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(note on using inkscape and FreeCAD for DXF Export)
 
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== How to Lazzzor or "Why you won't use scissors anymore." ==
 
== How to Lazzzor or "Why you won't use scissors anymore." ==
−
 
−
todo: powerclip
 
  
 
=== Before you begin you should know.. ===
 
=== Before you begin you should know.. ===
Zeile 10: Zeile 8:
 
'''DO NOT HANDLE THE LAZZZOR IF YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO'''.
 
'''DO NOT HANDLE THE LAZZZOR IF YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO'''.
  
−
 
+
Only [[Lazzzorauth]] key owners are able to operate the mighty Lazzzor. If you are authorized as well '''because you've successfully completed a [[Lazzzor_Cutter_Workshop]] _AND_ you've been given approval by one of the [http://metalab.at/wiki/Lazzzor#Willst_du_etwas_lasern.3F laser admins]''' you may request your own [[Lazzzorauth]] iButton.
−
Because of technical restrictions '''only [[Lazzzorauth]] key owners are able to operate the mighty Lazzzor. If you are authorized as well''' (because you've sucessfully completed a Lazzzor training at the Metalab)''' you'll need a key owner to log in for you before you can lazzzor''' until you get your own [[Lazzzorauth]] iButton.
 
  
  
Zeile 19: Zeile 16:
 
Amongst others some friendly helpers are:
 
Amongst others some friendly helpers are:
 
{{Lasermenschen}}
 
{{Lasermenschen}}
−
 
−
<sup>*</sup>) .. many things can easily go wrong and you might end up with setting the building on fire (or killing everyone at metalab with hazardous fumes, yourself included). to prevent that from happening, you should '''always''' have a [[Lazzzor#Anleitung|lazzzor-responsible person]] guide you through your first 4 or 5 cuts. Now with that out of the way..
 
−
 
  
 
----
 
----
Zeile 29: Zeile 23:
 
Basically, you have 2 options:
 
Basically, you have 2 options:
 
* '''cutting''': for this you need a vector graphic,
 
* '''cutting''': for this you need a vector graphic,
−
* '''engraving''': for this you need a rasterized image
+
* '''engraving''': for this you need a raster image
  
 
You can also do '''both!''' if you put a rasterized object inside a vector graphic. Alternatively you can create a separate file for each job.
 
You can also do '''both!''' if you put a rasterized object inside a vector graphic. Alternatively you can create a separate file for each job.
Zeile 37: Zeile 31:
 
Get your favorite vector/raster drawing program and draw some stuff you want to have cut or engraved. Depending on what you want to do, your image file is qualified for print if the following things apply.
 
Get your favorite vector/raster drawing program and draw some stuff you want to have cut or engraved. Depending on what you want to do, your image file is qualified for print if the following things apply.
  
−
'''for both''': your image/graphic should fit into the workspace which is '''890mmx590mm''' (max. 914x609mm but dont count on it) big.
+
'''for both''': your image/graphic should fit into the workspace which is '''1300mmx900mm''' big.
 
'''Cutting / Vector format''':
 
'''Cutting / Vector format''':
 
* deactivate filling on all objects
 
* deactivate filling on all objects
−
* set the stroke width on all objects to 0
+
* set the stroke width on all objects to 0.001 inch (or hairline)
−
** to be precise: widths from 0.001 to 0.007 inch '''(0.0254 - 0.177mm)''' will be cut, everything above '''engraved'''.
+
<strike>** watch out for duplicated vectors lying on top of each other. it results in the line being cut twice.</strike> [[Ctrl-Cut]] automatically handles duplicate lines.
−
** if your application, e.g. Inkscape, doesn't support hairline strokes, set it to 0.001 inches instead
+
* export your model in pdf format (it is also possible to use ai, ps, eps, ctrl-cut vector format and svg, but pdf is highly recommended).  
−
** watch out for duplicated vectors lying on top of each other. it results in the line being cut twice.  
+
* If you use FreeCAD to export SVG, make sure you set "Max segment length for discretized arcs" (Edit -> Preferences -> Import-Export -> SVG) to something like 0.1mm.
−
* export your image in *.eps format [.. other recommended formats here.] we strongly encourage you NOT to use dxf or svg format. They are prone to errors when imported into Corel Draw (which will be used to send your job).
+
* If you use Inkscape to convert SVG to DXF, select DXF R14 and **not** R12. The R12 crashes LaserWorks (it simply closes on import)
−
* During exporting/saving, look for an option which says "Make a bounding box around full page" or similar and DEactivate it.
 
−
* '''Software''': Inkscape, CAD programs, Adobe Illustrator, ...
 
  
 
'''Engraving / Raster format''':
 
'''Engraving / Raster format''':
−
* convert your image file to gray scale
+
* Our current laser cutter has a fixed resolution of 100 DPI.  
−
* play around with the Level option to get the highest contrast possible
+
* [[Ctrl-Cut]] supports automatic conversion to grayscale and stretching the contrast, but if you convert the image to monochrome (1-bit) _before_ importing it won't adjust the image at all, so you can manually tweak it.
−
* you can set the DPI for your graphic up to 1200 (max. setting the lazzzor supports)
 
−
* no background color (means: transparent background)
 
−
* '''Software''': Photoshop, Gimp, MS Paint, .. any common image editor.
 
−
 
 
−
'''If you finished your image/graphics''' ...
 
−
* .. <u>contact one of the people responsible for the lazzzor as said above.</u>
 
−
* Bring your image/graphic on a USB drive to our lab and plug it into the cutting station next to the lazzzor.
 
−
* Import your File in Corel Draw x4 and check if every requirements have been met as listed above.
 
−
* Go to file > print (Datei > Drucken...), select the lazzzor.
 
−
* Click on properties (Eigenschaften) and you are ready to advance to the next stage.
 
−
 
 
−
== The printer dialog ==
 
−
(screen caps?)
 
−
 
 
−
=== main tab ===
 
−
 
 
−
''Laser''
 
−
: '''Power''', how much power to put into each lazzzor shot. for cutting, you want to use as little power as possible
 
−
: '''Speed''', how fast the lazzzor moves.
 
−
: '''Frequency''', how many times a lazzzor shot happens. This depends greatly on the material used.
 
−
These 3 parameters kinda intervene with each other. E.g. if you lower the Speed, you won’t need as much Power and/or Frequency.. See theoretical experiments for further help. (Insert link!)<br>
 
−
 
 
−
''Job''
 
−
: '''Raster''': for engraving
 
−
: '''Vector''': for cutting
 
−
: '''Combined''': for doing both! Engraving always comes first.
 
−
 
 
−
''Rasterisation''
 
−
: '''basic''': makes it look good, most of the time you'll want to use this.
 
−
: '''3D''': good for making stuff like holes for screws.
 
−
: '''stamp''': yeah, that's for stamps, there are also 2 additional parameters for this one. (todo: indepth howto for stamps)
 
−
 
 
−
''misc''
 
−
: '''Auto focus''': important for making nice cuts, you also can do that manually (todo)
 
−
: '''Frequency Automatic''': not tested yet! But it obviously states what it does, yes?
 
−
: '''Vector Sorting''': algorithm which should calculate a good way to cut stuff. You probably should use a good image instead of relying on this, but most of the time it shouldn't cause any problems.
 
−
 
 
−
===user settings===
 
−
Here you can load and save settings created by other users.
 
−
Right now, most of the saved settings are copied from epilogs usermanual.
 
−
These should be safe to use, maybe use 10-20% more power and/or less speed.
 
−
That should do the trick.
 
  
−
If you ever save a setting, make sure it works and name the setting as accurately after your material as possible.
+
===Repeating Lazzzor Jobs===
−
Stick to the naming convention like wood_6mm or for engraving wood_dpi400.
+
Using [[Ctrl-Cut]] you can save lazzzor cutter jobs with all settings and optimizations applied as .cut file. Next time just open it and press "Send",
  
 
===Color Mapping===
 
===Color Mapping===
−
Depending on the colors you gave your vectors; you can set individual Power, Speed and Frequency settings for each color! Might come in handy, but most of the time you won't need it.
+
If you use different colors for vectors in your file, [[Ctrl-Cut]] automatically creates different cut items, that you can apply settings to individually.
  
 
== The Materials ==
 
== The Materials ==
 
If you want to cut or engrave something, bring your own material, though you can also use any leftovers or stuff which does not have a label on it. (of course labels which say "free for all" are ok, too). Feel free to donate a little extra if you use some materials.  
 
If you want to cut or engrave something, bring your own material, though you can also use any leftovers or stuff which does not have a label on it. (of course labels which say "free for all" are ok, too). Feel free to donate a little extra if you use some materials.  
−
=== allowed ===
 
−
Cutting / Engraving:
 
−
* anything made out of wood
 
−
* Acrylic
 
−
* Polypropylene
 
−
* Polystyrene (Styrofoam; set low Power & Speed!)
 
−
* Fabric (hm what about polyester?)
 
−
* ...
 
−
<!-- needs conformation * Very very thin metals (foil or circuit board made out of brass)  (--> indepth howto at example page?) -->
 
−
 
−
Engraving:
 
−
* Glass
 
−
* ...
 
−
 
−
=== forbidden ===
 
−
Any material with Chlorine (Chlor) or Nitrogen (Stickstoff) as a compound. Dangerous fumes (hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide or benzene gas) will be emitted when burned. Some examples:
 
−
<table border="1">
 
−
<tr style="background-color:red;color:white"><th>what</th><th>why</th><th>where</th></tr>
 
−
<tr>
 
−
<td>PVC</td>
 
−
<td>polyvinylchloride → hydrogen chloride</td>
 
−
<td>floors</td>
 
−
</tr>
 
−
<tr>
 
−
<td>PC</td>
 
−
<td>polycarbonate → benzene</td>
 
−
<td>?</td>
 
−
</tr>
 
−
<tr>
 
−
<td>Polyurethane</td>
 
−
<td> --> benzene</td>
 
−
<td>e.g. sponges for cleaning dishes</td>
 
−
</tr>
 
−
<tr>
 
−
<td>Polystyrol</td>
 
−
<td> --> Styrol, CO, CO2, NO, ..</td>
 
−
<td>e.g. sponges for cleaning dishes</td>
 
−
</tr>
 
−
</table>
 
−
 
−
Other potentially dangerous stuff:
 
−
* BoPET Foil: as used in rescue blankets. has the ability to reflect big part of the IR spectrum. omg.
 
−
* ...
 
−
 
−
todo:
 
−
should some materials be forbidden which are already used?
 
−
special workflow instructions on potential dangerous materials! --> http://entropie.digital.udk-berlin.de/wiki/Laser_Cutter#FORBIDDEN_MATERIALS
 
−
 
−
== to the lazzzor! ==
 
−
you have sent your job to the lazzzor and chosen your material of choice,
 
−
now off you go my friend, you are a big boy/girl now, but still,
 
−
there are some buttons you have to get familiar with first.
 
−
(pwetty pictures!)
 
−
 
−
2 important buttons:
 
−
* "Go" aka Green Button aka "yea do that."
 
−
* "Stop" aka Red Button aka "no way, don’t do that."
 
−
 
−
=== how to set your 0-point. ===
 
−
It’s a good idea to set your home-point every time before a different job. This point is the starting position and represents the upper left corner in your image / workspace area.
 
−
 
−
# press "Pointer" (or what was it?) to make it visible/invisible
 
−
# press "X/Y", the display will say "X/Y - Off"
 
−
# press "Go" to unlock the lazzzor head
 
−
# you can now move the lazzzor freely along its x and y axis
 
−
# press "Set-Home" to set the current position as your home-point (this will be the top-left corner of your drawing in CorelDraw)
 
−
 
−
=== when to cancel/pause your job! ===
 
−
if you ...
 
−
* .. hear noises you are not used to hear
 
−
* .. see smoke gathering in the cutting area
 
−
* .. see something burning constantly. (One or two spurts of flame are okay when cutting acrylic (i think it was acrylic?))
 
−
 
−
'''Now, go on, push teh button!.. ..but only if you..'''<br />
 
−
☐ closed all the windows in the WhateverLab<br />
 
−
☐ close all doors to the WhateverLab,<br />
 
−
☐ turn on the Ventilation System!<br />
 
−
 
−
[[Datei:Belueftung.gif|320px|thumb|push these buttons! & fire extinguisher location]]
 
−
{|
 
−
|bgcolor="#ffff99"|<div style="border:2px dotted #00cce4;color:black;line-height:1.1em;padding:1em;">...'''BUT''' if this is your '''first time lazzzoring''', speak to '''[[Lazzzor#Anleitung|lazzzor-responsible people]] <span style="color:red">FIRST</span>! ''' '''<span style="color:red">BEFORE</span>''' you start a job always '''TURN ON <span style="color:red">THE BELÜFTUNG</span>''' '''IN CASE OF <span style="color:red">FIRE</span>''' - only use the '''<span style="color:red">CO2 fire extinguisher</span> on the <span style="color:red">left side</span>'''
 
−
a short burst should suffice to kill the flames.</div>
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== How to Start, Pause and Cancel your job! ===
 
−
 
−
Final preparations
 
−
* close every door and window in the room!
 
−
* place the material inside the workspace of the lazzzor.
 
−
* set your home position described above. its a handy thing to do.
 
−
 
−
Starting a job
 
−
* The display of the lazzzor should read something like "Job: #1 ... ".<br>
 
−
:thats most likely your job if you just turned on the lazzzor.
 
−
* press "Go" to start the job
 
−
 
−
Pause
 
−
* press "Stop" at any given time to halt the lazzzoring process<br />'''NOTE!''' the laser '''WILL''' finish the current vector he is working on, so if it is a long straight line '''PRESS "Reset"'''
 
−
** press "Go" to continue your job.
 
−
 
−
Cancel
 
−
* press "Reset" at any given time to abort the process
 
−
* turn the laser off and back on again to avoid a very ugly bug
 
−
 
−
== troubleshooting ==
 
−
 
−
* if you think your settings are pretty much okay but it still won’t cut through then there is a possibility that the lazzzor needs some cleaning. ask your laser responsible person of choice.
 
  
−
== possible misc ideas: ==
+
== Further Reading ==
−
* die klappe besser abdichten mit nem gummi oder so.. auch praktisch beim zumachen damits nicht zukrachen bzw zerbrechen kann
+
[[Datei:intro.pdf]]
−
* tatsächliche schadstoffe in der luft messen, was für ein gerät braucht man da? interessant wärs schon
 
  
 
[[Kategorie:English]]
 
[[Kategorie:English]]
 
[[Kategorie:Howto]]
 
[[Kategorie:Howto]]
 
[[Kategorie:Lazzzor]]
 
[[Kategorie:Lazzzor]]

Aktuelle Version vom 12. April 2023, 15:07 Uhr

Language: English

How to Lazzzor or "Why you won't use scissors anymore."

Before you begin you should know..

DO NOT HANDLE THE LAZZZOR IF YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO.

Only Lazzzorauth key owners are able to operate the mighty Lazzzor. If you are authorized as well because you've successfully completed a Lazzzor_Cutter_Workshop _AND_ you've been given approval by one of the laser admins you may request your own Lazzzorauth iButton.


All others will need a assisting* key owner that is responsible for safe operation.

Amongst others some friendly helpers are:

anlumo, ripper, luto, ...

So, you want to use the mighty fine lazzzor yesyes? Then you will have to complete several trials to step up to the throne of being a lazzzor king or queen.

Basically, you have 2 options:

  • cutting: for this you need a vector graphic,
  • engraving: for this you need a raster image

You can also do both! if you put a rasterized object inside a vector graphic. Alternatively you can create a separate file for each job.

prepare your image

Get your favorite vector/raster drawing program and draw some stuff you want to have cut or engraved. Depending on what you want to do, your image file is qualified for print if the following things apply.

for both: your image/graphic should fit into the workspace which is 1300mmx900mm big. Cutting / Vector format:

  • deactivate filling on all objects
  • set the stroke width on all objects to 0.001 inch (or hairline)

** watch out for duplicated vectors lying on top of each other. it results in the line being cut twice. Ctrl-Cut automatically handles duplicate lines.

  • export your model in pdf format (it is also possible to use ai, ps, eps, ctrl-cut vector format and svg, but pdf is highly recommended).
  • If you use FreeCAD to export SVG, make sure you set "Max segment length for discretized arcs" (Edit -> Preferences -> Import-Export -> SVG) to something like 0.1mm.
  • If you use Inkscape to convert SVG to DXF, select DXF R14 and **not** R12. The R12 crashes LaserWorks (it simply closes on import)

Engraving / Raster format:

  • Our current laser cutter has a fixed resolution of 100 DPI.
  • Ctrl-Cut supports automatic conversion to grayscale and stretching the contrast, but if you convert the image to monochrome (1-bit) _before_ importing it won't adjust the image at all, so you can manually tweak it.

Repeating Lazzzor Jobs

Using Ctrl-Cut you can save lazzzor cutter jobs with all settings and optimizations applied as .cut file. Next time just open it and press "Send",

Color Mapping

If you use different colors for vectors in your file, Ctrl-Cut automatically creates different cut items, that you can apply settings to individually.

The Materials

If you want to cut or engrave something, bring your own material, though you can also use any leftovers or stuff which does not have a label on it. (of course labels which say "free for all" are ok, too). Feel free to donate a little extra if you use some materials.

Further Reading

Datei:Intro.pdf

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