Laserworx vector software is used to create and/or process vector files to cut on a Vytek laser engraving system. Files can also be created with other vector programs like AutoCAD, CorelDraw, and Adobe Illustrator, and then imported into Laserworx. Once your vector artwork is in Laserworx you have a multitude of tools to work with to optimize your file for output.
Introducing the newest version of Retina Engrave v3.0! This version has fully integrated design features built. 1-Touch Laser Photo ™ Download 30-Day Free Trial. 1-Touch Laser Photo ™ is an innovative product for converting digital photographs (BMP, JPEG, PNG or TIFF formats) into bitmap files that can be used to indelibly mark or engrave the image into materials such as hard wood, stone or metal to create high value products. This transforms an ordinary photograph into a professional quality engraving.
ToolpathsWhen creating toolpaths on your vector artwork you have three choices: Male, Female and Online. Male places the toolpath on the outside of the vector artwork. Female places the toolpath on the inside of the vector artwork, and Online places the toolpath directly on top of the vector artwork. When creating tool paths you have the choice of selecting a tool that takes into consideration the size of the optic you are using, thus offsetting the tool path to accommodate for the width of the laser beam.
Basic and Advanced Versions of Our Laserworx Vector SoftwareNesting is a feature that reorganizes the vector objects in a document so that the least amount of material is wasted. Our Laserworx Vector Software is available in 2 versions; Basic and Advanced. The Basic version includes nesting, but the features are not as robust. With the Advanced version, nesting the actual shape of the object is used instead of the bounding box of an object like in the Basic version. Also the degree of rotation is limited to 90-degree in the Basic version. In the Advanced version you can create a vector shape the size and shape of a left over piece of material and then nest the objects to fit inside of that shape, saving your company material and money. If you are not sure which version is best for you, don't worry, it's not a decision you need to make now. You can purchase the Basic version and if in the future you find that you need the Advanced version simply pay the difference in price and we will send you a code to enable the advanced features.
SortingThe cut order of the tool paths can be changed very easily by using one of the sorting features. Sorting options include manual and automatic. Click the link to watch a video on Sorting by Trait, or by Sorting by Vector.
BadgeThe Badge feature reduces layout and design time by automatically laying out anywhere from a few to 1000’s of templates that utilize the same design but require text or numeric substitutions. This easy to use, variable data replacement tool is ideal for name plates, door plates, and just about anything when you have lots to do!
ImportingLineart can be imported directly into Laserworx. Photographs processed with Photoshop and Photograv can also be imported into Laserworx and combined with vector tool paths to create a file that rasters and cuts.
Raster Photo and Image Engraving SoftwareOur Laser Engraving Software, The Raster Photo and Image Engraving Software package is used to prepare photographs, logos, and text to engrave into solid surfaces such as stone, glass, and wood.
The package includes Photoshop Elements and Vytek's templates for the most common material types and sizes grouped in libraries to make them easy to find and use. Templates make learning easier and decrease the amount of time it takes to process a file for output on your laser system. Of course you are not limited to the supplied templates. We will teach you how to make a file for any size substrate.
Also included in the Raster Photo and Image Engraving Software package is Vytek's image processing automation system. This system is used for creating quality images on your laser system. We don't just sell you a laser system and teach you how to turn it on and send a file to it. We teach you how to make a quality product. A product you will be proud to sell. A quality product will be able to command higher prices and build customer loyalty.
Photograv is also included in the package. Photograv was developed specifically for the laser industry to prepare images for the best possible output on a laser system.
Icut Vision Cutting Software: Another Laser Engraving Software
icut is another option for cutting substrates that have been previously printed. The software, combined with a camera system mounted on the optic assembly, locates registration marks on the printed piece and also in the cut file and not only lines up the tool path with the registration marks but also compensates for distortion created during the printing process. Laserworx is not needed if you are using icut software. Watch a video of an iCut enabled FX3 laser system.
Posted By Nicolas Sadeghi on Jul 11, 2016 |
With the recent launch of our Laser Cutting service, it may be interesting to take a look at some of the software you could use to create awesome designs! As a reminder, the SVG format is the one suited for laser cutting, so be careful when creating your files. Without further ado, here is our top 8 of the best Software for Laser Cutting.
Adobe Illustrator
We will start with a software that can either be used alone or with other ones. Adobe Illustrator is one of the most versatile tools you can find, and will let you work with vector graphics. As such, it enables you to easily create SVG files suitable for laser cutting. You will need some time to learn to use it and to handle its tools, but all the artistic opportunities it gives you are worth the time.
As stated earlier, you can also use Illustrator with other software, to check and repair other files (SVG or other formats).
Overall, one of the best software to work with for laser cutting. Grab a license whenever you get the chance, and give it a try!
As stated earlier, you can also use Illustrator with other software, to check and repair other files (SVG or other formats).
Overall, one of the best software to work with for laser cutting. Grab a license whenever you get the chance, and give it a try!
Inkscape
Logo Inkscape
The free and open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape offers you the same possibilities. Whether you want to create a new design from scratch, or repair an existing one, all the tools are there to make the task easier.
As with Illustrator, you will need some time to learn to use the software to its fullest. Even if a lot of functionalities are common to Inkscape and Illustrator, some of them have different names and uses. So beware of any confusion between the tools when using both.
Find more information about Inkscape here!
As with Illustrator, you will need some time to learn to use the software to its fullest. Even if a lot of functionalities are common to Inkscape and Illustrator, some of them have different names and uses. So beware of any confusion between the tools when using both.
Find more information about Inkscape here!
SketchUp
SketchUp is one of the easiest software to get and to use, as a lot of the tools are intuitive, and the magnetism helps you do neat designs without any efforts. Furthermore, thanks to some plugins, you can get access to even more functionalities, making SketchUp one of the most interesting software, especially when you have a precise idea of what you want to do, and the necessary plugins to do it.
It is thanks to one of those that you will be able to export SVG files from SketchUp. Check out this guide to get more information about how to do so, and don’t hesitate to meddle what you learned with other plugins for even more beautiful results.
However, be careful, as SketchUp can’t handle spheres and circles, and will transform them into polygons. As such, avoid this software for any curvy design, but jump on it for anything else!
It is thanks to one of those that you will be able to export SVG files from SketchUp. Check out this guide to get more information about how to do so, and don’t hesitate to meddle what you learned with other plugins for even more beautiful results.
However, be careful, as SketchUp can’t handle spheres and circles, and will transform them into polygons. As such, avoid this software for any curvy design, but jump on it for anything else!
SolidWorks
Logo SolidWorks
Another big name of 3D modeling software, SolidWorks is based on the use of sketches to create models. This is why going from a 3D model to a 2D design with it is an easy task, and allows for neat and cohesive results.
It provides a lot of tools, whether it is for architectural plans or products’ designs. You will need to go through some trials before handling all the options properly. Though, when it is done, you should be able to tackle any project without any real problem.
You need to know that you can’t export any SVG file from a SolidWorks design. To get a viable file, you need first to “Make Drawings” from your object (you can do so through the SW toolbar). Export the drawings with a format such as IA, and open the files in Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape (mentioned above), to convert them into SVG.
It provides a lot of tools, whether it is for architectural plans or products’ designs. You will need to go through some trials before handling all the options properly. Though, when it is done, you should be able to tackle any project without any real problem.
You need to know that you can’t export any SVG file from a SolidWorks design. To get a viable file, you need first to “Make Drawings” from your object (you can do so through the SW toolbar). Export the drawings with a format such as IA, and open the files in Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape (mentioned above), to convert them into SVG.
AutoCAD
If we talk about SketchUp and SolidWorks, we must also look at AutoCAD. It provides as many tools as the latter for architectural plans and mechanical parts, so you should find everything you need to make good designs, ready to be brought to reality.
This time, you will need to export your file to the DXF format again, before going through Illustrator/Inkscape to export an SVG file.
This time, you will need to export your file to the DXF format again, before going through Illustrator/Inkscape to export an SVG file.
OnShape
Logo OnShape
This software is a viable alternative if you don’t have any SolidWorks or AutoCAD license available. It provides as many tools as those two, and will, like them, require some time to get used to. You will also need an Internet connection to work on it and to download your design. Another interesting point is that OnShape is available for tablets and smartphones too, so you can work on your models wherever you go!
Again, you can’t export any SVG files from an OnShape design, so you will need to go through Illustrator/Inkscape to get a proper file for laser cutting.
You can give OnShape a try on their website.
Again, you can’t export any SVG files from an OnShape design, so you will need to go through Illustrator/Inkscape to get a proper file for laser cutting.
You can give OnShape a try on their website.
SolveSpace
This one is a bit tricky when you first look at it. This free and open-source software doesn’t look appealing, as its user interface is quite minimalist. However, when you take the time to become familiar with the software, you realize how many functionalities it can offer you. Indeed, it has nearly nothing to envy to SolidWorks nor OnShape, from basic forms to fully functional constraints. Furthermore, it’s free and very fast to download (less than 10 MB).
You can also export your design directly into SVG from SolveSpace.
You can also export your design directly into SVG from SolveSpace.
Solid Edge 2D
Last but not least, Solid Edge 2D, developed by Siemens. Again, a very versatile software, you can also get a free version easily (you just need to sign up and answer a survey). All the tools are available to make the first plans of your product, then modify them in order to make them realizable.
You will need to export your file into a DXF format, after selecting the faces you want to export. Again, go through Illustrator or Inkscape to finalize the design for laser cutting.
You will need to export your file into a DXF format, after selecting the faces you want to export. Again, go through Illustrator or Inkscape to finalize the design for laser cutting.
Example of sketch under Solid Edge 2D