The possibilities with laser cutting are endless, but this can actually make finding a starting point difficult. In addition, it can be confusing to consider all the drawing rules. To help you with this, we have put together some tips for you.
I want to get started right away. How do I do that?
Start with an idea. First think about what you want to make and then work it out in a vector drawing. You create a vector drawing in one of the following programs Illustrator, Autocad, Rhinoceros, Inkscape, Solidworks, Onshape, SketchUp, Vectorworks. Use the correct line colors and layer names (read the drawing rules). Export your drawing as .dxf, .dwg, .ai or .pdf. Now you have a design that you can order.
Drawing rules
Follow the drawing rules so that your design is read in correctly. Make your drawing full size (1:1 scale), and no larger than 1200 x 600 mm. Convert text to vector lines (outlines), and remove all unnecessary lines that will not be cut or engraved.
Set lines in:
- Blue for cutting (rgb 0,0,255)
- Red for line engraving (rgb 255,0,0)
- Magenta for line engraving (rgb 255,0,255)
Templates
Templates are sample projects of which we provide the drawings. You can download the drawings and modify them to fit your own project. We hope this will give you a push to start working on your design.
Tutorials
Watch the tutorials for in-dept documentation on creating a drawing.
Tutorials on creating a design:
- How do I make a stencil or paint stencil?
- How do I design a stamp?
- How do I make an engraving?
- How do I fill in an engraving with ink?
- How do I engrave a text?
- How should I nest my parts?
- How do I apply tabs to a laser drawing?
- How do I make a reveal lamp in thin wood?
- How do I make a No screw no glue hammer joint?
- How do I make an inlay for my Systainer?
- How do I make a laser cut sheet?
- How does small parts laser cutting work?
- How can I mill away lasered edges?
- How do I tap threads into laser cut parts myself?
Tutorials on creating a laser drawing by program:
- Laser cutting with Adobe Illustrator
- Laser cutting with SketchUp Pro
- Laser cutting with Vectorworks
- Laser cutting with Inkscape
- Laser cutting with Solidworks
- Laser Cutting with Onshape
Making a box
Want to make a box? You can easily generate one online using one of these two free tools. Enter your dimensions and the site will create a ready-made cutting drawing for you.
