Versa Tutorial

Prepare your file in illustrator

Transfer your file via a USB stick to the laptop next to the laser cutter. Open your file in Illustrator (Inkscape does not communicate with the laser cutter properly).

Set the stroke width and color properties of the lines in your design. If the stroke or color toolbars are not already open, you can access them at "Window->color" and "Window->stroke".

Stroke width

0.001 in

Cut line

R = 255, G = 0, B = 0

engrave line

R = 0, G = 0, B = 255

send your file to the laser cutter software

Once you've set the correct stroke properties, go to "File->Print" to send your file to the laser cutter software. The following pop-up window will appear (shown to the left). Select "Print" without changing any of the default settings.

Turn on the laser cutter

Press the power button on the laser cutter. If the laser cutter does not turn on, check that the laser cutter is connected to the computer via the USB cable, as shown below.

Measure your material thickness

Use calipers to measure the thickness of the material you want to cut. The laser may be out of focus and cut poorly if you don't enter the correct thickness.

Place your material in the laser cutter bed

launch laser cutter software

Click on the "Laser Cutter Control Panel" icon (red square with white diamond) to open the laser cutter software.

select your cut location

Click on the focus view icon to move the laser cutter head. A blue circle/cross will appear on the software representing the virtual location of the laser head. Open the door of the laser cutter to be able to see a red laser pointer, indicating the location of the laser head. Click on the four corners of your part in the software and watch the red laser pointer move. Ensure that the pointer remains on your material at all corners to avoid cutting off your material.

select cut settings

In order to access the cut settings, select the Pan Icon. A settings button will appear, as shown to the left.

In the materials section, select the material that corresponds to what you want to cut. For duron, use "Medium Density Fiberboard." Enter the material thickness you measured with calipers.

Select "Apply"

start your cut

Click the green button to start your print. Remain next to the laser cutter during the entirety of your cut. Be aware that the laser cutter may generate a small flame if the wrong settings are used or the lenses are dirty. Stop the laser cutter if the flame persists.

After your cut, wait for fumes to disperse inside the laser cutter bed before opening the door and retrieving your part.

turn off the laser cutter when you're finished!

Report abuse