Text Milling: What You Need to Know
Text milling lets you engrave texts and designs directly onto materials like metal and plastic with precision. It’s used for everything from part numbers to custom logos.
But how does it actually work? What fonts and materials are best for clean, readable results? In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of text milling so you can understand its process.
What is Text Milling?
Text milling, also called engraving or CNC engraving, lets you create text labels and designs with different fonts on machined parts.
The main goal is to make CNC programs, known as G-codes, that milling machines use to do the engraving. This process is perfect for adding things like serial numbers, part numbers, logos, or other marks to parts with high accuracy and detail.
Text Milling Font Type
Most 3D CAD programs let you use standard Windows fonts, but that doesn’t mean you should pick any font randomly. It’s best to avoid serif fonts.
Serif fonts have small decorative lines at the ends of letters. These lines are usually thinner than the main parts of the letters. When milling, those tiny details can be hard to cut properly, and that makes the text look blurry or incomplete.
Instead, go with sans-serif fonts. These fonts don’t have extra lines, and their strokes are even and solid, so they are perfect for milling.
Text Milling Font Size
When you add text to a part, it should usually be at least 0.02 inches tall. This height makes sure the text is clear and easy to see. You don’t need to measure each letter’s thickness, but it’s a good idea to use a font size of 20 points or larger.
Bigger fonts are easier to read and come out better during milling. If you need smaller text, be careful. Milling very small fonts is hard, so it’s best to get a professional evaluation before moving forward. DEK can mill smaller fonts, but you should mention it when you ask for a quote.
Also, if the text is on high features like tall ribs, consider making it a bit larger. High areas can have uneven surfaces, so larger text will be clearer and more readable.
Text Milling Materials
You can mill text on many different materials, and here are the main types:
Métaux
Plastiques
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- ABS
- Polycarbonate (PC)
Bois
- Hardwood (like oak, maple, cherry)
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
Composites
- Carbon Fiber Composite
- Fibre de verre
- Kevlar
Others
- Céramique
- Verre
Tips to Add Texts to Parts
Here are some text milling techniques or tips that you can apply while doing your project to get better results:
- Consider using Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana. These fonts are clear and easy to read.
- If you want your text to stand out more, try Century Gothic Bold or Impact. Century Gothic Bold is the default font in SolidWorks and works great.
- Go with embossed text to make it more visible.
- Choose a bold, sans-serif font that is 20 points or larger for better readability.
- Avoid placing text on the tops of tall features, as it can be hard to see and may get blocked.
DEK’s Precise Text Milling Services
DEK offers precise and high-quality Services d'usinage CNC for your parts. Whether you need texts, logos, serial numbers, or any other markings, we can accurately engrave or carve them onto your machined parts.
Contact us and let’s talk about adding texts to your machined parts. Get a free quote now.
Conclusion
When you do text milling, choosing the right font, size, and material is key to clear, sharp results. Use simple, bold, sans-serif fonts, and keep your text big enough to read easily.
Also, think about where you put the text on your part so it doesn’t get lost on tall or uneven surfaces. Following these tips will help you get clean, professional-looking engraved texts.
FAQ
What is the easiest font for CNC?
The easiest font for CNC machining is usually a Sans Serif font, size 20 points or larger. San Serif fonts are simpler because they don’t have the extra decorative strokes at the ends of the letters. They are easier to cut accurately.
What is engraving in milling?
Engraving in milling is when you make shallow cuts or grooves on a part to create fine details. It’s often used to ass texts, logos, serial numbers, or designs for things like personalization, branding, or labeling.
What is G-code text engraving milling software?
You can use TextMilling, which is software made for creating G-code for text engraving and milling. It’s easy to use and helps you turn text or vector designs into toolpaths for CNC machines.
