How deep do I need to drill the Raster® holes? The math does not seem to work out.
When drilling braille holes, you will find the math does not work out on paper because it does not allow for the “rake angle” of the braille cutters at the tip. Our braille cutters produce an angled hole rather than a flat-bottomed hole which requires a depth setting calculation that accounts for that angle.
If using our braille cutters, the proper hole depth setting should be between .040-.043 inches, however we recommend you check this setting every time you switch to a new cutter or when engraving on a new material.
Don’t forget to check the installed braille sphere height and adjust your cutter depth settings accordingly!
The depth of the braille hole is correct, but the Raster® Spheres are still falling out. Why?
There are a few different reasons this might be occurring. Your holes are most likely too shallow or deep for the substrate.
You can also check to make sure your vacuum or chip collector is working and positioned properly. This is essential to ensure no debris gets lodged inside the holes after they are drilled, otherwise holes will be too shallow for the Raster® spheres to sit securely.
Why is there debris in the holes?
This could be because the Dwell Setting— the setting in which the bit stays at max depth spinning to clean out the hole— could be set too low, leaving behind debris.
The Z speed could also be set too high. This would cause the bit to plunge in and out of the substrate too quickly for the bit to properly clean debris out the hole.
If you’re working with acrylic materials we recommend running two passes in each hole to be sure the debris is cleared properly.
What do I do if my Raster® holes are being drilled too large for the spheres?
First, check to make sure you are not running too many RPM’s. Running too many RPM’s could cause the material to melt onto the bit, making the holes larger in diameter.
Next check to make sure your bit is not bent. If there is any damage to the bit it could cause a wobble while drilling, and a larger hole. The wobbling can also be caused by collet bearings if they have gone bad and need to be replaced.
Why are the Raster® Spheres cracking when they are inserted into the holes?
If your Raster® spheres are cracking upon installation you have too much pressure set on the Z-axis or the holes are not drilled to the correct depth, as discussed earlier. Try adjusting the pressure to a lower setting.
How do I get rid of static in my Raster® Pen?
If you are experiencing issues with static in your Raster® Pen we recommend you try keeping it completely filled with Raster® Spheres when possible to ensure better flow.
You may also try breathing directly into the pen and using the moisture in your breath to break up the static.
How do I install Raster® Spheres in aluminum or other metals?
Unlike with plastic substrates where the Raster® spheres fit instantly in place because of the friction-fit material, materials such as aluminum or other metals will require using our Adhesive Assist Method. This method places a small amount of adhesive at the bottom of the hole to secure the Raster® spheres firmly in place.
Check out our Adhesive Assist Method tutorial video for a step-by-step guide on this process!
We hope this answered any questions you may have had through our troubleshooting techniques.
Contact us today, and let us know what Accent can do for you.
