Laser Cutter

(Trotec Rayjet 50 Laser Engraver)


1. Search for Your Image(s)

  • Black and white images work the best!
  • Try to avoid gray shading.
  • Vector images (.svg) are best!


2. Create your project using Inkscape (a Free open-source vector graphics program)

1. Download Inkscape on your laptop. (To check for your version, go to Control Panel > System.)

2. Start Inkscape.

3. Set up your page to match the size of the laser cutter bed. File > Document Properties:

  • General Display Units: Inches
  • Custom Size: Width = 18"

Height = 12"

Units: Inches

4. Draw the shape of your material that you are engraving. Example, for a rectangular shaped piece of wood, click on the rectangles and squares icon. Move your cursor to your document area. Click and drag to create a rectangular shape.

5. Your shape may be filled in gray. Click on white at the bottom of your screen to have no fill.

6. Size your object. Set the width and height at the top.

7. Move your object to the top left corner of your shape. (Be sure to click on the Arrow icon to select and transform your object.

8. Add text. Click on the A icon to select Create and edit text objects. Move your cursor inside your object. Begin typing. If your text is small, select View > Zoom > Zoom 2:1. To change your font type and size, click Text > Text and font. Be sure to click Apply and Close to save your changes.

9. Add your graphic(s). File > Import. (Click on the Arrow icon, then click on your graphic to select, size and move it.)

10. Save your project. File > Save As.

11. Export your completed project. File > Export PNG Image > Page > Apply > Close.

3. Engrave/Cut YOur Material

1. Turn on the laser cutter. (Switch is on the right, back side.)

2. Turn on the exhaust system. (The laser cutter is sitting on the exhaust. Press and hold the button on the front of the exhaust system.)

3. A few things to keep in mind:

  • The honeycomb tray is needed only when cutting. (It reduces the laser's flashback to protect the table.) Your design must be outlined in red to indicate where the laser should CUT your material.
  • Do not use PVC! A list of approved materials can be found here: https://www.rayjetlaser.com/en-us/range-of-applications
  • The laser cutter will not work unless the lid is closed.
  • No protective eyewear is needed.
  • The red beam indicates where the laser will cut/engrave.

4. Set your material you are engraving or cutting in the top left corner of the laser cutter table.

5. Calibrate the Focus before you engrave or cut. Press the Z button to move the table up. Hang the calibrating tool on the ledge of the laser tray. Continue to press the Z button to move the table up until the calibrating tool falls off. This video (at about 12:00) demonstrates how to do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GACJX8HQ2dk

6. Connect your laptop to the laser cutter via the USB cable.

7. Make sure your project is open in Inkscape. Select File > Print > Rayjet Engraver 2.4.0 > Preferences.

8. Materials:

Material Selection: Select your material.

Intensity: Should automatically be set based on your material.

Next

9. Settings:

Engraving Direction: Bottom Up

Cutting Table: Click in the box to add a check mark.

Next

10. Summary: Display of your choices for Materials and Settings. Click Software Print Button.

11. Click the right arrow.

12. Click Apply > Print.

13. In the bottom right corner of your taskbar, click the up arrow to select Show hidden icons. Select the Rayjet Mini-manager. (It takes a few seconds to load.)

14. Your job is shown in the display window in the bottom center. Click Print to start the engraving/cutting job!

Note: If you need to cancel the engraving/printing, tap the pause button on the Rayjet. To reset the laser to the upper left corner, in the Rayjet Mini-manager, click the Laser tab > Select Move Home to reset the laser.

Additional Resources

Contacts

Trainer: Joshua Stephens - jstephens@lasers-plus.com, https://lasers-plus.com/

Local Sales Rep: Tracy Tomes - tracy.tomes@troteclaser.com


Product Suppliers

Trotec Materials - https://www.engraving-supplies.com/ - Check out the TroLase Reverse Laminate materials

JDS Industries - https://www.jdsindustries.com/

Webstraurant Store - https://www.webstaurantstore.com/

Johnston Plastics - https://www.jpplus.com/

Colorado Heirloom - https://www.coloradoheirloom.com/

Laser Sketch - good for marble, brick, granite - https://www.lasersketch.com/

Inventables - https://www.inventables.com/

The Foam Factory - https://www.thefoamfactory.com/ - Closed Cell Foam - Use Polyethylene, not neoprene