Quickstartguide:Laser Cutter

Prepare file in Illustrator

Open your file in Illustrator. Make sure that your file is in RGB mode via File>Document>color mode>RGB.

Lines that you want to CUT should be less than 0,025 mm thick and RED (RGB 255, 0, 0).

Lines that you want to ENGRAVE should be less than 0,025 mm thick and BLUE (RGB 0, 0, 255).

Areas that you want to engrave should be in greyscale

Print your file (CMD+P).

VLS software

Your file is now open in the VLS software (the red icon). Open the VLS software.

Are all the colours still OK? If you had BLUE or RED in your illustrator and they aren’t here anymore, double-check the color mode and line thickness in Illustrator and print again.

Settings

Click Settings

In the materials database, choose what material you are using and enter the correct thickness.

Click OK

Start

Start button

Focus View: Click anywhere in your design on the screen to see where the laser ends up in the machine. (Useful for positioning your material)

Move your design

Calculate how long the machine will take with the current settings

Duplicate your design

Extra:

If your are using non-standard materials, experiment with the Manual Control.

By changing the Speed, Power en PPI (Pulses Per Inch), you can get different results.

The z-axis stands for the material thickness. If you are ready, click ‘Set’, ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.

Useful links

• templatemaker.nl Create and download custom sized papercraft and packaging templates for free.
• MakerCase is a web-based application for designing boxes or project cases for laser cutters and CNC routers.