Changes

=== Prepare the job control file for the [[Metal Laser Cutter]] ===

=== Prepare the job control file for the [[Metal Laser Cutter]] ===

The [[Metal Laser Cutter]] uses the [[FabCreator]] software to create the job control file. Open up FabCreator, and import the DXF file that you want to create. Set the units according (inches in our case), and leave the placement boxes unchecked.

The [[Metal Laser Cutter]] uses the [[FabCreator]] software to create the job control file. You will need the DXF files for the control panels. <span style="color:#FF0000">'''

When you save them, delete the countersink circles as we don't want these cut on the laser cutter. You can also do this in FabCreator, but it is simple to do it here.'''</span> When your DXF files are ready, you should Open up FabCreator, and import the DXF file that you want to create. Set the units according (inches in our case), and leave the placement boxes unchecked.

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_import_dialog.png]]

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_import_dialog.png]]

This should bring in the control panel. <span style="color:#FF0000">'''If you have the countersink rings in your DXF, you need to remove them so that they do not get cut on the laser cutter. Just highlight them and click delete.'''</span>

This should bring in the control panel.  

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_control_panel_dxf.png|500px]]

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_control_panel_dxf.png|500px]]

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_control_panel_dxf_clean.png|500px]]

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_control_panel_dxf_clean.png|500px]]

Notice that the lines are all green - this represents cut lines, which is what we want. Click on the Properties tab. Set the Database to FL4500 (this is our machine). Set the thickness to 1/8" (.125). Change the Y size to 1.5 (I don't know that this matters, I just like to see the square match).

Notice that the lines are all green - this represents cut lines, which is what we want. However, we want to make sure that the cuts go in the proper order. Specifically, you want to make sure that the outside line is cut last so that the part doesn't move. It would also be nice if the cuts occurred in a logical order, just to make things more efficient as the head travels. The order of the cuts is based on the list in the Part window. Simply move the elements around to ensure that the list reflects, from top to bottom, the order in which you want the cuts.

 

 

Click on the Properties tab. Set the Database to FL4500 (this is our machine). Set the thickness to 1/8" (.125). Change the Y size to 1.5 (I don't know that this matters, I just like to see the square match).

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_control_panel_properties.png]]

[[Image:TV_Mood_Lamp_FabCreator_control_panel_properties.png]]