Hey All - I’m using my MC Etcher (90 degree) for the first time on a 1/8” sheet of aluminum. I’ve used the recommended feeds and speeds and set the RPM to 1 as I won’t be running the spindle. Here’s what’s happening! Any suggestions?
What was it meant to be?
Why are you setting the RPM to 1 instead of 0? Have you watched the spindle to be sure it isn’t rotating? I’m not sure if this is the case any longer but in older versions of CC, at least on the Nomad, there was a minimum speed the spindle would turn and any value lower would default to that value. Not sure this would account for what you’re getting but if the design is small it’s more of a possibility. I had this happen back when CC wouldn’t accept zero rotation and I forgot to edit the code.
CM doesn’t allow for a 0 setting. I read somewhere to just set to 1 and don’t run the router. Could this be the issue. I’m still very new to this?
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Looks like the bit is skipping left-right.
I have a nomad and got inconsistent results once due to a bearing problem in the X-carriage; etching a polygon would result in the start and end lines not meeting up.
You’re on one of the more giant machines as you talk about a router. I’m not sure what may or may not be loose. The Carbide3d team may be more helpful.
Unlikely this is due to rotation/spindle speed. I would first confirm z zero is accurate at the surface of the aluminum, ensure sufficient retract height so etcher does not drag during rapids, reduce feed rate, reduce depth of cut to a minimum and do some more test engravings. If it still looks like cousin it from the Adams family, you should be able to identify the source of the slop by visible watching the engraving. Does the machine move erratic or smooth in x and y? If the machine is smooth, then does the etcher move erratic? You need to isolate the problem to the machine or the etcher. I assume you are using an engraving tool path. Can you post the c2d file? I have used the etcher with a shapeoko 3 a significant amount and find it much more forgiving than cutting any material with an endmill.
I was able to correct this. However, it seems I have to zero the Z separately for the MC Etcher. Otherwise, it cuts way too low and creates this mess.
Is this normal?
That really depends on your Depth of Cut setting. When using the MC Etcher I generally set my Z zero using the paper method. The DOC setting is just preloading the engraver spring in an attempt to get a little deeper engraving. I usually use .010" as a DOC in aluminum. You really don’t want to preload the spring very much, you could damage the tip.
Be sure to use a little air blast to prevent running over any loose pieces of material that was removed during the engraving process.
Ed, thank you. Very helpful.
Diamond is not conductive making use of a bit zero with the etcher unreliable. I always z zero with paper. DOC with the etcher will be trial and error. My DOC and your DOC are both dependent on the setscrew setting that puts pressure on the etcher diamond, the condition of the diamond’s tip which will vary over time with use, the alloy being engraved, and personal preference with respect to results. The etcher will wear over time and what in the past were very straight lines will become wavy as the barrel of the etcher becomes enlarged, and it will require more and more depth of cut (pressure) to engrave to a sufficient depth. Engraving glass seemed brutal on the diamond tip for me. Aluminum, brass, and stainless: not so bad. Air would not hurt but I believe engraving with the etcher is mainly a process which displaces material, not removes it.
For the most part, that is correct. I engrave quite a bit of anodized aluminum around the Christmas season. With a fill pattern and a close step over you will get tiny chips. Some of the harder aluminum alloys will also generate chips.
Another thing to keep in mind when engraving: try to keep your retract height to a minimum, you can shave off quite a bit of toolpath run time that way. Using the tape and CA glue work holding method I set my retract height to 2x my DOC.
Thank you all for the great suggestions.
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