Embossing/Etching

[Graham Williams 5Participant @grahamwilliams5]

Am the owner of a 1957 Ariel NH motorbike, recently I was asked to make the screw on cap for the oil tank, common on a lot of models. After some discussion with the AOMCC I turned one up out of solid 6082 Alum. Where it falls down as to any semblance to the original are the markings on the top. Round the top rim there are the names of 5 greases and central is ' recommended grade of oil see handbook' in 4 rows 7/8" x 1/2". Lettering is 3/32" high. The original was made in at least 2 parts so the marking was straightforward. Given the shape I initially thought to ask about laser etching but no one wants to take it on, don't fancy individual stamps as I think I couldn't get them in line. If anyone out there can offer any thoughts on how to do it I'd be real chuffed.

[Graham Williams 5Participant @grahamwilliams5]

[Bill PudneyParticipant @billpudney37759]

3D printing??, either as a "cap" to epoxy to the main part, or as one piece.

cheers

Bill

[Brian HParticipant @brianh50089]

Hello Graham, just to clarify, are the letters engraved in or embossed? If embossed, you could make a resin cast and press thin aluminium into the cast using rubber under pressure.

There may be something on the 'net about rubber pressing as it used to be used to produce aircraft parts.

Brian

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

When I worked in the mould and die toolmaking trade engraving of the tools was a common practice. In the early days we would make a pattern at up to 10 x size and use a pantograph engraving machine. The sort of thing you require would see a straight set of type on something like a Taylor Hobson engraving machine and the job set up on a rotary table.

Fast forward to the present day and things have moved on to CNC. Now a photograph of the item can be imported to something like "SolidWorks" and a program quickly made to engrave as required. Lots of other software out there to use almost any font and engrave from it even radially as you require. Where are you based ? If they are still trading I can give details of the place I used to sub contract to before I retired 5 years ago.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Is the top flat? If so then it should be straightforward to engrave using cnc.

[Ex contributorParticipant @mgnbuk]

Do you have a trophy supplier locally ?

We used to use one to produce engraved switchplates at my last employer – they are set up to engrave cups, trophies, nameplates etc.

Nigel B

[Involute CurveParticipant @involutecurve]

PM me, I should be able to engrave it using CNC, I can also project the text onto complex 3D surfaces if required.

[Adam MaraParticipant @adammara]

A pantograph machine would cope with a flat or domed top, we used a Gravograph IR3 machine for engraving bowls for a nearby sports shop among other things. We and many others were reluctant to take on 'one off' jobs, particularly on the customers own property, there's nothing like slipping out of the brass copy on the last line of a multi line engraved brass plate!

I do have a Gravograph IT4 machine, a restoration project for the future sitting on my bench, sadly no copy and the cylindrical engraving parts are missing, otherwise, I like a challenge!

[WearyParticipant @weary]

To assist suggestions item in OP probably looks similar to this.(??)

[Graham Williams 5Participant @grahamwilliams5]

Thanks guys. Lots more possibilities than I'd thought about. In answer to Weary, The cap is the opposite to that, the letters are impressed into the top. The shape is a very short truncated cone 1 1/2" dia x 5/8" dia x 5/32" deep approx, on top of the oa dia of the cap which is 2". Tried putting a picture up but failed miserably.
Didn't think to try a trophy supplier, will look one up locally to see if they'll have a look at doing it but if the laser guy is anything to go by they'd be wary of messing it up. No knowledge of CNC other than watching it working on youtube and being amazed, if I can send a picture 'Involute Curve' perhaps you can see if it's a goer. The only companies round here who might have a pantograph type are not helpful when it comes to doing anything as a one off 'cheaply', generally you're pointed to the door, not like in the past

I'm just outside Dudley in the West Midlands by the way.

[Nick HulmeParticipant @nickhulme30114]

I use a Gravograph pantograph style engraving spindle on a sprung slide with a Gravograph 3D contour following nose to CNC engrave to a set depth on uneven surfaces with no requirement to model the surface being engraved.

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

If you are just outside Dudley try Diegrave in Walsall. Ask for Melvin or Dave Forrest. The do moulds and dies and also service the local leather trades requirements for fancy pattern punches.

[davebParticipant @daveb17630]

Hmmmm, I think I've been watching too much TV, I read the thread title as Embarrasing Itching!

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