Set print area and get the dimensions right

Post about using Inkscape with cutters or plotters.
Jessez
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 4:58 am

Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Jessez » Tue Jun 24, 2014 5:12 am

Hi,

I've learned Inkscape to make the laser cutting files needed to cut the enclosure of a speaker.
The design is almost finished, I just have two questions:
-When I save in any other file extention than Inkscape SVG, when I open it the document properties will be reset.
I'm worried about the laser not lining up, how do I set the print area?
-My measurements are off by 0.35mm. Not that big of a deal since everything scaled up, but how is it caused and how do I fix it?

My files are attached

Sorry if these questions are already answered, I'm new to this forum ^^
Attachments
Boominator REV1 outside.svg
(7.51 KiB) Downloaded 247 times
Boominator REV1 inside.svg
(16.34 KiB) Downloaded 241 times

Lazur
Posts: 4717
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2016 10:38 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Lazur » Tue Jun 24, 2014 5:35 am

Hi.

0,35 mm sounds quite small.
Did you changed the svg output settings to maximum accuracy in the inkscape preferences panel (Shift+Ctrl+P)?
If it is set that way from the start, it may avoid such problem.

Jessez
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 4:58 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Jessez » Tue Jun 24, 2014 6:00 am

Thanks for your reply,

Where can I find the accuracy option in the preferences panel?

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ragstian
Posts: 1181
Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2012 2:44 am
Location: Stavanger-Norway

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby ragstian » Tue Jun 24, 2014 6:05 am

Hi.


To further investigate this; does your interlocking tabs get too tight or too lose due to the "0.35mm off"
What is 0.35mm off? Total height of enclosure outside? One tab?
A little more information would be nice.

Lazur;
0,35 mm sounds quite small.

In woodworking 0.35mm off a measurement can determine if you can assemble a joint or not, 0.35mm is a lot!
Sometimes the errors 'accumulate' as well, if you are drilling an array of holes or laying out fingers for a finger joint and the measurement are 0.35mm
of on the first one and you measure the same distance between subsequent holes or fingers you will have 3.5mm error after 10 holes or fingers.
0.35mm is a mile! :D

http://www.insidewoodworking.com/box-joint-jig.html
To achieve the required accuracy some router fences have a dial indicator where you adjust to a thousand of an inch.
http://patwarner.com/routerfence.html

RGDS
Ragnar
Good Luck!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
RGDS
Ragnar

Jessez
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 4:58 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Jessez » Tue Jun 24, 2014 6:24 am

It's 0,35mm off per part. So if I dial in a 100x100mm cube, it comes out as a 100,35x100,35 cube. I assume the whole box scales evenly, but i'm not sure. This is why I ask, because it's a notched box and thus has to be very precise.

Lazur
Posts: 4717
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2016 10:38 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Lazur » Tue Jun 24, 2014 7:40 am

Oh my.

For that thesis project I'm making some mass models from wood, with the only tools of a bow saw and a rasp with no handle.
I would be very happy if I had only 0,35 mm differences.
Fortunately rapid prototyping isn't necessary to be quality carpenter job.
Coming from the architect field cm accuracy is quite OK.
0,35 mm is the line width of a regular line on the plans.


On the topic -maybe boolean operation's inaccuracy can help it, as that usually makes objects smaller a bit?

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ragstian
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Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2012 2:44 am
Location: Stavanger-Norway

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby ragstian » Tue Jun 24, 2014 8:11 am

Hi.

Inkscape adds the width of the stroke to objects, if you make a box lets say 100.00 by 100.00mm with fill but no stroke the width will be 100.00 by 100.00
If you then add a 0.5mm stroke the box will be 100.50mm (Center of stroke will still be at 100.00 by 100.00 apart).

Have a look at this; http://wiki.imal.org/howto/inkscape-and-lasercutter

To make a tabbed box like yours there are a 'Tabbed box' extension.

http://www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10403
http://hackaday.com/2012/07/26/box-maker-extension-for-inkscape/

Download from here; https://github.com/hellerbarde/inkscape-boxmaker

Off topic;
Lazur;
0,35 mm is the line width of a regular line on the plans.

Exactly! http://www.newwoodworker.com/cutlines.html
That's why marking with pencils are a no-no for precision woodworking!
The tool used to mark precisely is a marking knife or marking gouge.
http://www.woodworking.com/ww/Article/Using-Marking-Tools-7612.aspx

I am in the process of making this "contraption" to get accurate box joints;
https://woodgears.ca/box_joint/jig.html
For that thesis project I'm making some mass models from wood,
with the only tools of a bow saw and a rasp with no handle.

Careful with the rasp with no handle - quite a few accidents happens when the rasp 'stalls'
and the pointed end of the handle 'digs into' your wrist or arm!
The vein in your wrist are just a few mm under the skin!
At least wrap some electrical tape around the pointed end of the rasp!
I am a firm believer that accidents don't happen - they are caused!
( A lot of times by stupidity! :D Been there - Done that!! )
Take care!

Regards
Ragnar
Good Luck!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
RGDS
Ragnar

Jessez
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 4:58 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Jessez » Tue Jun 24, 2014 3:34 pm

But I'm using 0,010 line width? Maybe I should dial that in before making the objects, or doesn't that matter?

I made the tabbed box using the extensions, saves you a lot of work!

And does someone know how you set the print area? Because when I load it in Rhino it appears off centre.
I already use the correct document properties in Inkscape but they only save when you use Inkscape SVG it seems.

Jessez
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 4:58 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Jessez » Wed Jun 25, 2014 5:28 am

Anyway, is my design 'cutter-ready'? Did I forget anything?

Lazur
Posts: 4717
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2016 10:38 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Lazur » Wed Jun 25, 2014 6:04 am

There are some double nodes unconnected at the corners.
Not sore if the cutter would stop there, but you may rectangle select all nodes and connect unconnected ones with the node tool.

At the boominator panel there are rectangles and ellipses instead of paths, maybe those would be better converted to be paths (Shift+Ctrl+C)?

Other than that the lettering has too few nodes.
Check out this site for engraving fonts:
http://www.mrrace.com/CamBam_Fonts/

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ragstian
Posts: 1181
Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2012 2:44 am
Location: Stavanger-Norway

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby ragstian » Wed Jun 25, 2014 7:00 am

Hi.

Several ways to make the text, one is to use the 'Hersey fonts.'

Another way of making text which I use for eggbot;
For the text, instead of using single stroke text you can make the text as normal,
set a stroke and then convert the stroke to a path.
To fill in the text use the hatching as described here; http://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Hatch_fill

RGDS
Ragnar
Good Luck!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
RGDS
Ragnar

Jessez
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2014 4:58 am

Re: Set print area and get the dimensions right

Postby Jessez » Thu Jun 26, 2014 12:31 am

The text is made with Hersey's Text :) Then 'simplified' to smooth it.

I will have a look at the nodes, thanks for all the help!


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