In this intructable, I will explain how to make a laser-etched coaster in plexiglass with a design of your choice.

Step 1: Download the Software

Download Inkscape and XQuartz for Mac computers. Both of these programs must be installed to properly design for laser etching.

Download and install XQuartz from xquartz.macosforge.org.
Specific instructions on installing XQuartz and support are found at the XQuartz web site.
Restart your computer or log out and back in to complete the XQuartz installation.
Add Inkscape to your Applications folder, and run Inkscape.

Step 2: Design Image in Inkscape

Choose a design that you wish to be laser-etched into the coaster. If drawing the design, this can be done directly in the software. If importing a design, choose file--import image.
Once the design is in the software, place a circle around the chosen design. (This will be the outline that the laser will cut out for the coaster.
- Download the final design (with the circle) as an SVG file and download a separate file of just the circle as an SVG file.

I emailed the two SVG files to the PC that is connected to the Rayjet laser cutter.
Vectors are added around the circle in Corel Draw to cut out the perimeter of the coaster.

Using the PC connected to the Rayjet laser cutter, send the file to the laser cutter.
- The laser cutter should be set at 57% power and 100% speed for etching and 60% power and 1% speed for cutting to ensure that the coaster is cut out of the plexiglass.
  - The plexiglass is considered a plastic and is 0.08-inch acrylic material.
- The resolution of the image is 500 dpi.
After the design is finished being laser cut, lift the lid and pop out your new coaster!