Layered Landscape With the Glowforge Laser Cutter

In this project, I created a Layered Landscape using the Glowforge Laser Cutter. This is the second version of the landscape after creating it in paper. Check out that tutorial HERE. I fabricated the landscape out of 2.8mm MDF This was an example project for my HS Digital Fabrication course for studnets to follow as they create their own Layered Landscapes.

Step 1: Save As SVG

In Illustrator, press File > Save as. . .

Save the drawing as an SVG file (this is the vectorfile type that the Glowforge needs)

Pro Tip:

Take some time in Illustrator to organize your layers. This can be helpful to you as you manipulate the drawing in the Glowforge app.

In particular, separate each vector into one of 3 layers: CUT, SCORE, and ETCH. You can even color each layer in different ways to eunsure your project will come out right.

Check out the attached PDF for more.

HowToLaserCut.pdf
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Step 2: Upload to Glowforge

Go to app.glowforge.com and log into your account.

Press "Create" to make a new design and upload your SVG file.

Step 3: Organize Your Layers

You need to tell the laser what to do with each vector line.

Select the vector shape in your layers panel on the left side of your screen. Then choose which action you want the machine to preform.

CUT : Will cut the piece out of the material. MUST BE A CLOSED VECTOR
SCORE : Traces vector line and darkens material
ETCH : Darkens entire FILL area of drawing. MUST BE A CLOSED VECTOR

Repeat this for all of your vector shapes.

Step 4: Chage the Laser Settings

First, set the material thickness to 2.8mm.

Select the vector shape in your layers panel on the left side of your screen. Start with each shape to be CUT.

Select the Manual Settings option and type in the Speed and Power settings for a CUT operation.

CUT Speed : 175
CUT Power : Full

Repeat this for the SCORE and ETCH operations, using the image above with settings.

Step 5: Prepare the Material

Once the Glowforge settins are ready, select the sheet of material for the laser cutter.

Pro Tip

You can add tape to the surface of the material to avoid burn marks. This can cause the SCORE and ETCH to be lighter than without tape so you may need to increase the power or decrease the speed.