Create outlines of single-line fonts for laser cutout

[mdevane]

I would like to use a single-line font to create text for signs that can be cut by either a laser cutter or CNC in our shop. 

1) For the laser- I need to create an outline border of each letter, offset X mm from the center of the single-line font path.  Using the laser, the individual letters would then be cut from an acrylic sheet.  Additionally, I then need to be able to create an outline around the entire set of words, that is X mm from the inside and outside image border.  That outline would then be converted to SVG and exported for use on the laser cutter, as well. Once run, the second svg would allow the sign outline would be cut out.

2) For the cnc version of this sign - I need to convert the existing letters from SLF to SVG, and use an engraving or specialty bit to create the letters, and I would re-use the svg sign outline from previous step to cut it out.

I know how to convert the SLF letters into SVG paths, but I cannot figure out how to create (1) the "balloon" outlines around the letters and then (2) around the entire sign for cut-out purposes.  All the tutorials I have found, create what I call a "glow" effect, using either the Contour Tool or the Outline effect. 

Is this possible in Affinity Designer?

Thanks, Mark

[KarinC]

Is this what you are looking for?

 

[Old Bruce]

1 hour ago, mdevane said:

I would like to use a single-line font to create text for signs that can be cut by either a laser cutter or CNC in our shop. 

...

Note: I am not at all certain about what you need. Having said that....

You could try using the Contour Tool in Designer.

[mdevane]

Hi Karin - unfortunately, the tutorial above is similar to the others I have watched.  All of them create something like the following:

- border which is X pts, pixels, or mm thick

- border is located 0 pts, pixels or mm away from the svg image

What I need is the following;

- border which is 1 pts or pixels thick

- located X mm offset/away from original image, inside and outside.

This outer border is saved as SVG image and Lightburn/laser will use it to cut out the sign.

Mark

[mdevane]

Old Bruce - I tried the contour tool, but it generates the same type of image as mentioned in my reply to Karin above.

Thanks anyway.

Mark

[thomaso]

3 hours ago, mdevane said:

I tried the contour tool, but it generates the same type of image as mentioned

Like OldBruce, I am not sure about your problem, so just in case: Did you notice the "Bake Appearance" option in the Context Toolbar for the "Contour Tool"? Only this step seems to convert an open two-node line into a closed 4 node shape, like so:

Possibly your problem can't be avoided in Affinity, according to this thread(s):

[mdevane]

Thomaso - Thanks.  Your post gave me what I need to get started.  The problem was "user error" on my part. Haven't dived into the details yet, but you provided me with the basic info.

Regards, Mark