Box Project

Design:

I used Inkscape to create the design for the box and used makercase.com to create the correct box dimensions for cutting on the laser. I also used different colors on the design and the box to help the laser differentiate what to raster and what to vector on the box. I was able to finish the design within a class, then I cut the box on the laser the next class. The colors needed to be different for the laser to see them and differentiate what to cut. The design with the stripes had trouble loading in Retina Engrave so I had to use a different photo. You can always improvise when you mess something up as many things are small errors in Inkscape. The design came out great when I cut it on the laser. The overlapping of the stripes with my name looked very cool on the box as well. Making sure I have all of the correct raster and vector settings before cutting on the laser was important for cutting.

This is a great project for coming up with cool designs you may have. I encourage you to be creative and create something that either you like or you think a friend would like.

Fabrication:

I used MDF as the material to cut on the laser. Also used Retina Engrave on the laptop to set the settings I wanted while rastering and vectoring on the MDF. I had a little trouble getting the settings in Retina Engrave but Mr. Cribbs was able to help and teach me about what I did wrong. Making sure the laser is aligned and that you have the correct material before beginning. Checking with another student or with a teacher is also a good idea just to make sure your settings are correct. The design came out great on the laser and I was able to put it together very quickly. Making sure all of the settings on Retina Engrave are correct is a must. Use tape over your box if you don't want any scorch marks on your text or design so that you get a flawless piece.