KSA FAB LAB > Laser Cutters > ULS Laser Cutter

Software Options

This document describes how various software packages can be used to prepare data for the ULS laser cutter.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is frequently used to send data to the laser cutter, even if their models have been prepared in other software packages such as FormZ or Rhino. This process takes advantage of the fact that the laser cutter is essentially a pen plotter, and AutoCAD has extensive plot capabilities that mesh well with the laser cutter.

Vector data of any kind can usually be exported to a DXF file, which is then read into AutoCAD, given its final formatting, and sent to the laser cutter.

When preparing your data in AutoCAD, please keep the following points in mind:

• Do not plot using a layout
  While in many cases the use of a layout is considered good practice when plotting from AutoCAD, in practice the laser cutter has proven easier to use when plotting directly from model space. To plot using a specific scale, draw a 24"x12" rectangle in your model space on a non-printing layer, and then scale that rectangle using the scale of your model (if you want a 1/8"=1' scale, your rectangle will end up being 192' by 96' in size)
• Use only the basic AutoCAD colors
  This is covered in more detail in the background information, but AutoCAD works best when you stick to one of the major colors (red, blue, green, etc) instead of using color 238, for example.
• Explicitly define your line settings
  This is also covered in the background information; do not rely on AutoCAD's "ByLayer" property to assign your line qualities. While this is good CAD practice in many contexts, in practice the laser cutter has not been able to reliably determine a line's characteristics from its associated layer. Instead, explicitly assign your colors and line thicknesses to each line.
• Read and follow the AutoCAD-specific instructions
  These instructions were written by Universal Laser Systems specifically for people wanting to plot to their laser cutters from AutoCAD.

FreeHand

FreeHand is frequently used by students who want to combine raster and vector work in their plot, as FreeHand has better capabilities for processing raster images than does AutoCAD.

When preparing your data in FreeHand, please keep the following points in mind:

• Plot from a 24" x 12" page
  Even if your document (or your material) is not that large, defining your FreeHand page size as the maximum plot area will give you the best control over where your document will be plotted.
• Explicitly set your line widths to "0" thickness for vector output
  This is covered in more detail in the background information, but FreeHand will only output lines in vector format if they have 0 thickness. You will need to type "0" (zero) into the thickness prompt to achieve this - selecting the smallest size from the dropdown ("hairline") will still cause FreeHand to print the line as raster data.

Illustrator

Illustrator has only recently been introduced into the school network, but as it is analogous to FreeHand, the same principles should apply when trying to plot to the laser cutter from Illustrator.

Photoshop

Photoshop is useful for plotting files that are entirely raster-based; if you have any need for vector information, please consider using another program.

When preparing your data in Photoshop, please keep the following points in mind:

• There is no need to pad your image
  This is unlike FreeHand, where we recommend you set your page size to 24" x 12" no matter how big your data or material is. Photoshop gives you better control at the print setup stage, specifically at the "Print With Preview" window.

Other Programs

If you are producing your project using a program not listed here, please consider exporting your data to one of these programs before sending it to the laser cutter. If this is not possible, proceed with caution - and remember that the laser cutter is very analogous to an old-style pen plotter. You will need to set up your print settings accordingly.

Questions?

If you have any questions about anything contained in these documents, please contact Matt Bernhardt at bernhardt.7@osu.edu, or 614.292.7595.