Full Version: Lasering multiples at once
From: Webquest [#1]
8 Sep 2006
To: ALL
Is there a nightly limit to the number of dumb questions?
Is there a down and dirty way in X3 to set up one job (a golf divot repair tool in this case with a page size set to the actual dimension of the tool) stack 4 or 5 of them in the laser vertically, and tell Corel to go down and do each one? Is there an easy way to do this without creating some kind of template? I thought I saw a tutorial one time where this was done but I can't seem to find it.
Thanks!
From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#2]
8 Sep 2006
To: Webquest [#1] 9 Sep 2006
Mr. Quest,
The most efficient way to do multiples is to make a template.
We simply made our Chewbarka divot tool template out of 1/4" plywood, marking the positions of each piece. The CorelDRAW file was then saved, and saved AGAIN under a new name (such as "divot tool working copy").
To run the parts, we simply put the text/graphics in the CD template (which now shows the exact location of each part).
If you set up your page size to be the same as an individual tool, there's no way (that I know of) to tell the laser to move to another location to engrave a separate "page".
Why wouldn't you want to create a template for multiples? If you're fairly proficient with CorelDRAW, it should only take a few minutes to do.
I hope this helps!
Cody
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3]
9 Sep 2006
To: Webquest [#1] 9 Sep 2006
Adding to the last post.
Click on the background page and the toolbar will show an offset set of parameters. Set X to something more than the width of the tool. If the tool is 1.25" set it to something convenient like 1.5". Set Y to 0.00.
After the first image of the tool is in place use Ctrl-D to duplicate it at that distance. Follow the instructions in the previous post to make the template and set up the engraving.
Doing them horizontally will save a lot of time rather than vertically in the engraving. Again the acceleration/deceleration time.
EDITED: 9 Sep 2006 by HARVEY-ONLY
From: bobkat [#4]
9 Sep 2006
To: Webquest [#1] 9 Sep 2006
From: Webquest [#5]
9 Sep 2006
To: bobkat [#4] 9 Sep 2006
Wow. Now you've REALLY lost me!
Why would you have to re-focus? Wouldn't the focus be the same regardless of where on the flat table the item is located?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6]
9 Sep 2006
To: Webquest [#5] 9 Sep 2006
Your reference to stacking vertically, sounded as if the pieces are placed on top of each other, like a stack of CDs.
That's the way I originally understood it.
We know that's not the case, but if it were, refocusing would be necessary for each piece.
EDITED: 9 Sep 2006 by DGL
From: Webquest [#7]
9 Sep 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 9 Sep 2006
Sorry about that!
I meant vertically down the tray, versus horizontally across. I may be somewhat inept, but I wouldn't try to stack them!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
9 Sep 2006
To: Webquest [#7] 9 Sep 2006
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#9]
9 Sep 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 9 Sep 2006
Yes, but, depending on the laser and controlling software, that could be done 'automagically' without user intervention.
From: bluepaw [#10]
9 Sep 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 9 Sep 2006
You know I have been copying and pasteing for years and never thought to check for a better way. I do this almost every day. I guess the saying that you can't teach an old dog new tricks is not true since you just taught me one that will save a great deal of time (and I am definitly and old dog).
Thanks Harvey,
Bill
From: bobkat [#11]
9 Sep 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 9 Sep 2006
That entirely depends on the size of the engraving in relation to the size of the piece. If you have a small engraving in the center of a large piece, you are better off to engrave them one at a time, than several at once across the page (along the X axis). Crossing over large areas of the page with no engraving is often worse than the accel/decel problem. You might also find that a speed of 75% is actually faster than a speed of 100% due to over-travel of the optics past the engraved area.
From: bobkat [#12]
9 Sep 2006
To: Webquest [#5] Unread
You would be surprised what some people will try!
After reading the other posts, I realize that "vertical" (as in z axis) is not what was meant. One at a time engraving can be accomplished in multiples by arranging the artwork in a line in the Y axis. Use the transform command, and you can make as many as you need in the x or y axis. You must make the page size the same as your table size. If you have a laser like my last one (from the company which will remain nameless), and you make a template, by the time you need to use it again, your home position has changed, rendering your template useless. To avoid templates altogether, put paper or cardboard on your table and lightly scribe your part locations on it, place your parts in the outlines and laser them; they will be spot-on. This also helps if the parts vary slightly, you can "eyeball" them to get them centered properly.
From: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#13]
9 Sep 2006
To: Webquest [#1] Unread
You might want to test your setting on just one item.
Hope this didn't confuse you more.
Dave
From: logojohn [#14]
9 Sep 2006
To: ALL
It is called copy XY and will duplicate selected text/objects and you can enter the x and y offset amounts to match the layout to how they are placed in the laser.
Didn't see the brand of laser you have. Some have a box you can check that says laser as individual lines. You can set up several pieces but it will
laser each line individually so won't travel across the blank space between items.
.
EDITED: 9 Sep 2006 by LOGOJOHN
From: Laser Image (LASERIMAGE) [#15]
9 Sep 2006
To: ALL