inskape

What is Inkscape?

Inkscape is professional quality vector graphics software which runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It is used by design professionals and hobbyists worldwide, for creating a wide variety of graphics such as illustrations, icons, logos, diagrams, maps and web graphics. Inkscape uses the W3C open standard SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) as its native format, and is free and open-source software.

In this workshop we were introduced to Inkscape and the different possibilities that were possible using this open source software. In this software you are able to create many possibilities by using different tools, such as pencil,pen and calligraphy tool. shape tools, text tools, embedded bitmaps and clones. These are just some of the basic tools you can use to create.

The first task we were asked to do is download Inkscape and to go to www.makercase.com. On this website it allows you to design laser cut projects. This website application generates blue prints for laser cutting based on the users specification. When on the website, it allows you to enter your specific measurements and thickness either in inches or millimeters, after doing that the website application automatically generates a three dimensional model of the case that has options to view(inside/outside/able to rotate). Maker Case also allows you to engrave in certain areas and have different options for interlocking each edge to one another. When you have created your design you are able to save it as a SVG file.

I designed my box to be 9 inches throughout and I decided to use finger slots to join each side together. Below shows my step by step to creating my own laser cut design. I first imported my design plan into Inkscape then we were introduced to many options. I have experimented using shapes and texts to create my design.

The image on the left is my final design however discussing this with Rob Canning, he informed us that laser cutting was a very expensive process and using colour or having images or text with a fill, will require the laser to go over a certain area more than once to achieve that final look, this would mean that more time would be needed and more money would be spent.
The less fill we use the easier and cheaper the outlook will be.
Below is the final design plan that i have altered for it to be sent to be laser cut.