Epilog with CorelDraw X4, uniting lines for continuous cut

[Jayefuu]

Hi,

I'm having problems getting used to using an Epilog 75W laser cutter.

I'm cutting an outline in acrylic and ply and I want the laser cutter to cut all the way around the outline in one go, rather than cutting one part of the curve, moving to another, cutting that and hopping around until it's done.

I've previously used a laser cutter by HPC, it came with software with which to send files to the laser cutter rather than a printer driver like the Epilog I now have access to.

My trouble is that the HPC software had a "unite lines" tool, whereas for the Epilog we use Corel.

Does any body know or can recommend a method to get the Epilog to cut continuously rather than hopping around? I can get it to do it by selecting the node tool in CorelDraw and joining each curve to each curve, but there are hundreds of individual lines to join together by that method. I'd expect that the "group" or "combine" buttons did what I want, but alas, no.

I'm open to solutions in CorelDraw, alternative software, tips and tricks.

Thank you,
Long time lurker, first time poster.

James

[SquibLoad]

Hi,

I'm having problems getting used to using an Epilog 75W laser cutter.

I'm cutting an outline in acrylic and ply and I want the laser cutter to cut all the way around the outline in one go, rather than cutting one part of the curve, moving to another, cutting that and hopping around until it's done.

I've previously used a laser cutter by HPC, it came with software with which to send files to the laser cutter rather than a printer driver like the Epilog I now have access to.

My trouble is that the HPC software had a "unite lines" tool, whereas for the Epilog we use Corel.

Does any body know or can recommend a method to get the Epilog to cut continuously rather than hopping around? I can get it to do it by selecting the node tool in CorelDraw and joining each curve to each curve, but there are hundreds of individual lines to join together by that method. I'd expect that the "group" or "combine" buttons did what I want, but alas, no.

I'm open to solutions in CorelDraw, alternative software, tips and tricks.

Thank you,
Long time lurker, first time poster.

James

Check out DRAGONCNC Corel cut optimizer. I'm in the process of testing it to solve exactly this problem. So far, it works great. I had a complex vector cut that was all over the map on the cut order, and very inefficient. That semed to fix it and was way better than manually changing the order of cuts in Corel. So far it seems to work well and I'll be purchasing it myself. You can download evals from their website and test it for free.

[Jayefuu]

I don't think that's the tool I'm looking for. I have what looks like one object and I want it to cut continuously rather than doing the lines in a random order.

Imagine a 5 pointed star. The sensible way to cut it would be to go around the outline. You can do this if you first individually make the lines joined. But if you don't join them the laser cutter with cut in any order it feels like. And due to the penetration time in thicker materials it means that my part is tabbed in.

[SquibLoad]

I don't think that's the tool I'm looking for. I have what looks like one object and I want it to cut continuously rather than doing the lines in a random order.

Imagine a 5 pointed star. The sensible way to cut it would be to go around the outline. You can do this if you first individually make the lines joined. But if you don't join them the laser cutter with cut in any order it feels like. And due to the penetration time in thicker materials it means that my part is tabbed in.

That's what that tool does. It re-orders cuts to connect to the next closest point. At least it worked for me.

[Exsecratio]

Hiya James,

You are dealing with a line vs Polyline issue

Open the file with Draftsite (free from Dassault Systems)

Type "PEdit"

Select one of the lines

It will ask if you wish to convert to a Polyline (Y/N)

Type "Y" (Short for yes)

It will ask what you want to do next.

Type"J" (short for Join)

Highlight all the lines you wish to join and hit "Enter"

Hey presto all lines that are connected now become one entity

Failing that email me the file and I'll do it for you in AutoCAD

Dave@opticalpower.co.uk

best wishes

Dave

[wildwestpat]

Hi James

I do not have version 4 of the software and this command is in the version I use which is CorelDraw10. Corel tend to add features as blocks and keep the way the tools work the same as the versions are updated. As it is a very long time since I have used Corel for CNC I suspect hat command is in the earlier editions or it would not have sprung to mind.

CorelDraw command that is called weld is part of the shape command docker. The instructions to use this should be in the help file if your version has the command. The joining can be achieved manually using the magnifier command but it is difficult and IMO impractical and best tackled by tracing to another layer and manipulating the image on the duplicated layer for that cut if you want to try.

This is a common problem where images have been drawn using an art program rather than a technical drawing program. That said if you are used to CorelDraw stick with it as it can do the work. Suggest you beg borrow or buy the book by Steve Bain published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill as it covers all the commands and is well laid out particularly when it comes to the less obvious features and commands. Corel has some nice features if artistic profiles are your bag as it can convert photos and scans to line drawings using the trace command. You may still have to order the code after conversion as cutting continuous outlines can end up with parts that are not anchored but I assume you are OK with what is required to avoid this.

Good luck - regards - Pat

[Jayefuu]

Hiya James,

You are dealing with a line vs Polyline issue

Open the file with Draftsite (free from Dassault Systems)

This was exactly what I needed. Thanks Dave!