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Welcome to a quick refresher on the essentials of laser cutting. Whether it's been a while since your last training session or you missed a few key details, rest assured, we've got you covered here.
Welcome to a quick refresher on the essentials of laser cutting. Whether it's been a while since your last training session or you missed a few key details, rest assured, we've got you covered here.
== Preparing your file ==
Before you use the laser cutter, you need to get your file ready. Start by making a new file or picking one you already have. If you're working with an image, choose or create it in any program, or use a picture you already have. We recommend a free program called [https://inkscape.org/ Inkscape]. A guide on how to use the program can be found [[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Vector graphics- Beginner|here.]] When your file is ready to print, you need to save your file as .pdf ,(at 600 DPI). You can ask to use one of our USB keys to then transport your file from your personal device to the computer next to the laser cutter you want to use.
A couple of friendly reminders:
* Don’t forget that the lines that you want to be cut through/vectored need to be 0.001 inches!
* Put your design in the top left corner of your document so you can easily know where it will start on your piece in the laser cutter.
* It’s a good idea to [https://inkscape-manuals.readthedocs.io/en/latest/tracing-an-image.html bitmap] any picture you want to print in Inkscape, it will look much better this way.
== Getting ready to cut ==
== Getting ready to cut ==
==== Air compressor ====
==== Air compressor ====
This the orange handle next to laser cutter, under the materials settings list. Turn the handle towards the ON direction (handle in-line with tube). You should hear the air start.
This is the orange handle next to laser cutter, under the materials settings list. Turn the handle towards the ON direction (handle in-line with tube). You should hear the air start.