Following an article on how to model a custom branding iron, I decided to take a stab at it. Here are some notes on the process. My mission was to create a brand that was my signature.

Inkscape

In order to get my signature in, I took a few tries with a sharpie and scanned the best of these. Once scanned, Inkscape can Trace Bitmap which generates a path the represents the signature. It’s pretty noisy, so I simplified the path a couple of times to smooth it and then deleted all the stray speckles and control points. The remaining control points needed a little tuning in places to get rid of some sharp points.

Repeat the same process to create a new path that will serve as the backing plate for the signature. Export the SVG for the signature in one file and the filled-in backing in another.

Blender

Import the backing plate and the signature into Blender. Extrude the signature by 0.625mm (for a total thickness of 1.25mm) and the backing plate by 1.5mm (for a total thickness of 3mm, the minimum wall thickness for Shapeways). Offset the backing plate to align it with the signature. Remember to align it to the appropriate face so that the text will be in the right orientation when used as a branding iron.

Convert each of these into meshes and join them. Export it as a collada file.

SketchUp

The only reason to introduce SketchUp into the mix is so that we can scale the signature to the exact dimensions. Do not scale the thickness, but only the height and width. While you’re here, add a 1/4”-thick rod to the back so that it can be attached to a handle.

Shapeways

Finally, you’re ready to use the model exported from SketchUp to upload it to Shapeways (or another service) and order a print.

Use

After mounting it on a metal rod which in turn was mounted in a wooden handle, I was ready to use it. I hold it in the flame on my stove for around 20 seconds at a time, taking care to try to heat it evenly. After I withdraw it, I test it on a scratch piece of wood or leather and continue immersing it in the flame until it reliably makes a solid, even mark. Then I mark the intended piece.