In New Media Development, we learned about safety and how to set up a laser/engraver file on the Epilog Helix. Our first use of the laser will be the package design we designed in Tony’s class.
Rick reviewed the rules and how to use the laser properly with the class. The workspace is 24 inches by 18 inches. This measurement means the laser/engraver area will be smaller than the workspace, so keep that in mind. Never operate while it is unattended, and do not leave the laser cutter lid open. Most importantly, only use APPROVED materials; never engrave or cut any PVC or vinyl material. Also, always use the air assist pump when cutting. There is a handout that you can read or print, showing the different materials and the settings for each material you want to use. So many options are available to choose from.
To prepare your design for the Helix, design specifics must include the following: Cut lines must have a stroke width of .001; if the line is thicker, it will be etched. Also, a 1/4 minimum margin is recommended. Projects need to be created in Illustrator or opened in Illustrator using a supported file format. Also, your artboard size needs to match the size of the material you will be lasering or etching in a Landscape orientation.
Vector lines (AI, CDR, DWG, DXF, EPS, PDF), removing the fill allow the parts to be cut out from your design. A rasterized format would include (BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, PSD, TIFF).
After all line weights and project sizes have been established, this will tell the machine which part will be cut and which will be etched if thicker than .001. Save your file in .ai format with Lastname in the file name.
Connect to the server, and move your file to RenderProjects>Rick>Student projects. On Rick’s Windows computer, after he logs in with his super secret password, you can then open the illustrator file (Note: turn off any layers and guides; otherwise, they will print if visible).
File>Print> Verify that Helix is the selected printer, and choose set up. In the general tab of the print setup window, verify Helix is the selected printer; go to preferences to adjust laser settings. Adjusting resolution, you can control your etching quality by choosing the Job type (Combined, will etch and cut, according to line thickness). Refer to the instruction sheet for speed and power for your chosen material. The piece size setting should match your artboard. Adjust focus (hard to explain on paper but easy to do) Check the send to the laser. After all the correct settings and focus are set, press ok, then print. With the computer glitch, choose setup again for the dimensions to update. When you see the file in the job window on the laser and have already set the focus, press the Play button, watch to see if the laser is firing, press pause, and restart at the beginning when firing and the laser tube is recharged. You can use a scrap piece for warming up prior to your actual project.
I am excited to try this out with my packaging project. I really enjoy learning about machines and am happy about creating using the Helix Laser/etcher this semester.
