Tool Path Analysis and Motion Control of 3D Engraving Machine

This paper presents a new technique to analyze data on the coordinate x, y, z and apply these data to design the motion control to improve the efficiency of the engraving machine so that it can engrave accordingly in 3 dimensions. First, the tool path on the x-y plane is analyzed to be synchronized with the z-axis. The digital data is then sent to the motion control to guide the movement of the engrave point on the x-y plane. Tool path moves along the x-axis with zero degree and different values of the y-axis according to the coordinate of the digital data and the analysis along z-axis to determine the depth for engraving. The depth can be specified from the gray level with the 256 levels of resolution. The data obtained includes the distances on x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, the acceleration of the engrave point's movement, and the speed of the engrave point's movement. These data is then transfered to the motion control to guide the movement of the engrave point along the z-axis associated with the x-y plane. The results indicate that engraving using this technique is fast and continuous. The specimen obtained looks perfect in 3D view.