Standard Complete Operating Procedures for a Multifunctional CNC Character Engraving Machine

Applicable to fully automatic machines that integrate feeding, slotting, bending, and cutting into a single unit, this process consists of seven steps: machine setup → drawing processing → parameter configuration → loading and alignment → automatic processing → unloading and cleanup → shutdown and maintenance.

I. Safety and Hardware Preparation Before Startup
Air and Power Connections
Connect the main unit to a 220V/380V power source and connect it to an air compressor. Adjust the pressure to 0.4–0.6 MPa. Check that there are no air leaks in the air lines and that the solenoid valves are supplying air normally.
Equipment Cleaning and Inspection
Remove metal debris from the feed rollers, slotting blades, and bending dies; inspect the blades for chipping and ensure the pressure rollers are properly tensioned; verify that the lubricant level is sufficient.
Start-up Zero-Point Calibration (Critical)
Start the equipment and the accompanying computer control software, enter the equipment test interface, and sequentially perform zero-point calibration for the feed axis, slotting axis, and bending axis. Operation may only begin after the green lights indicate that all axes have returned to their home positions, thereby eliminating mechanical errors.
II. Computer Drawing Preprocessing (CDR/AI Drawing Software)
Create vector graphics for illuminated letters and logos using CorelDRAW or Illustrator; ensure font outlines are closed with no broken lines; distinguish between the outer frame (outer border) and the inner area (hollowed-out inner circle).
Contour Offset Compensation: Offset the outline outward by 0.3–0.5 mm based on the sheet thickness to ensure the letter casing fits flush with the acrylic panel without gaps.
Export Machining Files: Save in DXF/PLT universal vector formats. Ensure the file path does not contain Chinese characters to avoid software reading errors.
III. Importing Drawings into Software + Selecting Cutting Paths
Open the character-enclosing control system (CBS4, the mainstream system), import the DXF drawing, and scale it to verify that the dimensions match the actual character size.
Path selection procedure:
Right-click on a blank area → Select Character Inner Contour (inner outline), selecting all hollow strokes;
Then select “Capture Character Outline” (outer contour) to select the outer ring of the font;
Confirm capture; the inner ring will be displayed as a red line and the outer ring as a blue line. Delete any redundant lines, breakpoints, and overlapping paths.
Batch Layout: For orders with multiple characters, you can select all text at once and queue them for continuous processing.
IV. Process Parameter Settings (Adjust According to Material)
Go to the [Process Parameters] panel and use one-click matching based on the profile:
Material Parameters
Aluminum sheet / Super Character aluminum profile: Thickness 0.5–1.5 mm, slot depth 70% of sheet thickness;
201/304 stainless steel strip: 0.6–1.2 mm, deepen the slot to prevent cracking during bending;
Galvanized sheet metal: Feed at low speed to reduce bending force and prevent deformation.
Bending and Arc Parameters
Set the minimum bending radius (R), inner/outer bending compensation, and arc bending force; if the arc is not standard, fine-tune the bending knife gain value and save the parameter template.
Processing Auxiliary Settings
Set the cutting allowance per operation, scrap length at the beginning and end, number of repeat operations, and the automatic corner slotting switch.
V. Loading, Threading, and Manual Test Run Calibration
Place the metal coil on the feed tray, with the sealed edge of the sheet facing the slotting blade. Feed it smoothly into the upper and lower clamping rollers, securing it tightly to prevent slippage or misalignment during feeding.
Manual Feed Mode: Move the material back and forth over short distances to observe whether feeding is smooth, with no jams or scratches on the sheet surface.
Test slotting: Take a short scrap piece for slotting. Check that the groove depth is uniform, with no cutting through the material or burrs; if the depth is abnormal, fine-tune the slotting spindle height.
Test bending: Bend the scrap into right angles and arcs. Verify that the angles match the drawing; if the error exceeds 0.1 mm, recalibrate the bending tool.
VI. Fully Automatic Processing (Core Process: Feeding → Slotting → Bending → Cutting Cycle)
After confirming that the path, parameters, and material loading are all correct, click [Start] in the software, and the equipment will automatically begin the processing cycle:
① Servo feed rollers precisely transport the profile to the processing position;
② The slotting cutter automatically engages to mill grooves at the bending positions (segmented slotting for right angles and arcs);
③ The bending dies move synchronously to complete the integrated forming of inner corners, outer corners, and arcs;
④ Once the single-character contour is finished, the cutting mechanism automatically shears the profile;
⑤ The machine automatically feeds the next section and cycles through processing the next character.
Process Monitoring:
If material jams, misalignment, or abnormal tool noise occurs, immediately press [Pause]. After troubleshooting, press [Start] to resume processing;
In case of an emergency, press the red emergency stop button on the machine body.
VII. Cutting, Trimming, and Letter Shell Assembly
After processing a single character, remove the formed edge strips, manually align them along the slotted gaps, and assemble them into a complete three-dimensional letter shell.
Trim excess material from the ends and sand down burrs at the slotted areas; lightly polish the slotted areas on stainless steel materials to prevent rust.
After batch processing is complete, stack the parts uniformly and categorize the inner and outer ring strips to prevent mix-ups.
VIII. Shutdown and Routine Maintenance
Once all orders have been processed, stop the program in the software and return all axes to their home positions;
Close the software and shut down the computer, disconnect the main power supply, and turn off the air compressor;
Clean metal powder and debris from the slotting cutter, rollers, and worktable; apply lubricating oil to the cutting tools and guide rails;
For extended downtime, loosen the material clamping rollers to prevent the profiles from deforming due to prolonged compression.