Short guide to the use of laser cutting machines/Laboratory/Object design using straight and curved lines and laser-cut testing on paper

In this tutorial we will learn to design objects using the pen tool and the curvature tool, after this, the object designed will be cut in paper. Object design First have and idea of any design you would like to create, could be a square, a circle, a moon, etc. Using straight lines and the Pen tool If the object to draw has only straight lines use the pen tool, and make as many dots as desired, close the shape if needed clicking the last dot over the first dot. Inkscape and Illustrator function in the same way, select the pen tool, click on the canvas to start the line, click in another space to complete the line. To make more lines keep making more clicks on the canvas.. if you want to complete the object or close it, click in the first dot. If you do not want to close the object (example an square), double click the last dot in inkscape or press esc on Illustrator. Use ctrl + if needed to zoom into the image. Using straight lines and curved lines Inkscape and Illustrator use the pen tool for straight lines. The pen tool in both applications can be used to make curves, for this click to make the second dot and keeping the click pressed move the mouse to expand the curve length and angle. Illustrator also has a second tool for curve making, the curvature tool, this tool also can make curves, and auto correct the curves in relation to the dots or shapes selected. If the object has straight lines and curves, use the curvature tool, if the first line is straight press and hold the alt key (in the keyboard), after the straight line is draw continue making more dots (curved lines), use alt again if another straight line is needed and release again to draw curved lines, click over the first dot to complete the object. When completed the image, select the direct selection tool to modify the position of both the straight and the curve lines, and to modify the angle or curve of the curved lines. When the object is completed press ctrl+p to see in the ULS cutting machine or export to use in Glowforge. To speed the process, many objects can be copied in different sizes in the same canvas, this will allow to choose the right size, and save you time (you will not need to modify o resize and print too many times). Cutting the design over paper Once the design is completed, and is loaded into the printer software, place a paper sheet (could be copier paper, old newspaper, etc).. Using Universal Laser Cutter Short_guide_to_the_use_of_laser_cutting_machines/Use_of_Universal_Laser_Systems_cutting_machines In ULS click settings, then select material natural, paper, copier paper. Use 0.01” as thickness. From the cut objects, choose the one with the best size for your project. This can be done in newspaper and copier paper, since they are disposable if modifications are needed, just adjust the dots and angles in the original design, cardboard also can be used to test shapes in place, and when the shape is the desired use the final material. Using Glowforge Short_guide_to_the_use_of_laser_cutting_machines/Use_of_Glowforge_cutting_machines Load the design to glowforge and cut the objetc. Further steps Once your design is complete, and has the desired shape, it could be cut if desired over plywood, acrylic, etc. Measure the thickness of the material, choose the material on the laser cutter, type the thickness and print your final project. See also Short guide to the use of laser cutting machines/Use of Inkscape for Laser Cutting Short guide to the use of laser cutting machines/Use of Adobe Illustrator for Laser Cutting Short_guide_to_the_use_of_laser_cutting_machines/Laboratory/Cut_of_cursive_letters_for_display Short_guide_to_the_use_of_laser_cutting_machines/Tool_making_with_laser_cutting_machines