Laser Cutting/Slicer for Fusion360 - Revision history

Amy.Hickman: Categorised

2026-09-17T01:47:06Z

Categorised

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:32, 17 September 2026
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	[[File:Pre dowel.png\|frameless\|450x450px]][[File:Post dowel.png\|frameless\|450x450px]]		[[File:Pre dowel.png\|frameless\|450x450px]][[File:Post dowel.png\|frameless\|450x450px]]
			[[Category:Laser cutting]]

Alyyra.Cowie at 07:54, 13 August 2026

2026-08-13T07:54:25Z

Alyyra.Cowie at 07:51, 13 August 2026

2026-08-13T07:51:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 13 August 2026
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	[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 2.jpg\|frameless\|550x550px]]		[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 2.jpg\|frameless\|550x550px]]

	3. Double-click the newly added material to rename it ~~descriptively~~.		3. Double-click the newly added material to rename it.
			[[File:Slicer_Create_and_select_your_material_3.jpg\|right\|frameless]]
	4. Set the units to mm.		4. Set the units to mm.

	5. Set the size and thickness to match the material you’re using. The supplied material sizes in the Makerspace are:		5. Set the size and thickness to match the material you’re using. The supplied material sizes in the Makerspace are:

	Plywood 3mm or 6mm thick: 1200 x 600mm, 900 x 600mm, 300 x 600mm		'''Plywood:''' 3mm or 6mm thick: 1200 x 600mm, 900 x 600mm, 300 x 600mm

	Strawboard 1.2mm or 2mm thick: 900 x ~~600mm~~		'''Strawboard:''' 1.2mm or 2mm thick: 900 x 680mm

	6. Set the horizontal and vertical margins to 5mm.		6. Set the horizontal and vertical margins to 5mm.
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	8. Press Done to add your material.		8. Press Done to add your material.

	9. Select your chosen material from the drop-down list in Manufacturing Settings.		9. Select your chosen material from the drop-down list in Manufacturing Settings. [[File:Slicer Create and select your material 4.jpg\|frameless]]

	~~[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 3.jpg\|frameless]]~~ [[File:Slicer Create and select your material 4.jpg\|frameless]]

	=== Object size settings ===		=== Object size settings ===
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	5. A Cut Layout preview should be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. If the number of sheets is 0, follow the troubleshooting steps under “0 Sheets” below.		5. A Cut Layout preview should be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. If the number of sheets is 0, follow the troubleshooting steps under “0 Sheets” below.
			6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.

	6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.		Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.

	== Preparing files for laser cutting ==		== Preparing files for laser cutting ==
	~~1. Open the PDF in your chosen vector illustration software, e.g. Adobe Illustrator.~~

	2. ~~Select~~ all the red lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB green (0, 255, 0). These marks will be ~~engraved~~, and should include slice numbers and alignment marks. To do so in Illustrator, select one red line, then click Select > Same > Stroke Color, then change the stroke colour to RGB green.		=== Refining your slice ===
			{{Note
			\| inline = 1
			\| type = info
			\| text = You can ignore this section if you are using dowels
			}}
			Before exporting your sliced stack, Slicer will, unfortunately, by default, create tiny alignment markings on your layers. This impacts the cut-time on the laser significantly. The only workaround to this is as follows:

			1. Enable dowels.

			2. Set the Diameter to something ridiculous like '''1000'''. This should remove any holes on your slice preview.

			3. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to '''PDF''' and click '''Export to My Computer'''.

			=== Fix Colours (In Illustrator) ===
			1. Open the PDF in Illustrator and in the PDF Import Options select '''All,''' and uncheck '''"Import PDF pages as links for optimal performance"''' then click '''OK'''.
			{{Note
			\| inline = 1
			\| type = warn
			\| text = Sometimes the linework will look incomplete. Don't worry this is just a visual bug and can be ignored.
			}}
			[[File:Direct selection tool.png\|right\|frameless]]
			2. Using the '''Direct Selection Tool''', select all the red lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB green (0, 255, 0). These marks will be etch lines, and should include slice numbers and alignment marks. To do so in Illustrator, select one red line, then click '''Select''' > '''Same''' > '''Stroke Color''', then change the stroke colour to RGB green.

	[[File:Select same stroke color.png\|frameless\|450x450px]][[File:Slicer Red to Green.png\|frameless\|456x456px]]		[[File:Select same stroke color.png\|frameless\|450x450px]][[File:Slicer Red to Green.png\|frameless\|456x456px]]

	3. ~~Select all~~ the blue lines ~~generated by Slicer~~ and set them to RGB red (255, 0, 0). These marks will be cut.		3. Do the same with the blue lines but and set them to RGB red (255, 0, 0). These marks will be cut lines.

	4. Export as a PDF.		4. Export as a PDF.
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	=== More help ===		=== More help ===
	You can find more detail in Slicer by hovering over the question mark icon in the top-right corner of the screen and clicking Help. This will open the manual which includes detail on manufacturing settings and further troubleshooting.		You can find more detail in Slicer by hovering over the question mark icon in the top-right corner of the screen and clicking Help. This will open the manual which includes detail on manufacturing settings and further troubleshooting.

			=== Dowels ===
			An alternative way of removing the alignment marks and dowels holes is by dragging the blue dots off your work.

			[[File:Pre dowel.png\|frameless\|450x450px]][[File:Post dowel.png\|frameless\|450x450px]]

Alyyra.Cowie at 07:16, 13 August 2026

2026-08-13T07:16:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 13 August 2026
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	6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.		6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.

	=== Preparing files for laser cutting ===		== Preparing files for laser cutting ==
	1. Open the PDF in your chosen vector illustration software, e.g. Adobe Illustrator.		1. Open the PDF in your chosen vector illustration software, e.g. Adobe Illustrator.

	2. Select all the red lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB green (0, 255, 0). These marks will be engraved, and include slice numbers and alignment marks. To do so in Illustrator, select one red line, then click Select > Same > Stroke Color, then change the stroke colour to RGB green.		2. Select all the red lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB green (0, 255, 0). These marks will be engraved, and should include slice numbers and alignment marks. To do so in Illustrator, select one red line, then click Select > Same > Stroke Color, then change the stroke colour to RGB green.

			[[File:Select same stroke color.png\|frameless\|450x450px]][[File:Slicer Red to Green.png\|frameless\|456x456px]]

	3. Select all the blue lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB red (255, 0, 0). These marks will be cut.		3. Select all the blue lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB red (255, 0, 0). These marks will be cut.

	4. Export ~~each sheet~~ as a ~~separate~~ PDF ~~and name the files clearly~~.		4. Export as a PDF.

	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==

Alyyra.Cowie at 07:04, 13 August 2026

2026-08-13T07:04:17Z

Alyyra.Cowie: Created page with "== Laser-Cut Stacked Slice Model using Slicer for Fusion 360 == === Introduction === This is a guide for using Slicer for Fusion 360 to create a laser-cut stacked slice model from plywood or strawboard. Slicer lets you easily create linework for laser cutting based on a 3D model by slicing it into 2D segments (contouring) and laying out those contours to the size of your material. Slicer for Fusion 360 (“Slicer”) is a standalone, free piece of software. You do not n..."

2026-08-13T07:02:45Z

Created page with "== Laser-Cut Stacked Slice Model using Slicer for Fusion 360 == === Introduction === This is a guide for using Slicer for Fusion 360 to create a laser-cut stacked slice model from plywood or strawboard. Slicer lets you easily create linework for laser cutting based on a 3D model by slicing it into 2D segments (contouring) and laying out those contours to the size of your material. Slicer for Fusion 360 (“Slicer”) is a standalone, free piece of software. You do not n..."

New page

== Laser-Cut Stacked Slice Model using Slicer for Fusion 360 ==

=== Introduction ===
This is a guide for using Slicer for Fusion 360 to create a laser-cut stacked slice model from plywood or strawboard. Slicer lets you easily create linework for laser cutting based on a 3D model by slicing it into 2D segments (contouring) and laying out those contours to the size of your material. Slicer for Fusion 360 (“Slicer”) is a standalone, free piece of software. You do not need to use Fusion 360 to use it. It is no longer being developed or maintained, so support is limited.

=== Download and install ===
[https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/3yg7zznS94MHNDG7KMV8Qg.html Download Slicer for Fusion360 here],

== Using Slicer for Fusion 360 ==

=== Import model ===
1. Save or export your work from your 3D design software as a .stl file.

2. Click Import… to import your model. Select your work using the file navigator.

3. Set the up-axis. Usually, you will set this to Z. If you import your work and it’s not upright, change the up axis until it appears the right way up on your screen.

[[File:Slicer Import Model.jpg|frameless|650x650px]]

4. Click Open and confirm that your file looks correct on screen.

=== Create and select your material ===
[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 1.jpg|right|frameless]]
1. The first time that you use a material with Slicer, you need to create its manufacturing settings. Click the pencil icon under Manufacturing Settings to add or edit a material.

2. Click the plus icon at the bottom of the Manufacturing Settings window to add a new material.

[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 2.jpg|frameless|550x550px]]

3. Double-click the newly added material to rename it descriptively.

4. Set the units to mm.

5. Set the size and thickness to match the material you’re using. The supplied material sizes in the Makerspace are:

Plywood 3mm or 6mm thick: 1200 x 600mm, 900 x 600mm, 300 x 600mm

Strawboard 1.2mm or 2mm thick: 900 x 600mm

6. Set the horizontal and vertical margins to 5mm.

7. Set the slot offset and tool diameter to 0.

8. Press Done to add your material.

9. Select your chosen material from the drop-down list in Manufacturing Settings.
[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 3.jpg|frameless]] [[File:Slicer Create and select your material 4.jpg|frameless]]

=== Object size settings ===
1. In the Object Size panel, set your units to mm.
2. Set your height, width, and length, or select Original Size to work at the size you exported your model at.

=== Construction technique ===
1. To create a stacked slice model, select Stacked Slices from the Construction Technique drop-down.
2. Check that the slice direction looks correct, and if not, modify it using the Slice Direction tool. The easiest way to do so precisely is to select the axis of rotation, then enter the angle by which to rotate it (e.g. 90°).
[[File:Slicer Construction technique 1.jpg|frameless|390x390px]][[File:Slicer Construction technique 2.jpg|frameless]]3. (Optional) You can use the Modify Form settings to make minor alterations to your model relevant to the construction technique, e.g. to hollow or thicken it.

4. (Optional) Dowels aren’t usually necessary, but can be used, especially for larger objects, to align your work. If you want to use dowels, you will need to source them yourself. Then, input their diameter and shape into the Dowels section if desired. You can also use the cross or slot options and Slicer will generate the dowel(s) for you in your cut layout.
5. A Cut Layout preview should be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. If the number of sheets is 0, follow the troubleshooting steps under “0 Sheets” below.
6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.

=== Preparing files for laser cutting ===
1. Open the PDF in your chosen vector illustration software, e.g. Adobe Illustrator.
2. Select all the red lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB green (0, 255, 0). These marks will be engraved, and include slice numbers and alignment marks. To do so in Illustrator, select one red line, then click Select > Same > Stroke Color, then change the stroke colour to RGB green.
3. Select all the blue lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB red (255, 0, 0). These marks will be cut.
4. Export each sheet as a separate PDF and name the files clearly.

== Troubleshooting ==

=== 0 Sheets ===
“Number of sheets generated is 0. Please change your manufacturing settings to fit model slices in stock dimensions.” This is a known bug. It can usually be resolved by changing your slicing direction by 180°. This won’t affect the slices (it just flips them back-to-front), but will usually allow Slicer to slice your work.

=== More help ===
You can find more detail in Slicer by hovering over the question mark icon in the top-right corner of the screen and clicking Help. This will open the manual which includes detail on manufacturing settings and further troubleshooting.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:39, 13 August 2026
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	=== Import model ===		=== Import model ===
	1. Save or export your work from your 3D design software as a .stl file.		1. Save or export your work from your 3D design software as a '''.stl''' file.

	2. Click Import… to import your model. Select your work using the file navigator.		2. Click '''Import…''' to import your model. Select your work using the file navigator.

	3. Set the up-axis. Usually, you will set this to Z. If you import your work and it’s not upright, change the up axis until it appears the right way up on your screen.		3. Set the up-axis. Usually, you will set this to '''Z'''. If you import your work and it’s not upright, change the up axis until it appears the right way up on your screen.

	[[File:Slicer Import Model.jpg\|frameless\|650x650px]]		[[File:Slicer Import Model.jpg\|frameless\|650x650px]]

	4. Click Open and confirm that your file looks correct on screen.		4. Click '''Open''' and confirm that your file looks correct on screen.

	=== Create and select your material ===		=== Create and select your material ===
	[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 1.jpg\|right\|frameless]]		[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 1.jpg\|right\|frameless]]
	1. The first time that you use a material with Slicer, you need to create its manufacturing settings. Click the pencil icon under Manufacturing Settings to add or edit a material.		1. The first time that you use a material with Slicer, you need to create its manufacturing settings. Click the '''pencil icon''' under Manufacturing Settings to add or edit a material.

	2. Click the plus icon at the bottom of the Manufacturing Settings window to add a new material.		2. Click the '''plus icon''' at the bottom of the Manufacturing Settings window to add a new material.

	[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 2.jpg\|frameless\|550x550px]]		[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 2.jpg\|frameless\|550x550px]]
Line 30:		Line 30:
	3. Double-click the newly added material to rename it.		3. Double-click the newly added material to rename it.
	[[File:Slicer_Create_and_select_your_material_3.jpg\|right\|frameless]]		[[File:Slicer_Create_and_select_your_material_3.jpg\|right\|frameless]]
	4. Set the units to mm.		4. Set the units to '''mm'''.

	5. Set the size and thickness to match the material you’re using. The supplied material sizes in the Makerspace are:		5. Set the size and thickness to match the material you’re using. The supplied material sizes in the Makerspace are:
Line 38:		Line 38:
	'''Strawboard:''' 1.2mm or 2mm thick: 900 x 680mm		'''Strawboard:''' 1.2mm or 2mm thick: 900 x 680mm

	6. Set the horizontal and vertical margins to 5mm.		6. Set the horizontal and vertical margins to '''5mm'''.

	7. Set the slot offset and tool diameter to 0.		7. Set the slot offset and tool diameter to '''0'''.

	8. Press Done to add your material.		8. Press '''Done''' to add your material.

	9. Select your chosen material from the drop-down list in Manufacturing Settings. [[File:Slicer Create and select your material 4.jpg\|frameless]]		9. Select your chosen material from the drop-down list in Manufacturing Settings. [[File:Slicer Create and select your material 4.jpg\|frameless]]

	=== Object size settings ===		=== Object size settings ===
	1. In the Object Size panel, set your units to mm.		1. In the Object Size panel, set your units to '''mm'''.

	2. Set your height, width, and length, or select Original Size to work at the size you exported your model at.		2. Set your height, width, and length, or select '''Original Size''' to work at the size you exported your model at.

	=== Construction technique ===		=== Construction technique ===
	1. To create a stacked slice model, select Stacked Slices from the Construction Technique drop-down.		1. To create a stacked slice model, select '''Stacked Slices''' from the Construction Technique drop-down.

	2. Check that the slice direction looks correct, and if not, modify it using the Slice Direction tool. The easiest way to do so precisely is to select the axis of rotation, then enter the angle by which to rotate it (e.g. 90°).		2. Check that the slice direction looks correct, and if not, modify it using the '''Slice Direction tool'''. The easiest way to do so precisely is to select the axis of rotation, then enter the angle by which to rotate it (e.g. 90°).

	[[File:Slicer Construction technique 1.jpg\|frameless\|390x390px]][[File:Slicer Construction technique 2.jpg\|frameless]]		[[File:Slicer Construction technique 1.jpg\|frameless\|390x390px]][[File:Slicer Construction technique 2.jpg\|frameless]]

	3. (Optional) You can use the Modify Form settings to make minor alterations to your model relevant to the construction technique, e.g. to hollow or thicken it.		3. (Optional) You can use the '''Modify Form''' settings to make minor alterations to your model relevant to the construction technique, e.g. to hollow or thicken it.

	4. (Optional) Dowels aren’t usually necessary, but can be used, especially for larger objects, to align your work. If you want to use dowels, you will need to source them yourself. Then, input their diameter and shape into the Dowels section if desired. You can also use the cross or slot options and Slicer will generate the dowel(s) for you in your cut layout.		4. (Optional) '''Dowels''' aren’t usually necessary, but can be used, especially for larger objects, to align your work. If you want to use dowels, you will need to source them yourself. Then, input their diameter and shape into the Dowels section if desired. You can also use the cross or slot options and Slicer will generate the dowel(s) for you in your cut layout.

	5. A Cut Layout preview should be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. If the number of sheets is 0, follow the troubleshooting steps under “0 Sheets” below.		5. A Cut Layout preview should be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. If the number of sheets is 0, follow the troubleshooting steps under “0 Sheets” below.
	~~6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.~~

	~~Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.~~

	== Preparing files for laser cutting ==		== Preparing files for laser cutting ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:49, 13 August 2026
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	9. Select your chosen material from the drop-down list in Manufacturing Settings.		9. Select your chosen material from the drop-down list in Manufacturing Settings.

	[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 3.jpg\|frameless]] [[File:Slicer Create and select your material 4.jpg\|frameless]]		[[File:Slicer Create and select your material 3.jpg\|frameless]] [[File:Slicer Create and select your material 4.jpg\|frameless]]

	=== Object size settings ===		=== Object size settings ===
	1. In the Object Size panel, set your units to mm.		1. In the Object Size panel, set your units to mm.

	2. Set your height, width, and length, or select Original Size to work at the size you exported your model at.		2. Set your height, width, and length, or select Original Size to work at the size you exported your model at.

	=== Construction technique ===		=== Construction technique ===
	1. To create a stacked slice model, select Stacked Slices from the Construction Technique drop-down.		1. To create a stacked slice model, select Stacked Slices from the Construction Technique drop-down.
	2. Check that the slice direction looks correct, and if not, modify it using the Slice Direction tool. The easiest way to do so precisely is to select the axis of rotation, then enter the angle by which to rotate it (e.g. 90°).
	[[File:Slicer Construction technique 1.jpg\|frameless\|390x390px]][[File:Slicer Construction technique 2.jpg\|frameless]]3. (Optional) You can use the Modify Form settings to make minor alterations to your model relevant to the construction technique, e.g. to hollow or thicken it.		2. Check that the slice direction looks correct, and if not, modify it using the Slice Direction tool. The easiest way to do so precisely is to select the axis of rotation, then enter the angle by which to rotate it (e.g. 90°).

			[[File:Slicer Construction technique 1.jpg\|frameless\|390x390px]][[File:Slicer Construction technique 2.jpg\|frameless]]

			3. (Optional) You can use the Modify Form settings to make minor alterations to your model relevant to the construction technique, e.g. to hollow or thicken it.

	4. (Optional) Dowels aren’t usually necessary, but can be used, especially for larger objects, to align your work. If you want to use dowels, you will need to source them yourself. Then, input their diameter and shape into the Dowels section if desired. You can also use the cross or slot options and Slicer will generate the dowel(s) for you in your cut layout.		4. (Optional) Dowels aren’t usually necessary, but can be used, especially for larger objects, to align your work. If you want to use dowels, you will need to source them yourself. Then, input their diameter and shape into the Dowels section if desired. You can also use the cross or slot options and Slicer will generate the dowel(s) for you in your cut layout.

	5. A Cut Layout preview should be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. If the number of sheets is 0, follow the troubleshooting steps under “0 Sheets” below.		5. A Cut Layout preview should be visible on the right-hand side of the screen. If the number of sheets is 0, follow the troubleshooting steps under “0 Sheets” below.

	6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.		6. Export your plans as PDF using Get Plans. At the bottom of the screen, set the file type to PDF and click Export to My Computer.

	=== Preparing files for laser cutting ===		=== Preparing files for laser cutting ===
	1. Open the PDF in your chosen vector illustration software, e.g. Adobe Illustrator.		1. Open the PDF in your chosen vector illustration software, e.g. Adobe Illustrator.

	2. Select all the red lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB green (0, 255, 0). These marks will be engraved, and include slice numbers and alignment marks. To do so in Illustrator, select one red line, then click Select > Same > Stroke Color, then change the stroke colour to RGB green.		2. Select all the red lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB green (0, 255, 0). These marks will be engraved, and include slice numbers and alignment marks. To do so in Illustrator, select one red line, then click Select > Same > Stroke Color, then change the stroke colour to RGB green.

	3. Select all the blue lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB red (255, 0, 0). These marks will be cut.		3. Select all the blue lines generated by Slicer and set them to RGB red (255, 0, 0). These marks will be cut.

	4. Export each sheet as a separate PDF and name the files clearly.		4. Export each sheet as a separate PDF and name the files clearly.