"CAD/CAM for laser cutting?" Topic

If I wanted to design some things to get laser cut, I know I'd need to translate a line drawing into some kind of CAD/CAM software.

Given that all I want to be able to do is create simple 2-D shapes with texture (i.e. etching) what programs out there are easy to pick up and not too expensive?

Anyone care to share their experiences/recommendations?

There is a program called Draftsight which I use to illustrate 2D archaeological plans and sections. It took a while to get used to, but once I did, it's pretty simple. Plus there are loads of online support sites for it.

If you already have a cutting company in mind, I'd contact them to see what formats they prefer or programs they recommend. I seem to recall when I had some pieces cut (I think I used Manzano) I used an autocad file, but I happened to have a student version of autocad on my PC at the time. I think they could accept other formats, though.

Doug

We use Corel Draw with our laser (Epilog lasers were designed around the software) but virtually any CAD or drawing software works with our machine. Essentially, we need to establish one of two types of lines, either a hairline (as per Corel) which cuts, and all other lines and shades which engrave.

Corel itself is expensive, of course, but it imports many many different file types and makes them usable.

I use Serif's Drawplus X5 as only cost £10.00 GBP in sale., is back on sale at £19.99 GBP link they have USA offices.

You could use Inkscape inkscape.org/en which I believe can export into DXF, an open CAD format.

A laser is basically a printer and CAD has used printers since the dawn of time.