2D design involves different types of software, depending whether you are working with pattern or vectors. Both can be input formats for 2D laser cutters.
Let's talk about these two in detail:
Index:
In general, there is a difference between vector graphics and raster graphics.
Vector: Open source - Inkscape / Commercial: Adobe Illustrator
Raster: Open source - Gimp / Commercial: Adobe Photoshop
For this weeks task, I only Inkscape
There are two different kinds of laser cutters, fiber and CO2. The laser cutters for wood and acrylics are mainly CO2-Laser cutters. Fiber laser are more expensive but therefore enable higher performance to cut metals as well.
Here is the result of my first Inkscape press fit kit. Ok, actually, I did one a few years ago but anyway.
Within Inkscape, there are some import feature you should know about.
For 5 mm MDF material, I set the speed to 4 %, the power to 100 % and the frequency to 20 %. The outside edges were set to red line color. Inner edges will be set to green and will be cut at first.
In order to cut plywood of 3 mm thickness, speed was turned up to 8 %. All other settings were kept the same as above.