Brief Description: Instrument Panel Layout And Test Cuts
Working on instrument panel layout and component panel position.
Worked on instrument panel's CAD design and layout for the panel cutting and label engraving.
Test engraved a piece of 1/16" thick black glossy carbon fiber sheet to evaluate the bit used, and the depth of cut required to give a properly readable label engraving when the engraving is filled with white enamel paint.
Ended up using a 45 degree V-bit, with a cutting depth of 0.007" for engraving label text and lines.
Test cut three panels from 1/8" hardboard with a white melamine-like surface to evaluate the different cutting parameters and the actual layout/design of the componenet placement. I discovered that due to variable surface position across the web of the panel (varying material thickness), and the extremenly shallow depth of cut with a 45 degree V-bit (0.007" depth), I needed to zero the Z-axis at each separate text position across the panel to get more consitant test/label engravings.
By the time I had cut the htree test panels, I had the parameters and technique figures out. I am now evaluating and adjusting the component and labelling layout for the final panel.
The final panel openings will be cut through the carbon fiber sheet to exact size and position, then the carbon fiber overlay will be positioned precisely over the aluminum instrument panel and the opening in the overlay transfered to the aluminum panel. The final instrument panel will be the unfinished aluminum panel withthe glossy black carbon fiber overlay providing the finished appearance and labelling.
Initial test panel, used to determine cutting parameters for for bit and depth.
A 45 degree V-bit, cutting to 0.007" depth, and paint-filled was optimal for the labeling text size.
Third and optimal cutting/engraving for current design layout consideration.
