Fabrication

Installation of support files

1. Download the attached Engraver CAD support files
2. Unzip the file to your desktop
3. Open the Windows Control Panel and view by large icons
4. Open Autodesk Plot Style Manager
5. Copy the CTB file you extracted to this window
6. In the address bar click plotters
7. Copy the PC3 file to this window
8. In the address bar click Autodesk then open the Templates folder
9. Copy the DWT file to this window

It is strongly recommended that you use either the Eiplog template by clicking New in AutoCAD and selecting the template or use the Epilog setup.dwg file that was extracted from the Zip.

Document Setup

1. For ease of management place all lines to be cut on a separate layer from the lines to be drawn. Cut lines should be “Red” and score lines should be “Blue” 
   1. If you are cutting contours for a topo model put your odd contours and your even contours on two different layers
2. With the support files from above installed. Modify the Layout so that the Printer/Plotter is Epilog Engraver W32.pc3, the Plot Style Table is epilog.ctb, and Drawing Orientation is Portrait
3. Modify your viewport size to equal the size of your materials and place it in the upper left corner of the page
4. Place your viewport on a separate layer from your score and cut layers and set that layer to not print​

Sending the document to the Engraver

1. In the Print/Plot window verify that the Printer/Plotter is Epilog Engraver W32.pc3, the Plot Style Table is epilog.ctb, and Drawing Orientation is Portrait
2. Click on the Printer/Plotter Properties button, then the Custom Properties button
3. On the first tab (General) make sure that Auto Focus is unchecked, the Job Type is Vector, and the page size is 36x36
4. On the Color Mapping tab move the score color above the cut color and set the proper settings for your colors
5. Click OK to exit the Epilog window and OK to exit the Plotter Configuration Editor,  at the prompt for Changes to a Printer Configuration select Save changes to  the following file and click OK
6. Click OK to send the job to the engraver

Acceptable Materials

• Paper >=28#
• Chipboard - up to 1/8”
• Museum board
• Corrugated cardboard
• Untreated hardwoods (birch, oak, ash) (Note: Discoloration of the wood near the cut/engrave site should be expected. Use of acrylic or latex paints is allowed, but no oil based paint or stain.)
• Basswood
• Hardwood Plywood up to 1/2” (Note: Glue Pockets will prevent complete cut through some areas.)
• Glass (engraving only)
• Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylic

Cutting and engraving these materials releases a strong odor.  Persons with sensitive respiratory systems are advised to stay away from their use.

Unacceptable Materials

• PCV or any materials containing PVC
• Pine boards
• Foam Board/Gator Board
• Metals
• Anything NOT listed under Acceptable Materials

If you want to use a material that is not listed, please consult with the Tech Staff before you start cutting.

Materials Preparation

Use flat materials only. Surfaces that are not flat may block the movement of the laser head assembly or the airflow of the nose cone, both of which may damage the laser cutter.  Non-flat materials also will not cut/engrave properly due to the changing focal length across the material.

Science Library Makerspace

Notes for jobs sent from AutoCAD

• Only CAD shx fonts will engrave (the fonts with the compass next to them) the True Type fonts (those with TT next to them) will be ignored
• All jobs MUST BE sent from paper space
• The page MUST BE square with Portrait orientation
• Orient your viewport(s) to the top left of the paper space. The viewport border will be treated as a cut line. To avoid cutting the border place it on a separate layer that is turned off
• All line work must be polylines
• For ease of management place all lines to be cut on a separate layer from the lines to be drawn. Cut lines should be “BLUE” and score lines should be “RED” 
• You can engrave/cut the full 36” width by setting up your paper space layout as 36”x36” and placing your viewport(s) no lower than 23.99” from the top of the page
• It is recommended that you use these CAD files the attached CAD files to properly setup your job