Speaking from Experience: Andy's name plaque

WELCOME!

It is hard to believe that it was almost ten years ago I witnessed a CNC router in action for the very first time. I was fascinated and simply had to have one! Although I had been in the creative end of the three dimensional sign business for most of my life I didn't really know what I would do with one of these machines - but I just knew it could do fantastic stuff.

Along with the CNC router I discovered the wonderful material called Precision Board and the glues, primers and other companion products they offer. Since then we have gone through many tons of the material using it in most signs and projects we tackle. This journal will chronicle our many adventures both past, present and future. I'll talk from the perspective of someone who pushes these products to the creative limit on a daily basis. I'll be adding to the stories two or three times each week. -dan

Friday, August 14, 2015

Andy's name plaque

Andy's name plaque is relatively simple. I created a circle vector using the drawing tools and then did the type and created an outline around these vectors. I selected the circle vector and created the base relief using the dome tool.

I then imported the log end texture (from the TEXTURE MAGIC collection) and applied it to the relief.

I wanted the lettering border to follow a similar contour to the domed relief so I used the offset tool to create a new circle vector. So the first step was to create a flat relief. The height isn't important.

I then selected this flat relief AND the new circle vector (which would be used to modify it) and then used the same dome settings to create a similar rounded shape.

In the preview I couldn't yet see it so I went to the front view and nudged it upwards to the appropriate height.

I then merged highest with the base relief (blue) to create one relief with the letter outline. Don't forget to either move this now redundant relief to another layer when done or delete it.

The last step was to modify the relief using the letter vectors, once again using the dome tool..

One last check in the 3D viewer to make sure everything was as it should be and the file was ready for tool pathing and off to the MultiCam.