Do you ever use 3 dimensional panographs for die engraving? If you do, at what depth are you able to mill your die cuts on the panograph? Is this called die sinking?
Glenn,
I personally don't use 3D pantographs in my shop, but I have used them elsewhere. The depth of cut you can take is judged by both the tracing stylus size and the cutter width, as well as draft. The stylus must be coordinated with and mimic the cutter at the ratio at which the machine is set. A three to one ratio has the stylus three times larger than the cutter. Obviously, the smaller the tool, the less steel you can remove. It is important to note that in 3D applications the draft of the tool does a lot of the shaping when tracing a master. When using a 3D pantograph you start with larger tools for faster material removal then work down to smaller tools for final detail. This is NOT die sinking based on my experiences. True die sinking is a hob process (pronounced "hub" by most people), where a positive image is sunk into a die making a negative image. (I can explain die sinking or hobbing if anyone wants to know about it). There are also 3D reduction machines which trace models and cut dies automatically. A Janvier or Augustine are two machines that do this. Most die engravers in the industry use a combination of patterns with 2D industrial engaving machines to start their 3D work. They can cut any 2D level they need to assist in 3D work, but then have to hand engave at the bench any modeled part of a design. A fine cutter with a .003 cutting tip can remove .002 or .003, then as you increase your cutter width so to can you increase the depth of cut. You just have to move the tool slow enough that it won't chip. With an extremely fine hairline tool you may only be able to engrave .001 at a time. With careful movement I've been able to remove .015 to .020 with 1/8 tips, but don't use 1/4 cutters at this depth because they are hard to control. Material removal with 1/4 cutters is best between .005 and .010.
Steve,
Thank you for taking the time to explain the use of the panagraph. I have a two dimensional Gorton panagraph in my shop that we use for making name plates. I would like to try doing some inlays in some of the knives that I'm engraving, but have been a little hesitant to try cutting a negative space and an inlay to fit. Your explanation helps me have the confidence to try this. I'll try this on some scrap plastic first.
Thanks again for your help Steve.
Regards, Glenn
What Gorton do you have, a 3U or a P1-2 ? The Gortons are great die engraving machines. I assume you then have a cutter grinder too for making your cutting tools. Inlay is not a big deal with this machine. With the right master and stylus you can do most anything. A lot of pool cue and guitar inlays are done with the Gortons too.
My Gorton is a P1-2. I do have a tool and cutter grinder. Neither one of these machines are used much at all because we're an industrial machine shop. So I'm venturing into a new area of art form for me.
Thanks again for your input.
Regards, Glenn
Glenn,
I am somewhat of a P1-2 authority as are many die engravers, and have been doing 3D dies for 27 years. If I can ever help with advise just contact me. Be aware that you can use a forming guide above the spindle on your machine for engaving on curved shapes too. You would need a forming guide bar, the forming guide itself, then you unscrew the knurled spring loaded nut on the spindle housing till the spindle floats. If the spindle doesn't float then the housing will need some adjustment. If you ever decide to do this, I can further explain. Check my website occasionally for information. The process page will eventually grow to show more about die engraving with the pantograph. www.sga-sculpture-engraving.com
Steve,
I don't know how to thank you. You've offered to help on some thing that has haunted me for quite some time. I'm sure I'll be asking more questions in the future. I and my son are interested in doing some inlays in knife scales along with some engraving. This adds that needed dimension.
Thanks again, Glenn
