Godin:Protocols/Laser cutter: Difference between revisions
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
The laser cutter is a versatile tool to cut or engrave materials such as wood and acrylic. The full list of materials can be found | The laser cutter is a versatile tool to cut or engrave materials such as wood and acrylic. The full list of materials can be found [http://www.jamiesonlaser.com/lasersys/Mat%20and%20App.htm here]. Be sure NOT to use PVC or Vinyl, as released fumes are toxic and will damage the optics. | ||
==Design== | |||
The laser cutter recognizes files in its ''.mol'' format. These are generated by a [http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1191272117978#versionTabview=tab1&tabview=tab0 CorelDRAW] extension that converts vector-based designs into milling instructions. We can cut holes, engrave shapes or mill holes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: | |||
*Shapes/Lines of the same color will be cut/engraved at the same time. Since shapes will “fall out” as they’re milled, be sure to order them so that inner patterns get cut first, outer ones get cut last. | |||
*Engravings have to consist of closed shapes. For lettering, make sure the fill is blank with only the contour showing. | |||
*Be sure not to exceed the dimensions of the laser cutter, as this will generate an error. | |||
*Files must be exported using CorelDRAW into a .mol filetype. | |||
==Operation Procedure== | ==Operation Procedure== | ||
... | ... | ||
Revision as of 10:01, 12 May 2011
Description
The laser cutter is a versatile tool to cut or engrave materials such as wood and acrylic. The full list of materials can be found here. Be sure NOT to use PVC or Vinyl, as released fumes are toxic and will damage the optics.
Design
The laser cutter recognizes files in its .mol format. These are generated by a CorelDRAW extension that converts vector-based designs into milling instructions. We can cut holes, engrave shapes or mill holes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Shapes/Lines of the same color will be cut/engraved at the same time. Since shapes will “fall out” as they’re milled, be sure to order them so that inner patterns get cut first, outer ones get cut last.
- Engravings have to consist of closed shapes. For lettering, make sure the fill is blank with only the contour showing.
- Be sure not to exceed the dimensions of the laser cutter, as this will generate an error.
- Files must be exported using CorelDRAW into a .mol filetype.
Operation Procedure
...
