Tutorial: Laser Cutting From Solidworks
by echang777 in Workshop > Laser Cutting
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Tutorial: Laser Cutting From Solidworks
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This tutorial outlines the process of getting parts from Solidworks to cut on Universal laser cutters.
Load Your Part in Solidworks
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Make a Drawing From the Part
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The document size does not matter. To make things easier on yourself, be sure to de-select the "Display Sheet Format" option.
Add the Desired View, and Set Scale to 1:1
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This step is very critical. If the scale is not set correctly, your part will not cut at the right size.
Save the File As a .AI, and Open in Adobe Illustrator
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Copy the Part to a New Document
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Set the document size to the cut area of the laser cutter. Check to make sure the color mode is RGB.
Release Compound Path, and Join Paths
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Solidworks applies a compound path to the entire part. Release it, then join continuous sections of your part.
Compensate for the Laser Kerf Using Offset Path
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Select all outer paths, and apply the desired offset. For most Universal lasers I've used on material 1/8" or less, I set a kerf of 0.003". Set the miter limit to something large- I typically use 50.
Select the inner paths, and apply a negative offset. In this case, -0.003".
Delete Original Paths
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Zoom in, and delete the original paths
Applied Desired Stroke Color
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Select your part, and create a new swatch under stroke.
For most Universal laser cutters, R255 G0 B0 indicates a vector cut. Use whatever your cutter requires.
Cut!
Now, you can launch the print driver to send the cut to the laser cutter.