3 ms·

Do you have good resource/tutorial for learning how to use a laser cutter? Our local makerspace has a cutter and I've been intrigued about how to use it. I've

by ninju 3y ago

Do you have good resource/tutorial for learning how to use a laser cutter? Our local makerspace has a cutter and I've been intrigued about how to use it. I've got experience in 3D modelling (beginner Fusion360 user) but have never worked with designing for a cutter.

sleepytimetea 3y ago
Do you have experience with 3D printers or CNC machines ? Essentially , a laser engraver/cutter just needs a 2D drawing like an SVG or DXF and it turns on the laser once it moves the laser head.
CodeWriter23 3y ago
Tons of maker vids on YouTube.
WillAdams 3y ago
Lasers are 2D, so arguably simpler. Draw up a design, then assign toolpaths to: - cut all the way through - engrave making a light--dark mark
sen 3y ago
- Design what you want - Save as SVG - Import into LightBurn - Set your speeds and strengths - Export to laser cutter That’s very simplified, as designing for laser cutters has some “gotchas” (merging shapes to create connected outlines, cut vs etch, etch before cut, inside parts before outlines, etc etc), but it’s the general idea and can get you started. I generally recommend starting with basic stuff like text in a simple shape that consists of a single cut line (keyring, nameplate on a door, Christmas bauble, etc). Etch the text, cut out the shape around it. Work your way up from there.
- jacquesm 3y ago
  'Export to laser cutter' -> set speed; intensity for layers; press 'play' and sit back. It's so easy it's deceptive. Oh, and wear those safety glasses.
  - yonatan8070 3y ago
    At our local makerspace the laser cutter has a microswitch attached in parallel with the laster tube, so it won't output anything if the lid isn't fully closed
    - jacquesm 3y ago
      That's good! But the bulk of the cheap laser cutters doesn't even have an enclosure of any kind. If you're lucky you might have some limit switches and an e-stop switch.

by ninju 3y ago

sleepytimetea 3y ago

Do you have experience with 3D printers or CNC machines ? Essentially , a laser engraver/cutter just needs a 2D drawing like an SVG or DXF and it turns on the laser once it moves the laser head.

CodeWriter23 3y ago

Tons of maker vids on YouTube.

WillAdams 3y ago

Lasers are 2D, so arguably simpler. Draw up a design, then assign toolpaths to: - cut all the way through - engrave making a light--dark mark

sen 3y ago

- Design what you want - Save as SVG - Import into LightBurn - Set your speeds and strengths - Export to laser cutter That’s very simplified, as designing for laser cutters has some “gotchas” (merging shapes to create connected outlines, cut vs etch, etch before cut, inside parts before outlines, etc etc), but it’s the general idea and can get you started. I generally recommend starting with basic stuff like text in a simple shape that consists of a single cut line (keyring, nameplate on a door, Christmas bauble, etc). Etch the text, cut out the shape around it. Work your way up from there.

jacquesm 3y ago
'Export to laser cutter' -> set speed; intensity for layers; press 'play' and sit back. It's so easy it's deceptive. Oh, and wear those safety glasses.
- yonatan8070 3y ago
  At our local makerspace the laser cutter has a microswitch attached in parallel with the laster tube, so it won't output anything if the lid isn't fully closed
  - jacquesm 3y ago
    That's good! But the bulk of the cheap laser cutters doesn't even have an enclosure of any kind. If you're lucky you might have some limit switches and an e-stop switch.