Preparing Laser Cutting Files in Rhino: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "= <big>AutoCAD Laser Cutting Guide</big> = === <big>1. Choose the correct laser cutter based on the material and its maximum cut size.</big> === 300x300px|right|frameless '''TROTEC SPEEDY 400''' Located in the Digital Modelling Room (Room 160, Building 202) '''Maximum material size:''' 900mm x 600mm x 12.7mm '''Can cut:''' Strawboard,  Plywood,  Acrylic, Leather , Potentially other materials upon request '''TROTEC SP500''' Located in...")
 
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= <big>AutoCAD Laser Cutting Guide</big> =
== Choose your laser cutter ==
===  <big>1. Choose the correct laser cutter based on the material and its maximum cut size.</big> ===
Choose the right laser cutter for your material type and size. See more detailed information at [[Laser Cutting]].
[[File:Laser_Cutters.jpg|300x300px|right|frameless]]
<div class="noresize">
'''TROTEC SPEEDY 400'''
=== Trotec SP500 ===
Maximum material size: 1245 x 710mm


Located in the Digital Modelling Room (Room 160, Building 202)
Materials: Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)


'''Maximum material size:''' 900mm x 600mm x 12.7mm
Location: DBE Makerspace, building 418


'''Can cut:''' Strawboard,  Plywood,  Acrylic, Leather , Potentially other materials upon request
=== Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx ===
Maximum material size: 1000 x 610mm


Materials: Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, polypropylene, fabrics, and other materials


Location: Digital Modelling Workshop, building 202
</div>
== Download the template ==
[[: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.


'''TROTEC SP500'''
== Job setup ==


Located in the DBE Makerspace (Room 114, Building 418)
=== Import your work ===
Import your work into the template.


'''Maximum material size:''' 1245mm x 710mm x 12.7mm
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].


'''Can cut:''' Strawboard,  Plywood
=== 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 ===
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, close together, and favouring the left side. This saves money and reduces material waste. 


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.


=== <big>2. Download the template</big> ===
<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_Nesting.png|center]]
[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AutoCAD Laser cutting template Trotec SP500 (dwg)]]
=== Assign layers ===
Layers are pre-set in the template. Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:


[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AutoCAD Laser cutting template Emblaser 2 (dwg)]]
# 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.''


'''<big>ALTERNATIVELY SET UP YOUR LAYERS FROM SCRATCH.</big>'''
<div class="res-img">[[File:26-09-17-ChangeObjectLayer.png|center]]</div>


[[File:Trotec Setup.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
=== Line weights ===
</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 ''Line type'' to ''continuous''


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


===  <big>3. Job Setup</big> ===
# Select your work and the material boundary.
{{Note
# Use the ''Make2D'' command, and input the settings shown in the ''2-D Drawing Options'' panel below.
| inline = 1
# ''Make2D'' will make its own layer group. You should ''Hide'' or ''Delete'' the original layer group to avoid duplicates.
| type = warn
| text = Make sure your work fits within the material boundary.
Create multiple boundaries if necessary.
}}
[[File:Example AutoCAD Job.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
{{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.
 
'''Having trouble with Scale  {{!}}  Try a scale converter:'''
https://www.ginifab.com/feeds/cm_to_inch/scale_converter.html
}}
 
 
 
'''<big>Lineweight</big>'''
 
Check all your cut lines (red lines) and etch lines (green lines) are set to 0.00mm line weight.
 
[[File:Lineweight.png|frameless]]
 
 
 
<big>'''Explode'''</big>
 
[[File:Explode command autocad.jpg|frameless|925x925px]]
 
Select All (CTRL+A) and type EXPLODE - hit Enter
 
 
 
'''<big>Overkill</big>'''
 
[[File:Overkill AutoCad.jpg|frameless|927x927px]]
 
Select All (CTRL+A) and type OVERKILL - hit Enter. A window will appear
 
[[File:Overkill window.jpg|frameless|413x413px]]
 
No need to change any of these setting – Just push OK
 
 


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


[[File:Join AutoCAD.jpg|frameless|898x898px]]
=== Explode and join hatches and text ===
For all text and line-based pattern hatches:


Select All (CTRL+A) and type JOIN - hit Enter
# Use the ''Explode'' command
# Use the ''Join'' command__NOEDITSECTION__


Do not explode solid hatches.


== Export to PDF ==


'''<big>Nesting</big>'''
# 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>
Nest all pieces to be cut within selected material template or correct sheet size. Make multiple "sheets" if unable to fit work within one material boundary.
# Set ''Width'' and ''Height'' to match your selected material size, making sure units are set to millimetres.  
 
# Select the following: Output Type: ''Vector Output'', Output Color: ''Display Color.''
{{Note
# 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>
# 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 = info
| text = If you are intending to use plywood and will not fill the entire sheet, preference the left side of the sheet. As you may be able to use a smaller sheet size to lower the cost
}}
[[File:AutoCAD_PDF_1.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
=== <big>4a. Export file as a PDF (Windows)</big> ===
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| type = warn
| text = Make sure you are plotting in Model page
| text = If you are using multiple sheets, only select one and repeat the PDF export for each sheet.
}}
}}
1) Go to Print and select '''Plot''', or type in '''Plot''' into the Command Line
# Press ''Enter'' to go back to the Print window.  
 
# In the Print window, set ''Scale'' to ''1:1''. Set ''Margins'' to ''0.00''.  
[[File:AutoCAD_PDF_2.jpg|frameless|514x514px]]
# Click ''Print'' to finish and save file as PDF. <div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino_PDF_5.jpg|center]]</div>
 
[[Category:Laser cutting]]
 
 
2) Under Printer/Plotter, select:
 
'''AutoCAD PDF (High Quality Print)'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD_PDF_3.jpg|frameless|700x700px]]
 
 
 
 
 
3) If plotting from AutoCAD for the first time, you will need to set up a custom paper size to match the material you are using.
 
- Go to '''Properties'''
 
- Select '''Custom Paper Sizes'''
 
- Click on '''Add'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD_PDF_4.jpg|frameless|700x700px]]
 
 
 
4) Select '''Start from scratch'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD_PDF_5.jpg|frameless|450x450px]]
 
 
 
5) Set Width and Height to match selected material size
 
'''* Make sure Units are set to Milimeters'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 6.jpg|frameless|450x450px]]
 
 
 
6) Set all margins to '''0'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 7.jpg|frameless|450x450px]]
 
 
 
7) Set a name for the new custom paper
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 8.jpg|frameless|450x450px]]
 
 
 
8) Check that new custom paper is added to the list
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 9.jpg|frameless|450x450px]]
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 10.jpg|frameless|558x558px]]
 
 
 
9) New custom paper should be displayed in the drop down list under '''Paper Size'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 11.jpg|frameless|700x700px]]
 
 
 
10) Under '''Plot Area''', select '''Window'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 12.jpg|frameless|700x700px]]
 
 
 
11) Select the material sheet to specify the area to plot
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 13.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
 
 
 
 
12) Select '''Center the plot'''
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 14.jpg|frameless|700x700px]]
 
{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = warn
| text = Make sure scale is 1:1
}}
 
 
 
13) Click on '''Preview''' to check layout and pen colour
 
- Change page orientation if needed
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 15.jpg|frameless|700x700px]]
 
 
 
14) Click on '''OK''' to plot
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 16.jpg|frameless|700x700px]]
 
 
 
=== <big>4b. Export file as a PDF (Mac)</big> ===
{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = warn
| text = Make sure you are plotting in '''Model''' page
}}
 
1) Go to File and select '''Print''' or type in '''Print''' into the Command Line
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 18.jpg|frameless|691x691px]]
 
 
 
2) Under Printer, select:
 
'''AutoCAD PDF (High Quality Print)'''
 
And Select Paper Size
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 19.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
 
 
3) If plotting from AutoCAD for the first time, you will need to set up a custom paper size to match the material you are using.
 
- Select Manage Custom Sizes
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 20.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
 
 
 
 
4) Click on the “+” sign to create a new page size
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 21.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
 
 
5) Select '''New Paper Size''' to create a new custom paper size
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 22.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
 
 
6) Within the Custom Paper Size window:
 
- Set '''paper size''' to match the material size that has been set up ('''*note''': dimensions are in cm)
 
- Set all '''margins to 0.00'''
 
- Double click '''Untitled''' new paper to set a name for the new custom paper size to save for future use
 
- Click on ‘'''OK'''’ to finish setting up custom paper
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 23.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
 
 
7) Back in the Plot window:
 
- Ensure correct paper size is selected
 
- Under “What to Print”, select '''Window''' and '''click on the icon''' to select the area to print
 
- Ensure '''scale is set to 1:1'''
 
- '''Center the plot''' if needed
 
- Click on '''Plot''' to finish and save PDF
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 24.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = If the cut file contains texts that needs to be etched or engraved, click on the '''icon''' next to the Printer selection and make sure that '''Convert all text to geometry is selected'''
}}
 
[[File:AutoCAD PDF 25.jpg|frameless|950x950px]]
 
__NOEDITSECTION__
{{DEFAULTSORT:AutoCAD}}

Latest revision as of 15:45, 18 September 2026

Choose your laser cutter

Choose the right laser cutter for your material type and size. See more detailed information at Laser Cutting.

Trotec SP500

Maximum material size: 1245 x 710mm

Materials: Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)

Location: DBE Makerspace, building 418

Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx

Maximum material size: 1000 x 610mm

Materials: Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, polypropylene, fabrics, and other materials

Location: Digital Modelling Workshop, building 202

Download the template

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

Import your work

Import your work into the template.

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 scale converter.

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

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, close together, and favouring the left side. This saves money and reduces material waste.

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.

Assign layers

Layers are pre-set in the template. Assign parts of your design into the appropriate layers:

  1. 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.
  2. In the layers panel, right-click the appropriate layer (e.g. Cut or Raster engrave).
  3. Click change object layer.

Line weights

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:

  1. Set Print width to hairline
  2. Set Line type to continuous

Remove duplicated lines

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

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

Explode and join hatches and text

For all text and line-based pattern hatches:

  1. Use the Explode command
  2. Use the Join command

Do not explode solid hatches.

Export to PDF

  1. Click File, then Print, or type in Print into the command line.
  2. Under Destination, select Rhino PDF. Under Size, scroll down to select Custom.
  3. Set Width and Height to match your selected material size, making sure units are set to millimetres.
  4. Select the following: Output Type: Vector Output, Output Color: Display Color.
  5. Under View and Output Scale, select Window and click Set. This will return you to the view of your work.
  6. Select the area to print by selecting the corners of the rectangle that matches your material sheet size.
    If you are using multiple sheets, only select one and repeat the PDF export for each sheet.
  7. Press Enter to go back to the Print window.
  8. In the Print window, set Scale to 1:1. Set Margins to 0.00.
  9. Click Print to finish and save file as PDF.
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