Applying a Fill Pattern to Objects and Letters

Before you start the FILL procedure, click on the VIEW drop down menu at the top of your screen and make sure that the SHOW FILL command is NOT checked. If it is checked, click on it to deselect it. Select the object you would like to fill.  From the left hand menu of icons, select the second to last icon, which is the TOOL PATH TOOLS icon (shown below). From the fly out menu, select the FILL icon, which, if you roll your cursor over it, will say “FILL” (or “HOG” in older versions).

In the new FILL dialog box that pops up, choose the following options:

  • Tool Window – Click on the drop down arrow to choose the size and type of cutter that you will use.
  • Fill Style Window – Click on the drop down arrow to choose from six fill styles. Choose the one that is most appropriate for your application. Practice which style of fill you like best based on the object and material you will engrave on. The reverse spiral is a commonly used fill when burnishing or diamond dragging – it gives a 3-D effect.
  • Fill Overlap Window – Just below the Fill style Window is the Fill Overlap. The second box is the Overlap %, which is the percentage amount that each successive pass should overlap the previous pass. Overlap is used to ensure that all material is removed between contiguous passes of the tool. The overlap is expressed as a percentage of the tool diameter. In the second box, type in 10%. Click OK. The window will close, and you will see your object filled. If you zoom in on your object, you can see the actual path which your cutter will take.
This entry was posted in Quick Tips, Vision Software Tips and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to Applying a Fill Pattern to Objects and Letters

  1. Inahmaymn says:

    one of the best blogs on the internet. I will advise this web-site!

  2. Gorkemobume says:

    Very informative. Engravers seem to be tricky. But we are learning. Thanks again, Gorky

  3. Knopezer says:

    I like your tips. We were having trouble aligning our items on the 4′ x 8′ router. I got your tip and tried it and it worked great. Thanks again!

Leave a Reply