Laser Cutter Techniques

Intro

Using the laser cutter to cut out a vector image is straight forward. this page shows various techniques for cutting non-vector objects such as text or raster images focussing on using inkscape.

Paths

Most machines which run from vector files use paths. A math is basically any line, straight or curved, which has a start point, a direction, and an end point. This can be translated directly into codes the controller can follow. It tells the controller where to position the laser, when to start firing the laser, where to draw and where to stop the laser. Our laser cutter does not use g-code, but g-code is the defacto standard for machine controlled motion.

Text

When typing text into inkscape, it is not automatically a vector format. To make the text vector, select all and use the Path menu and select Object to Path.