Laser-cutter 101 // Design it, Etch it, Keep it

Have you seen laser-cut artwork and wondered how it's made? This is that session!

In the first part, we'll follow a summary of how a laser cutter actually works. Most of it is: it reads a drawing file, moves a beam across a sheet of material, cuts or marks the surface depending on the line color.

In the second part, you'll make your own drawing with your tool of choice, or using Naqsha, a parametric design tool that runs in your browser (PS - you'd be early users!): You pick from a handful of pattern types, move sliders until it looks right to you and we then export it and cut the pieces for us to take home - perfect ITP Camp souvenir or handmade gift!

1. [Overview]: workflow from conceptual to tangible
2. [Learn] how laser cutters work
3. [Learn] vector file format
4. [Design] working in, or translating into, vector file
5. [Execute] Export, load and clean up file for cutting

Learning outcomes: - Understand the "Why" and "How" of laser cutting. - Understand relevant formats in simple terms: vector (.svg), raster (.jpeg, .png) - Recognize why some machines need vector format (.svg) - Explore patterns parametrically - Walk away with a finished piece (if time allows - or end with a file you can cut/etch in <5mins!)