Preparing Laser Cutting Files in Rhino - Revision history

Amy.Hickman at 07:00, 18 September 2026

2026-09-18T07:00:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:45, 18 September 2026
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	</div>		</div>
	== Download the template ==		== Download the template ==
	~~Download the~~ [[Media:~~Rhino Lasercut Template V1.1~~.zip\|Rhino ~~Laser~~ cutting ~~templates (3dm)~~]].		[[:Media:RhinoLasercutTemplate-V2.zip\|Download the Rhino laser cutting template]].

			This is a zip archive containing a 3dm. On Mac, double-click the zip file to extract it. On Windows, right-click and select Extract all... to extract it.

	== Job setup ==		== Job setup ==

Amy.Hickman: Updated print section

2026-09-18T04:59:06Z

Updated print section

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:44, 18 September 2026
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	# Under ''Destination'', select ''Rhino PDF.'' Under ''Size'', scroll down to select ''Custom''. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_2.jpg\|center]]</div>		# Under ''Destination'', select ''Rhino PDF.'' Under ''Size'', scroll down to select ''Custom''. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_2.jpg\|center]]</div>
	# Set ''Width'' and ''Height'' to match your selected material size, making sure units are set to millimetres.		# Set ''Width'' and ''Height'' to match your selected material size, making sure units are set to millimetres.
	# ~~Make sure that~~ the following ~~are selected~~: Output Type: '''Vector Output''', Output Color: '''Display Color.'''		# Select the following: Output Type: ''Vector Output'', Output Color: ''Display Color.''
	# Under View and Output Scale, select '''Window''' and click ~~on '~~''Set''~~' which~~ will ~~bring~~ you ~~back into~~ the ~~model page~~. <div class="res-img">[[File:~~Rhino PDF 3~~.jpg\|~~frameless~~\|600x600px]]</div>		# Under ''View'' and ''Output Scale'', select ''Window'' and click ''Set''. This will return you to the view of your work. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_3.jpg\|center\|600x600px]]</div>
	# ~~In the model page, select~~ the area to print~~, which should be~~ the rectangle that ~~has been previously set up to match the selected~~ material sheet size.{{Note		# Select the area to print by selecting the corners of the rectangle that matches your material sheet size.<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_4.jpg\|center\|900x900px]]</div>{{Note
	\| inline = 1		\| inline = 1
	\| type = warn		\| type = warn
	\| text = If you are using multiple sheets, only select one and repeat the PDF export for each sheet.		\| text = If you are using multiple sheets, only select one and repeat the PDF export for each sheet.
	}}		}}
	# Press '''Enter''' to go back to the Print window. ~~<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 4.jpg\|frameless\|900x900px]]</div>~~		# Press ''Enter'' to go back to the Print window.
	# ~~Back in~~ the Print window, ~~make sure that scale is~~ set to '''1:1'''~~. All~~ Margins ~~should be set~~ to '''0.00'''.		# In the Print window, set ''Scale'' to ''1:1''. Set ''Margins'' to ''0.00''.
	# ~~Select '~~''Print''' to finish and save file as PDF. <div class="res-img">[[File:~~Rhino PDF 5~~.jpg\|~~frameless\|600x600px~~]]</div>		# Click ''Print'' to finish and save file as PDF. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_5.jpg\|center]]</div>
	[[Category:Laser cutting]]		[[Category:Laser cutting]]

Amy.Hickman: numbering for print section

2026-09-18T04:47:09Z

numbering for print section

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:32, 18 September 2026
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	== Export to PDF ==		== Export to PDF ==
	~~Click ''File,'' then ''Print'', or type in ''Print'' into the command line.~~

	<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_1.jpg\|center]]</div>		# Click ''File,'' then ''Print'', or type in ''Print'' into the command line. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_1.jpg\|center]]</div>
			# Under ''Destination'', select ''Rhino PDF.'' Under ''Size'', scroll down to select ''Custom''. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_2.jpg\|center]]</div>
			# Set ''Width'' and ''Height'' to match your selected material size, making sure units are set to millimetres.
			# Make sure that the following are selected: Output Type: '''Vector Output''', Output Color: '''Display Color.'''
	Under ''Destination'', select ''Rhino PDF.'' Under ''Size'', scroll down to select ''Custom''.		# Under View and Output Scale, select '''Window''' and click on '''Set''' which will bring you back into the model page. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 3.jpg\|frameless\|600x600px]]</div>
			# In the model page, select the area to print, which should be the rectangle that has been previously set up to match the selected material sheet size.{{Note
	<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_2.jpg\|center]]</div>

	Set ''Width'' and ''Height'' to match your selected material size, making sure units are set to millimetres.

	Make sure that the following are selected: Output Type: '''Vector Output''', Output Color: '''Display Color.'''

	Under View and Output Scale, select '''Window''' and click on '''Set''' which will bring you back into the model page.

	<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 3.jpg\|frameless\|600x600px]]</div>



	4) In the model page, select the area to print, which should be the rectangle that has been previously set up to match the selected material sheet size.
	{{Note
	\| inline = 1		\| inline = 1
	\| type = warn		\| type = warn
	\| text = If you are using multiple sheets, only select one and repeat the PDF export for each sheet.		\| text = If you are using multiple sheets, only select one and repeat the PDF export for each sheet.
	}}		}}
	Press '''Enter''' to go back to the Print window.		# Press '''Enter''' to go back to the Print window. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 4.jpg\|frameless\|900x900px]]</div>
			# Back in the Print window, make sure that scale is set to '''1:1'''. All Margins should be set to '''0.00'''.
	<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 4.jpg\|frameless\|900x900px]]</div>		# Select '''Print''' to finish and save file as PDF. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 5.jpg\|frameless\|600x600px]]</div>



	5) Back in the Print window, make sure that scale is set to '''1:1'''

	All Margins should be set to '''0.00'''

	Select '''Print''' to finish and save file as PDF.

	<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 5.jpg\|frameless\|600x600px]]</div>
	[[Category:Laser cutting]]		[[Category:Laser cutting]]

Amy.Hickman: Updates to job setup

2026-09-18T04:38:50Z

Updates to job setup

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:23, 18 September 2026
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	Check that your work is at the appropriate scale. For example, if you need to make a model at 1:100 scale, scale down your work by 0.01. If you're having trouble with scale, try a [https://www.ginifab.com/feeds/cm_to_inch/scale_converter.html scale converter].		Check that your work is at the appropriate scale. For example, if you need to make a model at 1:100 scale, scale down your work by 0.01. If you're having trouble with scale, try a [https://www.ginifab.com/feeds/cm_to_inch/scale_converter.html scale converter].
	~~=== Assign layers ===~~
	~~Layers are pre-set in the template. Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:~~

	~~# Select the element or elements to assign; for example, select all the curves you plan to cut, or the hatches you want to raster engrave.~~
	~~# In the ''layers'' panel, right-click the appropriate layer (e.g. Cut or Raster engrave).~~
	~~# Click ''change object layer.''~~

	~~<div class~~=~~"res-img">[[File:26-09-17-ChangeObjectLayer~~.~~png\|center]]</div>~~		=== Choose material size ===
			Choose an appropriate material size for your work. Use the ''layers'' panel to hide unused layers for other material sizes.

	=== Nest objects ===		=== Nest objects ===
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	<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_Nesting.png\|center]]		<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_Nesting.png\|center]]
			=== Assign layers ===
			Layers are pre-set in the template. Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:

			# Select the element or elements to assign; for example, select all the curves you plan to cut, or the hatches you want to raster engrave.
			# In the ''layers'' panel, right-click the appropriate layer (e.g. Cut or Raster engrave).
			# Click ''change object layer.''

			<div class="res-img">[[File:26-09-17-ChangeObjectLayer.png\|center]]</div>

	=== Line weights ===		=== Line weights ===
	</div>~~You line~~ weights have been pre-set in the template. If you're not using the template, or you've added extra layers, set the following in the ''layers'' panel:		</div>Line weights have been pre-set in the template. If you're not using the template, or you've added extra layers, set the following in the ''layers'' panel:

	# Set ''Print width'' to ''hairline''		# Set ''Print width'' to ''hairline''
	# Set ''Line type'' to ''continuous''		# Set ''Line type'' to ''continuous''

	=== Remove ~~duplicate~~ lines ===		=== Remove duplicated lines ===
	Check for any duplicated lines. To remove duplicate lines in Rhino:		Check for any duplicated lines. To remove duplicate lines in Rhino:

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	<div class="res-img">[[File:Make2D_settings.png\|center]]</div>		<div class="res-img">[[File:Make2D_settings.png\|center]]</div>

	=== Explode and join ===		=== Explode and join hatches and text ===
	For all text and line-based pattern hatches:		For all text and line-based pattern hatches:

Amy.Hickman: preliminary changes to printing

2026-09-17T06:18:30Z

preliminary changes to printing

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:03, 17 September 2026
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	== Choose your laser cutter ==		== Choose your laser cutter ==
	Choose the right laser cutter for your material type and size:		Choose the right laser cutter for your material type and size. See more detailed information at [[Laser Cutting]].
	<div class="noresize">		<div class="noresize">
	~~{\| class~~=~~"wikitable"~~		=== Trotec SP500 ===
	~~!Type~~		Maximum material size: 1245 x 710mm
	~~!Quantity~~
	~~!Dimensions~~		Materials: Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
	~~!Materials~~
	~~!Location~~		Location: DBE Makerspace, building 418
	\|-
	\|Trotec SP500		=== Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx ===
	\|1		Maximum material size: 1000 x 610mm
	\|1245 mm x ~~710 mm~~
	\|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)		Materials: Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, polypropylene, fabrics, and other materials
	\|418 ~~Makerspace~~
	\|-		Location: Digital Modelling Workshop, building 202
	\|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
	\|1
	\|1000 x 610mm
	\|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, ~~mylar~~, fabrics, and other materials.
	~~\|202~~ Digital Modelling
	\|}
	</div>		</div>
	~~See more detail at [[Laser Cutting]].~~

	== Download the template ==		== Download the template ==
	Download the [[Media:Rhino Lasercut Template V1.1.zip\|Rhino Laser cutting templates (3dm)]].		Download the [[Media:Rhino Lasercut Template V1.1.zip\|Rhino Laser cutting templates (3dm)]].
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	== Export to PDF ==		== Export to PDF ==
	~~1) Go to~~ File ~~and select~~ Print, or type in Print into the ~~Command Line.~~		Click ''File,'' then ''Print'', or type in ''Print'' into the command line.

	~~<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino PDF 1~~.~~jpg\|frameless]]</div>~~

			<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_1.jpg\|center]]</div>


	~~2) Under Destination, select '''Rhino PDF.''' Under Size, scroll down to select '''Custom.'''~~

	~~<div class="res-img">[[File:~~Rhino PDF 2.~~jpg\|frameless\|400x400px]]</div>~~		Under ''Destination'', select ''Rhino PDF.'' Under ''Size'', scroll down to select ''Custom''.

			<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_2.jpg\|center]]</div>

			Set ''Width'' and ''Height'' to match your selected material size, making sure units are set to millimetres.

	~~3) Set Width and Height to match selected material size.~~
	~~{{Note~~
	~~\| inline = 1~~
	~~\| type = warn~~
	~~\| text = Make sure Units are set to Millimetres~~
	}}
	Make sure that the following are selected: Output Type: '''Vector Output''', Output Color: '''Display Color.'''		Make sure that the following are selected: Output Type: '''Vector Output''', Output Color: '''Display Color.'''

Amy.Hickman: Updates to job setup

2026-09-17T06:12:37Z

Updates to job setup

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 17 September 2026
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	=== Import your work ===		=== Import your work ===
	Import your work into the template.		Import your work into the template.
	~~{{Note~~
	~~\| inline = 1~~
	~~\| type = info~~
	~~\| text = '''Ensure that your objects are at the appropriate scale.'''~~
	~~The Laser Cutter cuts at 1:1 scale.~~
	~~For example, if you need your models at 1:100,~~
	~~they should be scaled down by 0.01.~~

	~~'''Try a scale converter:'''~~
	~~https://www.ginifab.com/feeds/cm_to_inch/scale_converter.html~~
	}}

			Check that your work is at the appropriate scale. For example, if you need to make a model at 1:100 scale, scale down your work by 0.01. If you're having trouble with scale, try a [https://www.ginifab.com/feeds/cm_to_inch/scale_converter.html scale converter].
	=== Assign layers ===		=== Assign layers ===
	Layers are pre-set in the template. Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:		Layers are pre-set in the template. Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:

	# Select the element or elements to assign; for example, select all the curves you plan to cut, or the hatches you want to raster engrave		# Select the element or elements to assign; for example, select all the curves you plan to cut, or the hatches you want to raster engrave.
	# In the ''layers'' panel, right-click the appropriate layer (e.g. Cut or Raster engrave)		# In the ''layers'' panel, right-click the appropriate layer (e.g. Cut or Raster engrave).
	# Click ''change object layer.''		# Click ''change object layer.''

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	=== Nest objects ===		=== Nest objects ===
	Move elements to fit within the boundaries of your chosen material size. If you need to use multiple sheets, make a copy of the material boundary to prepare separate sheets.		Move elements to fit within the boundaries of your chosen material size. If you need to use multiple sheets, make a copy of the material boundary to prepare separate sheets. Hide any layers for sheet sizes that you aren't using.

	Arrange the parts of your design inside this boundary, favouring the left side. This saves money and reduces material waste.		Arrange the parts of your design inside this boundary, close together, and favouring the left side. This saves money and reduces material waste.

	~~Nest~~ your ~~design~~, ~~placing each element close together (2mm minimum distance~~ between ~~parts) or if possible~~, ~~sharing cut lines~~.		Make sure to keep at least 5mm from the edge of your material, and at least 1mm between shapes. This allows latent heat to disperse from your material, preventing charring and the risk of fires.

	<div class="res-img">[[File:~~Rhino Nesting~~.png\|~~frameless\|700x700px~~]]		<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_Nesting.png\|center]]

	=== Line weights ===		=== Line weights ===
	</div>~~{{Note~~		</div>You line weights have been pre-set in the template. If you're not using the template, or you've added extra layers, set the following in the ''layers'' panel:
	~~\| inline = 1~~
	~~\| type = info~~
	~~\| text = This is~~ pre-set in the template
	~~}}In~~ the '''~~Layers'~~'' panel:

	# Set Print width to '''~~Hairline.~~'''		# Set ''Print width'' to ''hairline''
	# Set Line type to '''~~Continuous.~~'''		# Set ''Line type'' to ''continuous''

	=== Remove duplicate lines ===		=== Remove duplicate lines ===
	To remove duplicate lines in Rhino:		Check for any duplicated lines. To remove duplicate lines in Rhino:

	# Select your work and the material boundary.		# Select your work and the material boundary.
	# Use the '''Make2D''' command and input the settings shown below.		# Use the ''Make2D'' command, and input the settings shown in the ''2-D Drawing Options'' panel below.
	# Make2D will make its own layer group. You should '''Hide''' or '''Delete''' the original layer group to avoid duplicates.		# ''Make2D'' will make its own layer group. You should ''Hide'' or ''Delete'' the original layer group to avoid duplicates.

	<div class="res-img">[[File:~~Make2D settings~~.png\|~~frameless\|450x450px~~]]</div>		<div class="res-img">[[File:Make2D_settings.png\|center]]</div>

	=== Explode ===		=== Explode and join ===
	~~Use the '''EXPLODE''' command on~~ text and line based pattern hatches.		For all text and line-based pattern hatches:

	~~{{Note~~		# Use the ''Explode'' command
	~~\| inline = 1~~		# Use the ''Join'' command__NOEDITSECTION__
	~~\| type = warn~~
	~~\| text = Do not explode solid hatches~~
	~~}}__NOEDITSECTION__~~

	~~Then use the '''Join''' command to reduce the number of lines~~.		Do not explode solid hatches.

	== Export to PDF ==		== Export to PDF ==

Amy.Hickman: Added assign layers image, changed text

2026-09-17T05:03:10Z

Added assign layers image, changed text

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:48, 17 September 2026
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	=== Assign layers ===		=== Assign layers ===
	~~{{Note~~		Layers are pre-set in the template. Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:
	~~\| inline = 1~~
	~~\| type = info~~
	~~\| text =~~ Layers are pre-set in the template ~~for the different machines. You should hide or delete any layers you don't need~~.
	}}Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:

	# Select the element or elements to assign; for example, select all the curves you plan to cut, or the hatches you want to raster engrave		# Select the element or elements to assign; for example, select all the curves you plan to cut, or the hatches you want to raster engrave
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	# Click ''change object layer.''		# Click ''change object layer.''

	<div class="res-img">[[File:26-09-17-ChangeObjectLayer.png\|~~frameless~~]]</div>		<div class="res-img">[[File:26-09-17-ChangeObjectLayer.png\|center]]</div>

	=== Nest objects ===		=== Nest objects ===

Amy.Hickman at 05:00, 17 September 2026

2026-09-17T05:00:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:45, 17 September 2026
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	\| type = info		\| type = info
	\| text = Layers are pre-set in the template for the different machines. You should hide or delete any layers you don't need.		\| text = Layers are pre-set in the template for the different machines. You should hide or delete any layers you don't need.
	}}Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers.		}}Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:

	Select the ~~desired~~ element - '''~~Right~~ click the layer~~'''~~ e.g. ~~RASTOR ENGRAVE, VECTOR ENGRAVE, FILL~~ or ~~CUT~~.		# Select the element or elements to assign; for example, select all the curves you plan to cut, or the hatches you want to raster engrave
			# In the ''layers'' panel, right-click the appropriate layer (e.g. Cut or Raster engrave)
			# Click ''change object layer.''

	~~In the dropdown menu choose '''change object layer~~.~~'''~~		<div class="res-img">[[File:26-09-17-ChangeObjectLayer.png\|frameless]]</div>

	=== Nest objects ===		=== Nest objects ===

Amy.Hickman: added noresize class to table

2026-09-17T03:41:38Z

added noresize class to table

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:26, 17 September 2026
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	== Choose your laser cutter ==		== Choose your laser cutter ==
	Choose the right laser cutter for your material type and size:		Choose the right laser cutter for your material type and size:
			<div class="noresize">
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	!Type		!Type
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	\|202 Digital Modelling		\|202 Digital Modelling
	\|}		\|}
			</div>
	See more detail at [[Laser Cutting]].		See more detail at [[Laser Cutting]].

Amy.Hickman: Amy.Hickman moved page Laser Cutting/Rhino to Preparing Laser Cutting Files in Rhino

2026-09-17T02:09:15Z

Amy.Hickman moved page Laser Cutting/Rhino to Preparing Laser Cutting Files in Rhino

← Older revision	Revision as of 10:54, 17 September 2026
(No difference)