Setting Up & Sending Files for Laser Cutting

This is a work in progress. This section will be updated actively to try to answer questions regarding the setup and exporting of files that can be imported into our software

Rush orders cost more, we are able to rush orders, however, we are not able to delay current orders. This means we work overtime, the chance of making mistakes working 18 hour days is significantly larger. We will never deliver anything that contains mistakes, so extra charges may apply for the process. The cost will reflect the potential mistakes made.

Last minute changes will reflect extra costs as well.

Before we can give a quote plesae send all finalized files.  Without files we cannot give an accurate file.

When discussing a project please indicate an estimated budget. If the project is quicker we will not charge you the maximum of the budget, however, if the budget is too low we can let you know immediately.

Laser cutting is calculated

Introduction

We use Rhinoceros’ “Rhino 3D” software for all vector based cutting and engraving as it is possible to open just about any file type. It is also possible to send jobs to the laser directly from Rhino. We therefore recommend that files are set up in Rhino whenever possible, if not possible many other software programs can be used as well.

 

AutoCAD – Export Files For Laser Cutting

AutoCAD can easily be saved as a native .dwg for us to import into Rhino. We recommend sending a second file exported as a .dxf to double check for inconsistencies. Also sending an image and/or PDF of the design will help us to understand the project and avoid possible loss of data while exporting. Here are the main issues to be aware of.

1. Send us an image of the project. This will show us what needs to be done, if it is a complicated project and we are not able to meet in person, please create a diagram explaining exactly what needs to be done. Although we can make an educated guess, we do not want to leave an expensive process up to chance. Send us an image of the final product, of individual components, a 3D rendering, 3D model. If you only need a simple piece cut this of course is not necessary, simple lines are sufficient. If the project is complicated, please show  as much as possible to ensure no information is lost while exporting drawings.
2. Only export lines, please do not export text as it may include a font that we do not have installed. In AutoCAD select your text and type “TXTEXP” which is Text Explode. This will convert your text to lines and will ensure your file is properly exported without the loss of data. Lines are what the laser can read and understand as well as hatches, no other details are necessary.
3. Set up files on as few layers as possible. Give each layer a solid RGB color, I typically use Black for Cutting (RGB 0,0,0), Blue for Raster Engraving, Magenta for Vector Engraving and Red for NO PRINT. If you use another color scheme, that is no problem, just make sure to label it properly so I can assign each color. Please name the layers what you want the laser to perform, set us layer CUT for anything that needs to be cut and ENGRAVE for anything that needs to be cut. Please avoid yellow (in Rhino yellow is the color of a selected curve, which can be confusing).
4. Save files in either millimeter or inches, but not both.
5. We prefer to receive one file with all drawings set up and ready to cut, sending multiple files can be confusing and counter productive, try to only send a file once everything is completed. If you need to make corrections, that is fine, just make sure that the corrections are in the same unit as the rest and using the same scale.
6. Send files scaled to your specifications and be consistent with scale, it is the most important part to make sure the highest accuracy is achieved and avoiding delays . If you need a model built at 1:400 please send all files at scale 1:400. We frequently receive files that have some drawings scaled to the model and others at actual size. We always figure out what the scale is and correct the files, however the time involved with scaling and alignment is significant. To reduce costs and unnecessary steps, please make sure all files are sent in the same scale and preferably in one document.
7. Please save files as earlier versions of AutoCAD. This goes for any software used. Do not save as AutoCAD 2014 (for future readers do not save it as the current year’s software version) as it may not be compatible with our version of software, especially as we are cross exporting importing. To ensure maximum compatibility, export it as an earlier version, preferably 2004. Since you are only exporting lines
8. Do not Layer Lines. The laser will read each line and go over the same line again and again, which can burn and destroy material. Although it is not necessary to have closed polylines, it is good practice to avoid having overlapping lines
9. Set Lineweight to 0.00 for cutting, -1 for anything you do not want to print (such as comments, etc). It is possible to add line weight for anything that needs to be engraved, however a hatch usually works best as it may avoid confusion.
10. Hatches do not always export well,

 

Exporting from Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator can have a number of issues when exporting for laser cutting, especially when files or illustrations are more complicated. The following will give some tips and advise on how to save and set up files. We will update this section as we encounter issues. Illustrator can work very well to send files to the laser, however they must be set up properly to ensure seamless integration with the laser.

1. Send us an image of the project. This will show us what needs to be done, if it is a complicated project and we are not able to meet in person, please create a diagram explaining exactly what needs to be done. Although we can make an educated guess, we do not want to leave an expensive process up to chance. Send us an image of the final product, of individual components, a 3D rendering, 3D model. If you only need a simple piece cut this of course is not necessary, simple lines are sufficient. If the project is complicated, please show  as much as possible to ensure no information is lost while exporting drawings.
2. Only export lines, please do not export text as it may include a font that we do not have installed. Export text as an outline, not as text as we may not have your font, especially since many “designer” fonts are not free. If you are not able to save as outline then make sure to send the font to us and make sure it is for Windows (Epilog Lasers only run on windows OS).
3. Do not mask graphics. The trimmed / masked vectors will reappear once exported and will be a mess.
4. Keep line

 

Exporting from SketchUp