Importing file for cutting

RDWorks Software
Post Reply
Dave Klein
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Mar 29, 2019
Location: Port Charlotte / Flordia
Country: USA
Nickname: Pepsikid
Laser Machine Make or Type: 60w Red&Black
Laser Power: 60W
Laser Bed Size: 20 x 27
Home Position: TL
RDWorks Version: V8.01.10
Windows Version: win10 Pro
Accessories: both 3-Jaw and platform rotary axis, CW3000 water chiller, 1 gal. air compressor.

I can't get my image to import as a cut able layer in Rd Works. The file (PNG, DXF) import as BMP but the layer can only be processed as Scan. How can I get this file to process as a cut?
Jeffrey Aley
Posts: 388
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2017
Location: Folsom, California
Country: United States
Laser Machine Make or Type: Kehui
Laser Power: 50W
Laser Bed Size: 500mmx300mm
Home Position: TL
RDWorks Version: 8.01.24
Ruida Controller: RDC6442
Windows Version: Win10 Enterprise
Accessories: Spray bottle with water (for small fires)
Fire extinguisher (for big fires)

Hi Dave,

You have to understand the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics. See viewtopic.php?f=104&t=3623 .

A raster or pixel image such as PNG, JPG, BMP, etc. cannot be cut; it can only be scanned. There is software that can attempt to convert it to a vector format (Inkscape, for example).

Regards,

-Jeff
Mike Henry
Posts: 27
Joined: Thu Apr 27, 2017
Location: Chicago 'burbs, IL
Country: USA
Nickname: Mike
Laser Machine Make or Type: Thunder Laser Nova 24
Laser Power: 60
Laser Bed Size: 20x28
Home Position: TL
RDWorks Version: v8.01.18
Windows Version: 7
Accessories: HR nozzle, rotary, chiller, air assist pump, exhaust blower

And some software can be used to trace around your image. You then engrave (or scan) the image and then cut the trace. Or you could skip the engrave and just cut the trace if you only need the outline of the image.

If you can post the image here someone may be able to look at it for you and suggest options.
Mike Tuppen
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2018
Location: cheltenham;glos
Country: united kingdom
Nickname: thefordprefect
Laser Machine Make or Type: thinklaser 6090
Laser Power: 80
Laser Bed Size: 600x900mm
Home Position: TL
RDWorks Version: 8.01.33
Windows Version: 10
Accessories: rotary table

the rdworks original bitmap editor has a reasonable outline creation option. you need a clean black and white image. preferably adjusted to just 2 colours - b&w. Use a high definition file to minimise jagged pixilation on the edge.
Post Reply

Return to “RDWorks Software”