CNC Router Engraver - Software Question

[My Old Landy]

Hi All,
I usually shun technology etc but I have decided I would like to make my own labels for the things I make. I have just ordered a CNC Router Engraver from Vevor. It doesn't come with software so what do I need to create such things as labels etc?
As a bit of background, I have used both Autodesk and Solidworks products in the past but not for a couple of years. As it is for labels I suspect they would be overkill for this so any suggestions would be helpful. I don't mind if it is paid for software.
Apparently it can work offline so doesn't need to be plugged into a PC.
Cheers MOL

 

[Agroshield]

Can you find some example pictures of the typical things you want to do? The software that will do simple engraved labels (e.g. like the plastic with multi layers of different colours) may be different to something that would do 3D relief labels. One is a simple 2D toolpath; the other is V-carving.

A link to the machine would be good. I assume it has it accepts standard G-code and has an on-board controller/G-code interpreter.

You effectively need two pieces of software in your toolchain before that: a drawing program that will make a dxf of what you want to produce and a CAM program that accepts the dxf, makes it into a toolpath and outputs G-code.

Vectric's V-carve software might be a good place to start looking. There is also one called CAMBAM. I think Fusion 360 has CAM capability. FreeCAD also has this. If you put 'sign engraving software' into Google, there are a few others that pop up, e.g. https://www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.html and https://www.inventables.com/technologies/easel

 

[mike os]

V carve I would think, probably with Mach 3

 

[My Old Landy]

The engraver is this one:

VEVOR 3018 Pro CNC Router 3 Axis w/ Offline Controller CNC Engraving Machine 10000RPM | VEVOR UK

Discover 3018 Pro CNC Router 3 Axis w/ Offline Controller CNC Engraving Machine 10000RPM, Large Working Area and Powerful Motor at lowest price, 2days delivery, 30days returns.

www.vevor.co.uk

The type of labels are these:

 

[My Old Landy]

I have discovered Easel. It is online and creates the correct format for the engraver. As the one I have ordered has a control board, all I have to do is put the file in and set the XYZ etc on the controller. This is my first attempt at using the software. I just need the unit to be delivered

 

[ukracer]

I have discovered Easel. It is online and creates the correct format for the engraver. As the one I have ordered has a control board, all I have to do is put the file in and set the XYZ etc on the controller. This is my first attempt at using the software. I just need the unit to be delivered
View attachment 348150

I reckon aspire would work as well..

 

[Agroshield]

...all I have to do is put the file in and set the XYZ etc on the controller...

Another useful thing to have in your toolkit, especially when all is new to you is a simulator. It allows you to do a dry run on screen just to check there are no obvious errors in the code. Often the control program will have one, but if not, there are a few free versions.

 

[Misterg]

I have discovered Easel.

Have a look at Carbide Create too.

https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/

 

[My Old Landy]

Have a look at Carbide Create too.

https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/

Thank you for the link, that looks really promising! It allows you to V carve which Easel wants a subscription for!

 

[Misterg]

I've only had a quick play with it (I haven't got a machine yet), but it seems OK (and "free") - it's got a slight quirk that when you edit something (e.g. font size), you need to click 'Apply' before clicking 'Done' - if you just click 'Done', the change doesn't happen.

 

[My Old Landy]

My machine has arrived and I hope to get it built and running tomorrow

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

My machine has arrived and I hope to get it built and running tomorrow

Let us know how it behaves.

Been debating one of these for a while.

SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer CNC Router Machine with GRBL Offline Control, Limit Switches & Emergency-Stop, XYZ Working Area 300 x 180 x 45mm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZFD6SKP/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_CMSWWW77ZGJHNQW0ER6G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[My Old Landy]

Let us know how it behaves.

Been debating one of these for a while.

SainSmart Genmitsu 3018-PROVer CNC Router Machine with GRBL Offline Control, Limit Switches & Emergency-Stop, XYZ Working Area 300 x 180 x 45mm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZFD6SKP/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_CMSWWW77ZGJHNQW0ER6G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That is pretty much the same. It has limit switches and a better off line control interface. I will let you know if it works!

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

That is pretty much the same. It has limit switches and a better off line control interface. I will let you know if it works!

I joined your club. Arriving next week. Same machine.
Showed the wife. She wants to use it

Result.

 

[Martin-Sy]

Watching this with interest. I have a home brew machine made by a now departed friend and completed in his 89th year!
It was his 3rd generation and has interconnect PCBs routed on the 2nd generation machine.

I used to use Draftsight to generate the master (machine has an Eding controller) that takes (IIRC) a dxf file.
Alas Draftsight is no longer free so I'm trying Fusion 360 but it's probably a bit overkill for simple engraving.

 

[Misterg]

Mine’s a bit more ‘work in progress’

 

[My Old Landy]

Started building it

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Started building it
View attachment 348368

What size collets did it come with?
Need to order up some cutters while I'm waiting for mine to turn up.

 

[My Old Landy]

What size collets did it come with?
Need to order up some cutters while I'm waiting for mine to turn up.

It comes with a 1/8" collet and 10 cutters. I have broken 3 already!! I am trying to cut brass. I should learn to walk before running methinks

 

[My Old Landy]

All built up and test cutting