DOWNLOAD
Download the laser cutting file template from the JUNO server. Go to “Start”, “Run”. In the “Open” field, type “\\JUNO” and left-click “OK”. In the JUNO folder double-click on the “Public” folder and then double-click on the “Laser Cuter” folder. Open or download the file named “Laser Cutter File.dwg”.
DRAWING
You must either draw your parts to be cut in this drawing, or cut and paste parts from another file into this file.
Parts pasted into the drawing will retain their original layer names. You must place these parts onto their new appropriate layers and delete the old layers.
The “0” layer represents the laser’s maximum bed size of 32” x 18”.
All parts must be placed within the dotted lines of the “Bleed_Boundary” layer.
ALTERING THE TEMPLATE FILE
You may not alter the size of the rectangle in the “0” layer.
You must use the layers provided (i.e., all parts to be cut must be placed on the red cut layer, all parts to be scored must be placed on the blue vector score layer).
You may make additional layers named “innercut03”, innercut04”, etc. as needed.
You may make copies of the 32” x 18” box in the “0” layer for larger files or for files with multiple materials.
THOU SHALL NOTS . . .
Thou shall not use this file for anything but laser cutting. (Plotting from this file will embed information that conflicts with the laser drivers.)
Thou shall not scale the original page layout.
Thou shall not come to the laser cutter with any AutoCAD file formatted in any way other than described above. You will be turned away.
AutoCAD Tips
AutoCAD Versions 2006 and earlier are supported.
All parts to be cut in AutoCAD must be brought to the laser using the Laser Cutting Template available on the JUNO server.
• Please read the “Working with the AutoCAD Laser Cutter File” for complete information.
• Please note that if you do not use the Laser Cutting Template, the laser operator will not cut your files.
Erase all stray lines.
Remove all overlapping and duplicate lines. The laser will double cut overlapping lines with very negative results.
For smoother cuts, all continuous line segments should be joined using the PEDIT/JOIN command.
All line widths should remain at zero thickness. If you want scored lines to be thicker, do multiple .004” offsets.
• If this is unacceptable, the laser system is capable of engraving virtually any thickness line. However, this involves raster engraving rather than vector scoring and requires considerably more time.
The laser’s kerf is approximately .008” centered on the drawn line. This will cause the parts that are cut to be slightly smaller than what is drawn. This fact is normally insignificant, but if it is critical to your work, please make a note of it.
The rule of thumb for spacing between discrete parts is to allow at least half of the thickness of the material between relatively parallel cuts, particularly on acrylics.
• For example, if you are using ¼” acrylic, allow 1/8” spacing between individual parts.
Use only the seven standard colors: red, yellow, green, cyan, blue and white.
Draw everything in AutoCAD. Files drawn in other programs that are then imported or pasted into AutoCAD will cause problems.