Laser Cutting

Getting Started

Software Installation

The Boss Lasers use LaserWorks RDCAM to prepare your files for laser cutting. Please download the latest version of the software, LaserWorks v8.01, and install on your local personal computer.

For help with installation please reference the manufacturers Installation Guide. Plugins to other programs such as CorelDraw, AutoCAD, and Illustrator are provided but will not be supported for troubleshooting by Rowan Staff.

Download Sample Link (DXF), Sample Link (SLDPRT) for in class tutorials.

Full Installation Walkthrough

Download Zip File

Extract Zip File

Run Installation Executable

Allow Computer Changes

Start Installation

Click "Install"

Open Program - Type "RDWorks" in Windows Search

Configure LaserWorks for typical Rowan Engineering use

The steps below provide configuration information for LaserWorks recommending settings that students will use for most operations. The software remembers these setting after closing, so this configuration should only need to be completed once. Some of these may be set during installation, however ensure:

Config > File Para Settings
- Set DXF Unit: INCH
- Uncheck Auto close curves
- Set Unit Type: INCH
- Set Velocity Unit: mm/s
Config > Page Setting
- Set Page width: 30 in (762 mm)
- Set Page height: 16 in (406 mm)
- Set GridSpace: 1 in (25.4 mm)

Material Parameter Library Settings

Using LaserWorks

The manufacturer has provided an Operator's Manual for the LaserWorks software package. Reading up to Section 2.12 is highly recommended prior to first use. More advanced features are available in later sections of the document.

Generate Geometry

Most users will generate their 2D geometry from a SolidWorks Part file using the convenient Save As... DXF file. To accomplish this, follow the following steps:

Open a SolidWorks part file.
Ensure you have switched file units in to IPS (Inch, Pound, Second).
Select File > Save As...
On the Save Dialog Screen, change the file type to "Dxf (*.dxf)"
On the left hand panel, select "Face/Loops/Edges" and pick the face/features you would like to export. See Figure 1.
Click the green check mark to generate the preview panel
If the preview is correct, click Save.

Figure 1: Exporting a DXF from a Solidworks Part file

Program the Laser

Import DXF File
Group the imported entities
Move the part to the top right hand corner of the page
Move features to different layers as required by selecting a line then changing the color using the color toolbar at bottom left. Layers may be used to differentiate features (e.g. text, images, outlines, etc.) and vary processing modes, power, and speed settings.
Using the work palette, located top right, set the Processing Mode, Power, and Speed for each layer you have specified. Double clicking on a layer to opens the full programming palette.
Preview your program to ensure you have select the correct processing modes for each feature. Etched items show up as solid white and cut lines show up as a thin green profile.

Save the File

LaserWorks has two methods for saving a file:

File > Save As... Generates a layout file (*.rld) on your computer so that you may reopen the file you created and to make changes to the program or position.
In the lower right hand corner, on the Laser Work panel, select SaveToUFile. This generates machine code the laser will interpret to create your part will need to be copied to a USB flash drive to transfer the files to the machine. There are some caveats with placing the file on the USB drive:

The file must be located on the root of the flash drive - The machine cannot understand folder structures so do not place your file in a folder.
The filename should be unique -All file on the laser cutter must have unique names. All files are cleared from the laser cutter weekly, however you should avoid common filenames such as "default", "link", etc.
The filename should be short - The laser cutter only displays 8 characters. If you exceed 8 characters your filename will be prepended with ~!~ then only show 5 characters on the display which may make differentiating similarly named files difficult.

For any problems contact a Mechanical Engineering Technician

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