Laser Cutting

Step 1:

Create a box that you will use as your dimensions when submitting your file.

When we get your file, we will not see the size of your artboard or canvas, so we use the outside box to properly size your file. It may be helpful to make the box the size of the material you intend to use. If you are purchasing material from the makerspace, we offer 12x10", 12x20", and 23x35" sizes. 

Step 2:

Ensure you have no overlapping paths. 

Overlapping lines can ruin the way your vector cut works, but even worse, many overlapping cut lines can be a fire hazard if the laser has is constantly cutting in the same spot. Ensure that you have no extra cut lines where they are not necessary. Also make sure that you don't have unintended overlapping lines. Use the view "outline" mode to better preview potential issues. 

A path may look okay in in the "Normal" display mode, however, if you look closely in the "Outline" display mode, you can see there are extra paths that are unnecessary. 

Be sure to combine any overlapping paths. In Inkscape, these are located under the Path menu. In Illustrator, they are under the "Shape modes" or "Pathfinder" windows. You may need to try a few different modes to get the effect you want. If it doesn't look like a shape mode or pathfinder did anything, still use the undo option as the paths may have been altered in unintended ways. 

Step 3:

Convert any text into outlines or paths. 

In Inkscape, select your text object then click the "Object to Path" option under the Path menu. To check that the text has been converted to a path, select the "Edit paths by node" selection tool. When using this tool, you can select your text object and ensure that it has been converted to a path. Keep in mind, you will no longer be able to change font options, or fix any wording or spelling. 

Use the stroke to path function for any decorative stroke styles that you want to laser cut.

See below how a wide stroke is visible in normal mode, but in outline mode you can see that the laser will not be able to see the stroke, just the line it is applied to. 

To solve this problem, convert your stroke to a path.

Make sure to check your work in the outline mode.

Step 4:

Separate different laser cut functions by color. Include what each color means in the notes field of your job submission. 

For example:

Black line is a cut

Red lines are an outline engraving

Step 5:

When importing raster images to your file, always select the embed option on import and export. 

If you link an image, the image does not get stored inside your file. The file contains a link to where that image lives on your computer. This can be useful for decreasing file sizes, however, we will not be able to view your linked image. Always embed images when you plan to submit your file to the Makerspace.

Step 6:

Export your file as an SVG.

SVG stands for scalable vector graphic! Make sure to change your export option to SVG. You are now ready to submit your file!