This workshop builds on the previous laser cut lamp workshops:

• Illustrator for Laser Workshop
• Corporate TeamBuilding Workshops - Laser Cut Lamps

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

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).

• 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.

1. Gimp for image clean-up and processing
2. Inkscape for bitmap tracing and vector editing
3. Corel Draw for final checks and laser layout.
4. Rayjet laser cutter.

• 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.

10min

• Welcome
• Demo of the laser, lamp and assembly.
• What makes a silhouette?
  • What breaks a silhouette?
• Silhouette examples..

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?

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

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.

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

Editing - 20min

• Trim the fat - be ruthless
  • small shapes won't drop out
  • complex shapes will break
  • complex shapes take too long to cut

• 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

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⁾

1. Your facilitator will cut your design on the laser cutter
2. Remove your sheet from the laser cutter
3. Vacuum loose cardboard from the laser cutter bed
4. Weed your lamp (remove cut shapes)
5. Grab a light fitting and bulb
6. Assemble
7. Take home and enjoy!

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

• Silhouette 50 Power 2 speed
• Cut 25 Power 2 Speed
• Score 15 Power 2 Speed

Created by Andrei Maberley on 2020/08/27 10:05.

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