You need to use software that will convert your design ideas into files that CNC laser cutters understand. SendCutSend will make your parts from 2D vector graphics in 1:1 scale in the. dxf or .dwg format. What if you make your parts yourself on your laser?
This article will cover the most common software options available and what you should look for.
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How does laser cutting software work?
Laser cutting software can be viewed from two different perspectives. You can use software to create designs. There’s also software that tells the laser cutter how to cut out your design. Some software can do both design and laser instructions.
The typical workflow would begin with a design program to create the desired shape, export it in the appropriate format, and import it into a laser instructions software to set up the cut process. The instructions file, which is usually called gcode, then goes to the laser cutter, and the parts are cut.
Design Software
It shouldn’t be a surprise that they all operate differently. You can create a design in some software by drawing 2D vector shapes such as lines, curves, and basic polygons. Add, subtract, and manipulate the shapes in different ways to get your desired design. You can create 3-dimensional models in other software using sketches, extrusions, and sweeps. All of these programs have the same goal, which is to export your design in a laser-cutting format. Usually, it’s a 2D vector graphic file.
Laser Controlling Software
The laser control software tells the laser to cut your design. This can include the tool paths, the speed of the laser, the power output, the order in which the lines should be cut, and where to begin and stop the cuts (lead-in and lead-out). The software creates a G-code file, which is a simple list of machine commands the machine can understand and follow.
SendCutSend will take care of the cutting part so that you can focus on your design. You may need to use compatible software if you own your laser. Although most CNC machines operate using some form of G-code, not all are compatible.
What Features Should Laser Cutting Software Include?
Image Format Support
You want to be in a position to import designs into software that cannot create them. Be sure that the formats of your design software are compatible with the formats of your g-code software. Conducted, as mentioned above, requires the DXF or formats. Some g-code software will only accept vector files. Others may accept raster images, such as bitmaps made up of pixels.
Platform Compatibility
Software and hardware must be compatible. If we are doing the cutting, we have provided you with guidelines and acceptable formats. It’s best to use the software that the laser manufacturer recommends or one compatible with your laser. The majority of machines that can read G-code require it to be formatted in a specific way. Some machines cannot understand certain commands or require specific information to be placed at the start or end of a G-code.
Specific Requirements
Software requirements should not only be determined by exporting the correct formats but also based on the specific needs of the user. Some software is better at certain tasks. You may find that the software you are already familiar with is the best option for you. Consider the type of project you will be designing. It doesn’t matter if a software can do both design as well as g-code.
The Best Laser Cutting Design Software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based program that has been a leader in the industry for many decades. AI is a well-known software for those in the graphic design or industrial design fields.
Adobe’s Laser-Cutting Design Software is a great choice due to its stable nature, robust features, and the support it receives from one of the world’s largest software companies. Some plugins can take your designs and convert them into G-code for the laser.
It can be expensive for hobbyists or small businesses. You will need to pay an annual subscription fee rather than a one-time license purchase in order to use AI. It is difficult to justify this cost unless you create new designs on a regular basis and generate income from them.
Inkscape
Inkscape, a free and open-source version of Adobe Illustrator, is available. Inkscape is no different from Illustrator, but it’s a bit more complex. Adobe Illustrator has spent millions on fine-tuning the user interface and improving its experience. Inkscape relies solely upon developers and volunteers for feedback.
Inkscape’s biggest advantage is that it is free. There are many other reasons why you should use Inkscape. There’s also a community of users who are interested in the tool. You can find tutorials and help there. Inkscape has been converted into G-code by plugins developed by the community.
Illustrator is more popular with professional designers than Inkscape. However, this is not universal. Many professionals use open-source software exclusively.
These resources will help you learn how to use Inkscape for laser cutting.
LightBurn
Lightburn is a very popular laser cutting software. This software is great for laser cutters in businesses and beginners who have lasers at their homes. LightBurn is included with many CO2 lasers. LightBurn’s design is a bit basic in comparison to other options, but it will get you the job done if you don’t need anything more. LightBurn allows you to import files and convert them to G-code if you are using another design software.
LaserGRBL
LaserGRBL, a laser control program for Windows that is free to download and use, was designed specifically to control lasers. The interface is much simpler, but it has limited features. It is different from other programs listed because it’s designed to control lasers directly. LaserGRBL is a program that runs directly on the laser itself, rather than relying on a G-code file.
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion’s design is superior to LightBurn’s. It offers full 3D modeling and sheet metal tools, among other things. Autodesk Fusion comes with built-in manufacturing software that allows you to take your design and generate the G-code files required by your machine in one package.
Autodesk Fusion is also able to handle milling and turning, as well as plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser-cutting, etc. Autodesk Fusion is a great choice if you are a fabricator and need software that does it all. Autodesk Fusion exports the correct file formats if you wish to send files to be laser-cut.
SolidWorks CAM/SolidEdge CAM/Inventor CAM/HSM Works
Here, we’ve combined several professional CAD/CAM packages into one. All of these are expensive and have capabilities that often exceed the needs of the majority of users. These could be worth considering if you require more advanced capabilities. Software like CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), which can create g-codes for CNC manufacturing processes, is used for more than laser cutting.
What file formats does laser cutting software support?
This question has no simple answer. Laser cutting is a two-dimensional process. Therefore, software must be 2D. The most common formats are vectors, as they can be easily translated into straight or curved lines for the machine. Some software can import raster images such as.bmp.jpg.png to be used for laser engraving. Some software can convert a raster to a vector, but not always in the way that you desire.
What Laser Cutting Software Should I Choose?
You can choose the laser cutting software that is best for you.
What to consider when choosing a laser cutting software
- Consider your workflow – This is an important factor to consider. You may want to use one software for both design and g-code, or you might prefer to design using something familiar and only need a program to generate g-code.
- Laser cutting software is available at a variety of prices. However, they may sacrifice stability or ease-of-use for the cost.
- Spending more on software can result in time savings. This could be an important factor in a production environment, where time is money.
- Your decision could be influenced by the type of project you are planning to do. Would you like to use a CAM software that can do more than just laser cutting?
What is the best laser cutting software for beginners?
Use what you know. Look into plugins if you are familiar with Illustrator. They will help you convert your designs to G-code. Autodesk Fusion is a good option for users who have CAD experience.
If you are just starting and have no prior experience, you may want to test a few options to find the one you like. But we’d recommend not getting too attached to one particular option. It’s sometimes easy to get stuck on something familiar and overlook a better alternative. If you need assistance, look for tutorials and other resources.
The conclusion
Laser cutting software is not universally “perfect”, as different people prefer different ways of working. Others prefer Illustrator, while some people like Inkscape. You should try several options before settling on one.