I've developed this SketchUp plugin for the enthusiast designer (somebody who can't justify expensive software for a hobby). It will allow you to use the 3D design package SketchUp (available free), along with a Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) editor like Inkscape (open source), to create 2D shapes for laser cutting or milling.
Please be aware that I'm a novice designer and Ponoko user. As I learn... you learn... Hopefully the laser cutting experts can give us novices some advice and guidance.
NOTE:
The Instructable - Designing for Ponoko Laser Cutting with SketchUp and Inkscape (a study in cubes) - is now available as the final installment.
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Signing UpStep 1: Introduction - What You Need
Let's start the tutorial process with some modest goals. We'll start with a SketchUp cube, create parts that can be laser cut, and then export these 3D parts to SVG (as 2D) by concentrating on SketchUp object faces.
The SVG file can then be imported into a Ponoko template in Inkscape, an EPS can be saved, and then uploaded to the Ponoko website for laser cutting.
You will need:
- Google SketchUp 6
- Inkscape
- A free Ponoko account
- Ponoko Starter Kit for Inkscape
- The SVG Plugin for Google Sketchup - See the readme in the zip file, or read the Wiki for installation instructions.
- Windows (XP or Vista - 32 or 64 bit) or Mac OSX (at this stage)
If you're interested in the backstory as to why I developed this plugin, then feel free to visit me at Flights of Ideas











































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And the dream of MakerBot owners everywhere...
If the problem your having is related to the installation - have a look at this updated page: http://code.google.com/p/sketchup-svg-outline-plugin/wiki/InstallPlugin
Otherwise just post the issue on http://code.google.com/p/sketchup-svg-outline-plugin/issues/list and include as much detail as you can.
Thanks.
http://downloads.sourceforge.net/inkscape/Inkscape-0.47-3.exe
For a quick work around without downloading new software - select your design once it's imported into the Ponoko template then goto Object->Transform (from the menu). Scale your design by 283.465% for both width and height. This should scale your design to the correct size.
I have an Epilog 35W laser here at the house, it's pretty kool. I got it to do odd jobs and such so my wife could work at home. The beam width is about 0.004 so if you allow that much you are fine. In reality... for wood it doesn't matter as the glue fills the pieces in well. For that matter, even in Plexiglas it doesn't make much difference unless you want the part to hold water.
If you want something cut let me know, I'll give you a good rate. (I charge about $1.00 to $1.25 a minute.) You can stop by my web page at http://rutherford-robotics.com or check out the Epilog site at http://www.epiloglaser.com/ where I got it.
I use Corel Draw to make parts, you simply set the speed and power, then hit PRINT like you would for any printer. You can also import AutoCAD files like DWG or DXF and it can also use PDF files if you have Adobe. If you need a CAD program, try this (free) one http://www.cadstd.com which will also read/output DXF if you need them.
If you are interested in some of the robot stuff we do, go to http://robomo.com and take a look. The laser is fun... you can do all sorts of stuff. (It won't cut metal however... sorry.)
Jerry
Yes, Ponoko found out about my plugin back when I was entering their competitions. They were really happy that I made it open source and provided some Instructables.
I've made a few different pieces since my early attempts with this Instructable. Have a look at my show room (one day I'll make an Instructable on one of my designs).
You don't even need SketchUp :-)
I would look at the price of raster vs. vector graphics though. Make a few different designs and upload them to get a feel for the prices. I tried a few pieces of vector art on the scraps I had for this project - let you know how it goes...
Nice present and congrats to your brother!