrylic panel or the like and cutting the surface of the panel instead. The
precision of the surface produced in this way is sufficient to obtain a uniform cutting-in depth in the 3D cutting mode. You
attach the material to the top of the surfaced acrylic panel.
Requirements for Surfacing
Have the following items available. Also, you use the included Dr. Engrave program.
Plastic panel (acrylic or the like)
Size: 203.2 x 152.4 mm (8 x 6 in.)
Thickness: 2 mm (0.08 in.) or more, up to about 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in.)
Must be flat with no warping
Cutter
Roland DG ZEC-A2320 (flat cutter, blade width 3.175 mm)
Double-sided tape
Must be thin
Performing Surfacing
Perform cutting in the 3D cutting mode. For information on such matters as how to install the cutter and set the origin point,
refer to "4. Creating a Relief (3D Cutting Mode)." Note that the thickness of the material that you can mount is reduced by an
amount equal to the thickness of the attached panel.
It takes about four hours to finish cutting the entire surface of the panel (for acrylic).
40 5 More Advanced Operations