Laser engraving a flat vector image
How to use DeskProto for laser engraving, part 1:
burning a 2D vector image on a flat surface.
Explaining how to laser engrave with DeskProto Version 8 (DP V8.0, 11 min)
In addition to all CAM functions the DeskProto software also supports laser engraving. This video shows how you can burn a 2D vector drawing on a flat surface. The drawing that is used (SVG file) has been downloaded from Freepik.com: thanks!
You need to use a vector operation, and select a laser cutter as cutting tool to calculate the toolpaths that the laser will follow. In the video pocketing is used to completely fill a number of closed contour curves. A number of settings is available to achieve the desired blackness of the lines that are burned: feedrate, laser power, toolpath stepover and pass count.
- 00:00 - Introduction, the type of laser engraving that DeskProto offers
- 01:30 - The 2D drawing this is used
- 02:00 - Editing the SVG file was needed
- 02:28 - Start DeskProto (the Entry edition) and the wizard 'Basic Vector machining'
- 03:16 - Load the CAD data and choose the settings to be used
- 04:28 - Select a laser cutter, calculate toolpaths and check them
- 05:49 - Set the Z-height for positioning movements to 0.0
- 06:57 - Save the NC file
- 07:13 - Prepare the machine for laser engraving
- 08:45 - Open the NC file, send it to the machine and watch the laser cutting process
- 09:29 - Evaluate the results
This video has been made with the Entry edition. This is possible in all paid editions, not in the Free edition as that does not support pocketing (laser engraving is possible though).
This DeskProto video is on HD quality (1920x1080 pixels).
Subtitles are available and can be switched on, in English and in Dutch.