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Project: learn how to etch an image into plexiglas using CNC mill.
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Original image |
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Copied to white background, converted to grayscale, sharpened edges and flipped horizontally |
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Run through
![[WWW]](http://wikispot.org/wiki/eggheadbeta/img/sycamore-www.png)
Chris Radek's Python script to convert images to g-code
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My version of the scripts convert to metric mill and mm units, and write the output to a file (image-to-gcode.py | gcode.py)
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(Here is how to do the calculations. Assume you want to print an image that is 300 pixels high by 200 pixels wide. If the step size is 0.08 mm, the final image will be 300 x 0.08 = 24 mm high and 200 x 0.08 = 16 mm wide. The depth should be less than the thickness of the media, of course. Start the bit right on the surface, or a fraction of a mm above it. Keep in mind that the resolution of the final image is determined by the diameter of the bit.)
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Plexiglas sheet before milling (Laird Plastics 2074) |
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Instead of ball end mill, using Dremel engraving cutter (107) which has roughly spherical head with max diameter of 1.31mm; spindle speed is 2000 RPM |
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Use backplot for preliminary test runs, to make sure parameters make sense |
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Milling the image (took about 35-40 minutes) |
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Engraved surface |
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Finished image, reverse side |
