Use AutoCAD to design an engraving that will go on the end of your engraving tool. If you are not enrolled in TECH 4571, just design a pattern to engrave on the end of a 1.0 inch diameter aluminum rod.

Using the Realize LISP routine. This was originally developed by Chris Radek and was distributed under a GNU General Public License.

Download the cncengrave lisp file below:

Engraving Operation

Download the .LSP file to a convenient directory.
- Note: You can open the file with notepad to read important notes or modify the software.
You will draw the geometry of the engraving in AutoCAD. Pay attention to where the origin (0,0,0) is. It should be centered on the end of the rod. Use inch units.
Create a polyline of the toolpath you want.
- Set the ELEVATION TO Negative 0.020 before you begin
- Your polyline will be the toolpath.
- The z level (elevation) of the polyline is the cutting depth.
Convert the polyline to a HW polyline (command: convertpoly)
Put the polyline on a layer called “Engrave”.
Run the appload command and load “cncengrave.” This will create a new command called “engrave“
Run the engrave command.
Use .250 for the safety height.
Enter a path and file at the prompt
- Prompt will be “Output file <C:\ACAD.T>:”
- Enter the path and file you want to write to , e.g., “U:\myname.cnc”
- Use a simple path that you have write permission on (your USB root is a good place)
Select only the polyline you made in the steps above.
Verify that your file contains valid G Code.
Bring your file to the next class period.

Sample Output

%
(POSTED BY CNCENGRAVE 02142025.LSP)
G17 G20 G40
G59 G80 G90 G94
G43
T08 H08
M06

M5
G00 Z1.0000
(INSERT MILL 8)
M00
S1000 M3
G04 P3
G00 Z0.0200
G00 X-0.1947 Y-0.2135
G01 Z-0.0200 F8.00
G01 X0.2502 Y-0.2135 F8.00
G01 X0.2502 Y-0.1188 F8.00
G01 X-0.2057 Y-0.1188 F8.00
G01 X-0.2057 Y0.0856 F8.00
G02 X0.0322 Y0.3235 I0.2379 J0.0000 F8.00
G01 X0.1798 Y0.3235 F8.00
G01 X0.0000 Y0.0000 F8.00
G01 Z1.0000
M30
%