InkScape vector cutting problem

Laser Cutting engraving (ie. rasters) from Inkscape works, but cutting (ie vectors) doesn't work natively; the laser cutter goes straight to "done" without ever moving.

problem: Inkscape doesn't print vectors; if vector all that's being printed, goes straight to "done"

• disabled advanced printing: still goes straight to "done"
• afvanced winprint NT EMF 1.008: still goes straight to "done"

Found a reference somewhere that this has to do with the printer driver subsystem. (reference?)

Work-around using .pfd file

• set stroke style width to 0.0011 inch
• make sure there is enough "document" around the edges, adobe seems to insist on margins
• File menu, save-as, pdf
  • check "convert text-to-paths"
  • check "export area is page"
  • OK
• open PDF file
• uncheck "Choose paper source by PDF page size" to preserve document size
• print as usual

problem: pdf doesn't all get printed, some gets cut off

• there seems to be a setting that makes this work, but I have not figured it consistently yet

problem: sizes get messed up, so can't mix and match engraving directly and cutting via .pdf

Work-around using print_win32_vector extension

The following cuts every vector, even the ones that are thick or 0, so it has limited utility

• use file https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/630639
• with
  • instructions and other file https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/630639/comments/12
  • https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/630639/comments/13

problems:

• seems to make _all_ vectors into cuts, ie not only skinny ones
• I _think_ it ends up using different power settings in Epilog

• and sometimes it just goes to "done"

• posted to bug list: https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/1081326
  • using left computer

Work-around using InkCut 1.0

http://www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=4987&sid=dbb8c44037412c03ec6faea9ec6528bf

Resources

http://www.inkscapeforum.com

• http://wiki.imal.org/howto/inkscape-and-lasercutter
  • Before exporting to DXF, you need to make sure that:
    • All Objects are converted to Paths (Menu Path - Object to Path)
    • Avoid using 'Groups' which may confuse SmartCarve
    • Uncheck both 'use' options in the DXF export module (LWPOLYLINE will not work as expected)
• svg conversion gotcha:
  • http://atxhackerspace.org/wiki/Using_Inkscape_with_the_Laser_Cutter#Exporting_to_SVG
  • tranform to size 106.667% do deal with 90ppi in Inkscape vs 96ppi in Corel