Getting Started with Laser Cutting
You can engrave photos and illustrations using the laser cutter, and have it cut along the outline. When downloading drawings and images for laser cutting projects, please observe copyright and fair use.
We highly recommend you meet with us for a 30-minute consultation before starting your laser-cutting project.
The file for engraving should be saved as png or jpg; and the outline or cut-through must be saved as svg vector file.
Photo Editing apps you can use to edit photos (for engraving):
- Photoshop (installed on the Makerspace computers, available during the operation hours)
- GIMP (Free download | Learn how to use it)
Drawing apps for creating SVG images (for cutting through and scoring):
- Illustrator (installed on the Makerspace computers, available during the operation hours)
- Inkscape (Free download | Learn how to use it. Tip: Trace Bitmap for converting an image into a vector file.)
- SVG-edit (Free open source web app) Use for basic shapes such as keychains--don't forget to also add the hole.
- Tinkercad can also be used for creating outlines. Save as an .svg.
We provide birch wood sheets (one-square-foot per sheet, 12"x12"x1/4"), and charge $5.00 per half square foot. Users may bring their own materials but must get approval from the Makerspace management for using them with our laser cutter.
Click the button below to submit your files: Laser Cutting Submission Form
The finished image must be imported into a proprietary application for laser cutting, a step done with the Makerspace staff assistance.
