Laser engraving a 2D vector image on a 3D part
How to use DeskProto for laser engraving, part 2:
burning a 2D vector image on a freeform surface.
Explaining how to laser engrave on a 3D part with DeskProto Version 8 (DP V8.0, 10:24 min)
The first Deskproto laser video (Laser engraving a flat vector image) shows how you can burn a 2D vector drawing on a flat surface, which is in fact a pretty common application. This second laser video shows a more unique application: how to burn this same 2D vector image on a 3D part, so on a freeform surface. The drawing that is used (SVG file) has been downloaded from Freepik.com: thanks!
The 3D part that we used is one of the sample STL files that come with every DeskProto: the small perfume bottle. We CNC machined one bottle halve, using both a roughing operation and a finishing operation. Next we also loaded the SVG file, and positioned the vector image above the side of the bottle (by scaling, rotating and panning the vector data). Then we added a vector operation, selected a laser cutter as cutting tool and selected all curves to be used for Pocketing. The extra step in this project was to enable the option 'Project vector curves on 3D Part geometry'. That option makes DeskProto calculate 3D laser toolpaths, where the laser's focus point follows the height of the part. Such ability to create 3D laser engravings sets DeskProto apart, as this is not a common option in laser engraving software.
Finally you can see the laser in action, engraving the flower design on the side of the bottle.
- 00:00 - Introduction: 2D laser engraving versus 3D laser engraving
- 00:38 - The 3D geometry (a bottle) and the 2D drawing (a flower) that are used
- 01:24 - Machining the bottle geometry: roughing
- 02:01 - Machining the bottle geometry: finishing
- 02:36 - Start DeskProto (the Expert edition)
- 02:54 - Load the SVG file, scale and position it
- 04:32 - Why Pocketing is needed
- 04:48 - Add a vector operation
- 04:58 - Select a laser cutter, select Projection and select all curves for Pocketing
- 06:07 - Calculate toolpaths, check them, change the Free movement height
- 07:23 - Save the NC file
- 07:52 - Prepare the machine for laser engraving
- 09:13 - Open the NC file, send it to the machine and watch the laser engraving process
- 10:00 - Evaluate the results.
This DeskProto video is on HD quality (1920x1080 pixels).
Subtitles are available and can be switched on, in English and in Dutch.