Using Inkscape with the Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

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This page should be a tutorial on how to use our Inkscape Plugin, with screen shots, directions, caveats, etc.


Link back to [[Laser Cutter]].
The preferred method for creating files for the [[Laser Cutter]] is Inkscape  It can be downloaded here: [https://inkscape.org/en/download Inkscape].
In addition, Knox Makers has a bundle of Inkscape extensions for use with our machine.  They can be downloaded here: [https://github.com/KnoxMakers/KM-Laser KM-LASER].
In order to use the Laser Cutter, a member must be authorized through the [[Laser Operation Class]]


==Inkscape Basics==
==Inkscape Basics==
* The first thing you will need to do is create/download a design in Inkscape.   
This tutorial shows how to make simple shape in Inkscape.  It is the same tutorial that is used in the [[Laser Operation Class]].  The extensions and instructions are unique to the Knox Makers system.
** [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=inkscape+tutorials Youtube Inkscape Tutorials]
====Creating a shape====
# Open a new file in Inkscape.
# Go to Edit > Preferences and select Geometric Bounding Box (first time only)
# Create a shape (square, circle, or star button)
# Choose select tool (arrow button)
# Select your shape
# Set X and Y positions to 0 ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw6DDrSgjog Video])
# Set width and height (click padlock button to keep image proportional)
# Go to Extensions > KM LASER > HERSHEY TEXT
# Type the text into the box and click Apply
# Use the X and Y positions to center your text in your shape


 
====Setting the color of your shape to determine the level of engraving ====
* Once you have created your design you'll want to make sure all your objects are paths so all your extensions will work with them.  You can do CTRL+A to select everything then use the method in the video.
# On the bottom, to the right of the color bar is a small arrow ( < ).  Click this and select '''KM-Laser by Color'''
**[http://youtu.be/dxTmhtvMNoo Make sure your objects are paths.]
#* Clicking palate color will select object's fill color.  Shift+clicking palette will set the object's stroke color.
 
# Set your shape to black stroke with no fill.
 
# Set your text to light blue stroke with no fill.
* You'll also need to either move your design to X = 0, Y = 0 or resize the document to match your design (which essentially moves it to X = 0, Y = 0).  This way you can more accurately predict where the laser will start cutting.
#* When using the By Color option the following stroke colors translate to the labeled actions:
**[http://youtu.be/Zv7N2yBfSFA Resize your document to match your design.]
**[http://youtu.be/gw6DDrSgjog Move your design to X=0, Y=0]
 
 
*From time to time you'll end up with designs in the (root) layer instead of an actual named layer.  You'll need to fix this before turning your design to gcode.  You can just cut and paste it into an actual layer as the video shows.  Once there is nothing in the (root) it will go away.
**[http://youtu.be/RypRpm81QiY Fix designs with (root) layers]
 
 
* Setting the stroke color of the paths you want to cut/engrave will be important when you want different laser settings in one design (both engrave and cut for example).
**[http://youtu.be/o9fBSIwVvGs Setting the stroke color]
 
 
* Sizing your designs to the desired size will be important.  Here is a video on how to do that while keeping everything aligned and keeping the aspect ratio.
**[http://youtu.be/m8iAdZxmLXI Resizing your Design]
 
 
==KMLaser Bundle==
We've put together a bundle of Inkscape extensions that you might find useful.  You can download the bundle at [https://github.com/KnoxMakers/KM-Laser our github].
 
 
==Path to Gcode== 
This extension is the work horse for the bundle.  It takes the paths from your design and turns them into gcode required to run our laser cutter.  This extension is based on part of [http://www.cnc-club.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35 Gcodetools] but has been heavily altered for our purposes.
 
 
Here's a video showing how to set up the file options the first time you use Path to Gcode:
 
[http://youtu.be/2WTO7oB30-4 KMLaser: Path to Gcode File Options]
 
 
This extension lets you use different stroke colors to represent different laser powers (cut, engrave(heavy), engrave(light)).  Here's a video showing the use of the By Color presets option:
 
[http://youtu.be/XYkYeYYVZeM KMLaser: Path to Gcode By Color]
 
 
When using the By Color option the following stroke colors translate to the labeled actions:


{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"
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|}
|}


'''NOTICE: When setting the hex values in Inkscape, the value is actually RGBA which has an alpha (opacity) value at the end so you will need to add an ff to the end of the values above.
====Creating Path to Gcode====
'''
([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYkYeYYVZeM Video tutorial])
# Make sure none of your items are selected.  (You be sure by going to Edit > Select All and then Edit > Deselect)
# Go to Extensions > KM LASER > Output: GCode File
# Under tab File Options, choose your path (first time only) and filename
# Under tab Preset Values, choose your Material and select Power: By Color
# Click Apply
# When it is finished outputting, the window will not close, but a green box will be on your picture.


==Hatch Fill==
====Uploading your file====
This extension allows you to fill in any closed figure in your design with lines or crossed lines.  This is useful when you want to engrave an entire area within your design.  This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions.
# Go to goldfinger.knoxmakers.org
# Choose your account (or create one if you haven't yet)
# Upload your file to your account




Here's a quick video on how to use it:


[http://youtu.be/qdIjZXzT-QE KMLaser: Hatch Fill]
==KM Laser Extension==
The KM Laser Extension has a few tools to use to make some fun projects.


====Hatch Fill====
This extension allows you to fill in any closed figure in your design with lines or crossed lines.  This is useful when you want to engrave an entire area within your design.  This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions.


==Hershey Text==
Video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHNXW9Z_sps KMLaser Hatch Fill]
 
====Hershey Text====
Hershey Text produces single-stroke text that is appropriate for cnc engraving or plotters.  This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions.
Hershey Text produces single-stroke text that is appropriate for cnc engraving or plotters.  This extension is based on part of the [https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/downloads/ eggbot] extensions.


Video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHNXW9Z_sps KMLaser Hershey Text]


Here is a quick video on the difference between it and Inkscape fonts:
====Tabbed Box Maker====
 
[http://youtu.be/sHNXW9Z_sps KMLaser: Hershey Text]
 
 
 
==Tabbed Box Maker==
This extension creates the paths necessary to cut out tabbed boxes.  This extension is based of the extension you can find [http://www.keppel.demon.co.uk/111000/111000.html here].
This extension creates the paths necessary to cut out tabbed boxes.  This extension is based of the extension you can find [http://www.keppel.demon.co.uk/111000/111000.html here].


 
Video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bO78aQghv8 KM Laser Tabbed Box Maker]
Here's a quick video on how to use it:
 
[http://youtu.be/3bO78aQghv8 KMLaser: Tabbed Box Maker]

Latest revision as of 18:02, 18 April 2017

The preferred method for creating files for the Laser Cutter is Inkscape It can be downloaded here: Inkscape. In addition, Knox Makers has a bundle of Inkscape extensions for use with our machine. They can be downloaded here: KM-LASER. In order to use the Laser Cutter, a member must be authorized through the Laser Operation Class

Inkscape Basics

This tutorial shows how to make simple shape in Inkscape. It is the same tutorial that is used in the Laser Operation Class. The extensions and instructions are unique to the Knox Makers system.

Creating a shape

  1. Open a new file in Inkscape.
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences and select Geometric Bounding Box (first time only)
  3. Create a shape (square, circle, or star button)
  4. Choose select tool (arrow button)
  5. Select your shape
  6. Set X and Y positions to 0 (Video)
  7. Set width and height (click padlock button to keep image proportional)
  8. Go to Extensions > KM LASER > HERSHEY TEXT
  9. Type the text into the box and click Apply
  10. Use the X and Y positions to center your text in your shape

Setting the color of your shape to determine the level of engraving

  1. On the bottom, to the right of the color bar is a small arrow ( < ). Click this and select KM-Laser by Color
    • Clicking palate color will select object's fill color. Shift+clicking palette will set the object's stroke color.
  2. Set your shape to black stroke with no fill.
  3. Set your text to light blue stroke with no fill.
    • When using the By Color option the following stroke colors translate to the labeled actions:
Color Action
#000000 Cut
#ff0000 Cut
#0000ff Engrave (Heavy)
#00ffff Engrave (Light)

Creating Path to Gcode

(Video tutorial)

  1. Make sure none of your items are selected. (You be sure by going to Edit > Select All and then Edit > Deselect)
  2. Go to Extensions > KM LASER > Output: GCode File
  3. Under tab File Options, choose your path (first time only) and filename
  4. Under tab Preset Values, choose your Material and select Power: By Color
  5. Click Apply
  6. When it is finished outputting, the window will not close, but a green box will be on your picture.

Uploading your file

  1. Go to goldfinger.knoxmakers.org
  2. Choose your account (or create one if you haven't yet)
  3. Upload your file to your account


KM Laser Extension

The KM Laser Extension has a few tools to use to make some fun projects.

Hatch Fill

This extension allows you to fill in any closed figure in your design with lines or crossed lines. This is useful when you want to engrave an entire area within your design. This extension is based on part of the eggbot extensions.

Video: KMLaser Hatch Fill

Hershey Text

Hershey Text produces single-stroke text that is appropriate for cnc engraving or plotters. This extension is based on part of the eggbot extensions.

Video: KMLaser Hershey Text

Tabbed Box Maker

This extension creates the paths necessary to cut out tabbed boxes. This extension is based of the extension you can find here.

Video: KM Laser Tabbed Box Maker

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