Inkscape Tutorial: Prepare your files for laser cutting

This tutorial is for laser cutting enthusiasts and new-comers. It will give you tips to prepare your files for laser cutting. Inkscape is a free and open source vector graphics editor. Its cross-platform support means that you can use it whatever your operating system; the fact that it’s free makes it ideal for those on a budget. For the purposes of this tutorial we’ll be using the metric system and MDF at 3 mm thickness, but if you’re using different units or a different material, simply look up the appropriate values in our Materials Catalogue and substitute them.  

Key values for MDF 3 mm thick:

  • Kerf: 0.16 mm
  • Maximum Size: 940 x 590 mm
  • Minimum Safe Line Spacing: 1 mm
Throughout the tutorial, you will learn:
  • To customize your document properties on Inkskape
  • Some tips for Laser Cutting
  • To export your file and upload it onto our platform
Once you have built your file, you can upload it on our website and laser cut it!

Summary​

1. Laser Cutting with Inkscape: Customizing your Document Properties on Inkscape

  • 1.1. Customizing the Units
  • 1.2. Customizing the Page Size
  • 1.3. Customizing the Grid
  • 1.4. Customizing the Stroke Units

2. Laser Cutting with Inkscape: Tips for Laser Cutting

  • 2.1. Taking the Kerf into account on Inkscape
  • 2.2. Respecting our Maximum Size for Laser Cutting
  • 2.3. Minimum Safe Line Spacing
  • 2.4. Avoiding Superimposed Lines
  • 2.5. One useful Inkscape tool: Snapping
  • 2.6. How to treat Texts for Laser Cutting

3. Laser Cutting with Inkscape: Saving your File and Importing it onto our Laser Cutting Platform

  • 3.1. Saving Your File
  • 3.2. Upload your Design on our Platform and check the Scale
Tutorial Part #1