What is the technique?
Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials, and is typically used for industrial manufacturing applications, but is also starting to be used by schools, small businesses, and hobbyists. Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high-power laser most commonly through optics. The focused laser beam is directed at the material, which then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish. Industrial laser cutters are used to cut flat-sheet material as well as structural and piping materials.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique?
- Wood
- Acrylic Sheet
- Laser Cutting Machine
- Goggle
How to achieve the technique?
- Create design in Adobe Illustrator and save as eps file.
- Load into coreldraw and set up accordingly.(Details below)
- Place the piece of wood/acrylic sheet in the laser cutting machine.
- Wear goggle and do not stare directly into the laser.
- Send the file to print with the laser cutting machine.
- Ensure the design is properly cut/rastered. If not change the setting and repeat step 5. Be careful not to move the piece of wood/acrylic sheet while checking.
- Remove the cut material from the machine.
- CorelDraw settings
Laser cutting,
AI file save as .eps
File dimension Custom(spirit)
Coreldraw -> layout -> page setup -> option -> set from printer -> save custom page
Path thickness -> hairline
Pull colour and drop on path to change colour
Fill -> raster, Path -> cutting(vector)
File -> print -> properties -> pen
File -> print -> properties -> advanced -> enhanced vector
-> vector function -> inside out cutting
What are the uses and applications of the technique?
This technique can be used to create very neat design for accessories, small ornament, mold for other methods, etc.
Photos
Laser Cutting machine
Experimentation with laser cutting using wood and acrylic sheet
Own personal reflections
This technique is very simple and easy. But it requires a lot of trial and error with the setting of the laser cutting machine depending on the final outcome desired. It is also very useful as it allow design which require a great load of time to be create by hand to be quickly done through the machine.