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Laser Cutter Instructions and Workflow (view source)
Revision as of 22:21, 19 May 2017
, 22:21, 19 May 2017→Introduction
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
This page was written when the only laser was the Epilog Mini. Now that there are at least two lasers including the Boss 3655, take note that these recommendations may only apply to the Epilog.
The laser has two modes: raster and vector. Raster (aka: “multi-pass cut”) etches an image via multiple passes over an area, whereas vector (aka “single-pass cut”) makes a single pass over the material, cutting where the reference image has indicated. The host computer sees the laser cutter as just a regular printer and thus it can print from any program. We suggest you print from a vector-capable program such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Corel Draw, AutoCAD, etc.
Our first laser cutter is an Epilog Mini 24 30-watt system with a bed 24” by 12” (610 x 305 mm) and which can cut through materials up to 0.25” (6.35 mm) thick (Thicker materials can be cut, but may require multiple passes). Material must lie flat on the bed, as warped or curved materials will cause the beam to be out of focus when it cuts or engraves. Important: only certain materials can be cut, but of special note is '''NO PVC OR VINYL''' as those materials will release toxic chlorine gas (think World War I) and damage the machine. If you have questions about the material use the “hot wire” test (see below). Also beware of fabrics, as certain dyes can also release toxic vapors.
The Epilog laser has two modes: raster and vector. Raster (aka: “multi-pass cut”) etches an image via multiple passes over an area, whereas vector (aka “single-pass cut”) makes a single pass over the material, cutting where the reference image has indicated. The host computer sees the laser cutter as just a regular printer and thus it can print from any program. We suggest you print from a vector-capable program such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Corel Draw, AutoCAD, etc.
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b. “Hairlines” (0.001”/0.025 mm/0.1pt) are vector cuts. Anything larger is a raster engraving.
b. “Hairlines” (0.001”/0.025 mm/0.1pt) are vector cuts. Anything larger is a raster engraving.
c. If you are importing an image, make sure that any fonts that would not be normally found on a Windows machine (assuming you’re printing from the lab machine) have been rasterized.
c. If you are importing an image, make sure that any fonts that would not be normally found on a Windows machine (assuming you’re printing from the lab machine) have been rasterized.
== Configuring Laser Settings ==
== Configuring Laser Settings ==
