Brain Diagram Etched by Laser Cutter on Plexiglass

Here is a fun project you can do with a laser cutter, plexiglass (or wood) and an image of your choice. For this instructable, I used an image of a brain diagram I found on Google Images.

Download CorelDRAW and open the application.

When you open a new document on CorelDRAW, it will bring up settings for the new document. Turn the primary color mode to RGB and increase the rendering resolution from 300 dpi to 350 dpi for a finer image.

Upload your chosen image to the document by either copying and pasting the image or saving the image as a file and uploading it that way.

In order to make the finished product a plaque, create a border around the image by inserting a shape (which can be found on the left side of the screen). Change the border's line width to hairline.

The image has to be converted into grayscale, and for my case, the border had to be made royal blood so that the laser cutter would properly cut it. Consult someone about the preferences of the specific laser cutter you are using.

Save the file once you have formatted it to your liking. If your computer is not hooked up to the laser cutter you will be using, then properly connected to the laser cutter or send the file to a computer that is already connected to the laser cutter.

Activate the laser cutter and enjoy your new piece of art!