Laser cut lampshade - FOSS staff edition

This workshop builds on the previous laser cut lamp workshops:

Illustrator for Laser Workshop

Corporate TeamBuilding Workshops - Laser Cut Lamps

Staff Version

This version runs in two hours (as opposed to four) for SLQ internal staff, with a focus on using algorithmic methods to extract patterns.

Rationale

Running workshops for SLQ staff is to:

increase awareness and knowledge of The Edge programming

invite feedback and participation

include an introduction to Free and Open Source Software(FOSS).

Outcomes

Basic bitmap image processing using GIMP.

Bitmap to vector conversion using Inkscape.

Preparation for Laser Cutting using Corel Draw.

Assembly and take-home of a laser cut lamp.

Tools

Gimp for image clean-up and processing

Inkscape for bitmap tracing and vector editing

Corel Draw for final checks and laser layout.

Rayjet laser cutter.

Materials and Resources

A selection of public domain images sourced from the metmuseum, found under silhouttes.

Corel Draw template for the lamp outline.

One 720 x 430mm sheet of 3mm single ply cardboard

One Strala

One Ryet or similiar.

Workshop Outline

10min

Welcome

Demo of the laser, lamp and assembly.

What makes a silhouette?

What breaks a silhouette?

Silhouette examples..

Is this a Silhouette?

FOSS

Intro to designing for Laser cutting in FOSS - 10min

What is FOSS.

When to use FOSS

When to use non-FOSS

What is GIMP and Inkscape?

What is Coreldraw?

Pick a Silhouette

The workshop as a whole chooses an artwork for all particpants to work on.

Use theses rules to inform your choice.

5 minutes cutting per lamp

One feature per lamp

other panels can be blank or windowed

Introduction to Gimp

Basic bitmap processing to produce a two colour image - 15 min

Open chosen image in GIMP

Selection and Navigation tools

crop

brightness and contrast

Blur and unsharp

convert to grayscale

posertize

export as a jpg.

Introduction to Inkscape

Import to Inkscape and Convert to Vectors - 20 min

Selection and Navigation tools

Trace bitmap tool

select best single scan method

adjust options (speckles, corners and paths)

Process and close

Export as PDF

Prepare for Cut in Corel Draw

Editing - 20min

Trim the fat - be ruthless

small shapes won't drop out

complex shapes will break

complex shapes take too long to cut

Process

Grab the template and open in CorelDraw.

Import your artwork PDF

Get familiar with the selection and navigation tools

Scale your artwork up to reduce complexity

Use the shaping controls to trim or cut by combining shapes

Use the Shape tool (F10) to

access individual points to correct glitches

reduce nodes (in the menu bar)

use the curve smoothness slider (in the menu bar)

Drag your artwork to a panel

Laser Ready checks

Check all colours are on the rayjet pallete

Check line widths are all hairline

Save your design as a CDR (CorelDraw) file onto the facilitators USB stick. AS VERSION 171) the laser cutter PC uses version 17 of Corel Draw

Cutting and Assembly

Your facilitator will cut your design on the laser cutter

Remove your sheet from the laser cutter

Vacuum loose cardboard from the laser cutter bed

Weed your lamp (remove cut shapes)

Grab a light fitting and bulb

Assemble

Take home and enjoy!

Files

Pre-packed zip file containing raw jpgs, GIMP and Inkscape files.

Laser settings

Silhouette 50 Power 2 speed

Cut 25 Power 2 Speed

Score 15 Power 2 Speed