I want to fit a 2nd Z axis to a 3d engraver/plotter and attach a dot matrix printhead and ribbon cartridge. The aim is to engrave aluminium plates and print an associated multi-part certificate (1 original and 2 self carbon copies) The goal is to generate just one data file, proof that then send processed instructions to the machine and overcome common and annoying typo errors, engraving the plate and printing the certificate in one run.
I imagine the engraving will be via G code in a "text" mode and the printing would be a sequence of combined G code moves and print head dumps (24 digital bit strikes for a 24 pin printhead = 3 bytes). While the machine would be 4 axis the software would really only be 2D +1/2D +1/2D does not equal 3D.
Has anyone tried such a crazy scheme before, and if so how did it go?
And does anybody have any recommendations for any particular CAM software that might be better than others for this job, given a word processor type of source data file.
Any suggestions as to how to break out the 24 digital signals for the printhead and timing this with the G code driven head movement.
I imagine the engraving will be via G code in a "text" mode and the printing would be a sequence of combined G code moves and print head dumps (24 digital bit strikes for a 24 pin printhead = 3 bytes). While the machine would be 4 axis the software would really only be 2D +1/2D +1/2D does not equal 3D.
Has anyone tried such a crazy scheme before, and if so how did it go?
And does anybody have any recommendations for any particular CAM software that might be better than others for this job, given a word processor type of source data file.
Any suggestions as to how to break out the 24 digital signals for the printhead and timing this with the G code driven head movement.