Plasma First Cuts: Design¶

Introduction¶

Thinking Through Your Design Options
Plasma CNCs offer terrific creative opportunities when it comes to sign making, sculptures, jewelry, furniture and more. That being said, it is important to familiarize yourself with the machine's capabilities before beginning the design process.

Toolpath Options
Plasma CNCs use a high-temperature torch that fully pierces your cut material. For that reason, Plasma CNCs can only be programmed with 2D vector drawings rather than 3D models.

Material Choice
Another factor to consider is material choice. Plasma CNCs can only cut conductive metals such as steel, brass, and aluminum. Please refer to your Hypertherm Torch User Manual for a complete list of material options.

Material Thickness
Material thickness also plays a role in shaping your design constraints. In order to cut thicker metals, such as 1/4" or 1/2" plate, the torch needs additional time to fully pierce the material. Because the torch lingers longer in a given spot, the width of the kerf - the amount of material lost during a cutting operation - will be larger (see diagram below).

If you choose to cut a thicker material, elements of your design will need to be larger and spaced further apart to accommodate for this material loss. Included below are two different versions of a similar design - one suited for thin material, the other for thicker material. We recommend using the thin material file for material less than 1/4" thick.

We recommend that you experiment with both of these files in order to get a better sense of how material thickness can impact your design output.

Example DXF - Thin Material (material less than 1/4")

Example DXF - Thick Material (material 1/4" and up)

Generating Your Vector File
When it comes to creating vector drawings, you have several different options. Software such as VCarve Pro, Inkscape, Illustrator and most other CAD programs all have the capability to generate DXFs, the file type needed to upload into SheetCam.

SheetCam has very limited capabilities when it comes to editing vectors, so make sure you confirm the following details in your vector program before exporting your file:

File Checklist

Step 1: Validate Your Vectors
Step 2: Confirm Your Design Dimensions
Step 3: Configure Your Layers
Step 4: Export Your File

We have provided file preparation instructions for several of the most common software tools below, but use whichever one you are most comfortable with.

When going through this process for the first time, we highly recommend utilizing two screens or devices in order to view your design and these instructions simultaneously. This practice can greatly enhance the speed and accuracy of your workflow.

Option 1: VCarve Pro¶

We strongly recommend using the provided file for your first cut:

Example Project - Thin Material (material less than 1/4")

Example Project - Thick Material (material 1/4" and up)

Once you've downloaded the example file, use your preferred vector program to work through the file preparation checklist.

• First, open VCarve Pro and navigate to "Startup Task > Open an Existing File".

• In the Open window, navigate to where you have the file saved.
• Select the file and click "Open".

• After selecting "Open" you will be directed to the Job Setup menu.
• NOTE: material settings configured in VCarve will not be saved during the export process.
• You will define your material settings and drawing placement later in SheetCam.
• If you prefer working within a larger artboard, you can adjust the Length and Height settings in the Job Size section.

Step 1: Validate Your Vectors¶

Once you've opened your file, you will need to confirm that it contains no overlapping lines or open vectors. The following tools will allow you to validate your drawing and ensure it is error-free.

• First, click the Selection Mode tool in the Drawing > Edit Objects toolbar.
• Next, select the entire drawing (Ctrl+A) and then navigate to the Vector Validator Tool in the Edit Objects toolbar.

• In the Vector Validator window, click the Search Selected button.

• After clicking the Search Selected button, the values underneath Zero Length Spans, Overlaps, and Intersections should all read 0.
• If the tool identifies any errors, it will mark their location with a point. Before moving on to the next step, you will need to remedy any errors by using Vectric's drawing tools.

• If no errors are identified, close the Vector Validator window and navigate to the Join - Join Open Vectors tool in the Drawing > Edit Objects toolbar.

• In the Join Vectors window, utilize the Selected Vectors section to confirm that none of your vectors are open.
• After joining any still-open vectors, close the window to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Confirm Your Design Dimensions¶

After you've validated your vectors, confirming the drawing's size is the next step. As a reminder, SheetCam has very limited vector editing capabilities. For that reason, any resizing should be done now, while still working within your design software.

• First, select your entire drawing by either using the Selection tool or by clicking Ctrl+A on your keyboard.
• A Height and Width readout in the lower-right corner of your window will auto populate to show the dimensions of your design.

• You can also confirm vector dimensions by selecting the Measurement tool in the Edit Vectors toolbar.

• With the Measurement window open, select two points on your design.
• The Measurement window will then auto-populate to reflect the distance between the two points selected.

• If you need to scale your drawing to a different size, click the Set Selected Object Size in the Drawing > Transform objects toolbar.

• In the Set Size window, make sure that the Link X and Y box is selected. That way, your drawing will scale rather than stretch.
• You can then type in new values in the Width (X) and Height (Y) text boxes.
• Click "Apply" to confirm any measurement updates.

Step 3: Configure Your Layers¶

Separating your vectors into different layers allows you to control their cut order and operation settings.

If your design contains any details nested within larger profiles, you will want to ensure that the details are cut out FIRST.

If the profile is cut first instead, there is a possibility that the overall part will fall into the water table before the details are cut.

In most cases, SheetCam can differentiate between external / internal cuts and arrange the cut order accordingly. For this reason, organizing your vectors into layers isn't entirely necessary for simple jobs. However, it can still be a helpful planning step if your operation requires finer controls.

• To create a new layer, navigate to the Layer drop down and click "Add New Layer".

• You can also view the list by selecting the Layers tab next to your toolbar.

• With the drop-down still open, rename your layers by double clicking on their titles and typing in new ones.
• Make sure to hit Enter on your keyboard to save the new name.
• In our example, we named our layers "Details" and "Profiles" in order to make them easier to distinguish later when working in SheetCam.

• Next, select the objects you would like to move to a different layer. In our example, we need to move the A, V, I, D and small circles to the Details layer.
• With those objects selected, right click on your design and navigate to Move to Layer >.
• Use the resulting list to select the layer you would like to move your objects to.

• To confirm that your objects have been successfully moved, re-open the Layers drop-down.
• Next to each Layer name is a Light Bulb. Click on the icon to toggle your layers on and off.
• If your objects have been assigned correctly, they should disappear from your window when their corresponding layer is turned off.
• Repeat this process for all layers.

Step 4: Exporting Your File¶

Once your layers are configured, refer back to your checklist. Before exporting your file, you will need to confirm that the following steps are complete:

File Checklist:

Validate Your Vectors
Confirm Your Design Dimensions
Configure Your Layers

If you are able to check off every box, move on to the next step.

• First, turn on all of your layers. Next, select all of your objects and navigate to "File > Export > DXF".

• Select the file location and click "Save".
• Your DXF file will now be ready to upload into SheetCam.

Option 2: Inkscape¶

We strongly recommend using the provided file for your first cut:

Example Project - Thin Material (material less than 1/4")

Example Project - Thick Material (material 1/4" and up)

Once you've downloaded the example file, use your preferred vector program to work through the file preparation checklist.

• First, open Inkscape and click the "Load" button.

• In the Open a Different File window, navigate to where you have the file saved.
• Select the file and click "Open".

• In the DXF Input window, make sure the "Read from file" option is selected in the Method of Scaling section.
• Click "OK".

Step 1: Validate Your Vectors¶

With your file now open, you can move on to reviewing your vectors. While Inkscape's validating capabilities are less robust than VCarve Pro, you can still use its Node Editing tool to check for open profiles.

• Click the Edit Paths By Nodes (N) tool in the toolbar.

• With the Edit Paths By Nodes tool still open, select all nodes in your drawing (Ctrl+A).
• Once the nodes are selected, click the Join Select Nodes button in the Nodes Menu at the top of the drawing window.
• Any vectors that were still open will now be joined.

Step 2: Confirm Your Design Dimensions¶

After you've validated your vectors, confirming your drawing's size is the next step. As a reminder, SheetCam has very limited vector editing capabilities. For that reason, any resizing should be done now, while still working within your design software.

• First, use the Selection tool to select your entire drawing (Ctrl+A).
• The Height and Width readouts in the Selection menu will auto populate to show the overall dimensions of your design.
• You can edit the size of your design by double clicking on the Height and Width readouts and typing in new values.
• Before typing in new values, make sure the Lock icon is selected. That way, your drawing will scale rather than stretch.

Step 3: Configure Your Layers¶

Separating your vectors into different layers allows you to control their cut order and operation settings.

If your design contains any details nested within larger profiles, you will want to ensure that the details are cut out FIRST.

If the profile is cut first instead, there is a possibility that the overall part will fall into the water table before the details are cut.

In most cases, SheetCam can differentiate between external / internal cuts and arrange their cut order accordingly. For this reason, organizing your vectors into layers isn't entirely necessary for simple jobs. However, it can still be a helpful planning step if your operation requires finer controls.

• In order to create and manage layers, navigate to "Objects > Layers and Objects".

• In the resulting Layers window, create an additional layer by clicking on the Create New Layer (+) button.

• In the following Add Layer Window, give the layer a name and click "OK".
• You can also edit layer names later in the Layers Window by double clicking on their title and typing in a new one.
• In our example, we named our layers "Details" and "Profiles" in order to make them easier to distinguish later when working in SheetCam.

• After renaming your layers, select the objects you would like to move to the new layer.
• In our example, we need to move the A, V, I, D and small circles to the Details layer.
• Navigate to "Layer >Move Selection to Layer"...

• In the Move to Layer Window, select the layer you just made and click "Move".
• In the Layers Window, the vectors you selected will now be categorized under the layer you chose in the previous step.

• To confirm that your objects have been successfully reorganized, use the Eye icons in the Layers and Objects window to toggle your layers on and off.
• If your objects have been assigned correctly, they should disappear from your artboard when their corresponding layer is turned off.
• Repeat this process for all layers.

Step 4: Exporting Your File¶

Once your layers are configured, refer back to your checklist. Before exporting your file, you will need to confirm that the following steps are complete:

File Checklist:

Validate Your Vectors
Confirm Your Design Dimensions
Configure Your Layers

If you are able to check off every box, move on to the next step.

• Navigate to "File > Save As".

• In the Save As window, utilize the Save As Type drop-down to select "Desktop Cutting Plotter (AutoCAD DXF R14) (*.dxf)" and then click Save As.

• In the Desktop Cutting Plotter Window, confirm your Base Unit, and click "OK".
• Your DXF file will now be ready to upload into SheetCam.

Option 3: Adobe Illustrator¶

We recommend using the provided file for your first cut:

Example Project - Thin Material (material less than 1/4")

Example Project - Thick Material (material 1/4" and up)

Once you've downloaded the example file, use your preferred vector program to work through the file preparation checklist.

• First, open Adobe Illustrator and click the Open button in the sidebar.

• In the Open window, Navigate to where you have the file saved and click "Open".

• In the DXF/DWG Options window, select the Scale By option and confirm that it is set at 100%.
• Next, use the Units drop down to select Inches.
• Update both the Scale and Units text boxes so they both read 1.
• Click OK.

Step 1: Validate Your Vectors¶

With your file now open, you can move on to reviewing your vectors. While Adobe Illustrator's validating capabilities are less robust than VCarve Pro, you can still use its Document Info tool to check for open profiles.

• First, navigate to "Windows > Document Info".

• In the resulting Document Info window, use the hamburger menu in the upper right corner to navigate to "Objects".

• With the Document Info window still open, select your entire design (Ctrl+A).
• The Document Info window will then auto-populate to provide additional details about your selected objects.
• Use the Paths readout to determine if any of your vectors are still open.

• If the Document Info window identified any open vectors, navigate to "Objects > Path > Join".
• Any remaining open vectors will now be closed.

• To further evaluate the quality of your linework, navigate to "View > Outline".

• Utilize the Outline View to inspect for any extraneous vectors that might have been previously hidden in the standard view.

• Once you've completed this check, navigate back to "View > GPU Preview" to re-establish the standard view.

Step 2: Confirm Your Design Dimensions¶

After you've validated your vectors, confirming your drawing's size is the next step. As a reminder, SheetCam has very limited vector editing capabilities. For that reason, any resizing should be done now, while still working within your design software.

• If the Transform menu is not already visible in your workspace, navigate to the Workspace button in the upper right corner of your window.
• Use the resulting menu to select "Essentials Classic".

• You can also view the Transform menu by navigating to "Window > Transform".

• With the Transform menu now visible, use the Selection tool to select your entire drawing (Ctrl+A).
• The Height and Width (H and W) readouts in the Transform menu will then auto populate to show the overall dimensions of your design.
• You can edit the size of your design by double clicking on the Height and Width readouts and typing in new values.

Step 3: Configure Your Layers¶

Separating your vectors into different layers allows you to control their cut order and operation settings.

If your design contains any details nested within larger profiles, you will want to ensure that the details are cut out FIRST.

If the profile is cut first instead, there is a possibility that the overall part will fall into the water table before the details are cut.

In most cases, SheetCam can differentiate between external / internal cuts and arrange their cut order accordingly. For this reason, organizing your vectors into layers isn't entirely necessary for simple jobs. However, it can still be a helpful planning step if your operation requires finer controls.

• In order to create and manage layers, navigate to "Window > Layers".

• In the Layers window, create an additional layer by clicking on + button.
• You can edit layer names later in the Layers Window by double clicking on their title and typing in a new one.
• In our example, we named our layers "Details" and "Profiles" in order to make them easier to distinguish later when working in SheetCam.

• Next, select the objects you would like to move to the new layer.
• Confirm that the new layer is also selected in the Layers window.
• Navigate to "Object > Arrange > Send to Current Layer".
• In the Layers Window, the vectors you selected will now be categorized under the layer you chose in the previous step.

• To confirm that your objects have been successfully reorganized, use the Eye icons in the Layers window to toggle your layers on and off.
• If your objects have been assigned correctly, they should disappear from your artboard when their corresponding layer is turned off.
• Repeat this process for all layers.

Step 4: Exporting Your File¶

Once your layers are configured, refer back to your checklist. Before exporting your file, you will need to confirm that the following steps are complete:

File Checklist:

Validate Your Vectors
Confirm Your Design Dimensions
Configure Your Layers

If you are able to check off every box, move on to the next step.

• First, ensure that all layers are turned ON. Next, navigate to "File > Export > Export As".

• In the Export window, click on the Format drop-down and select "Autodesk RealDWG (dxf)" and click Export.

• In the DXF / DWG Export Options window, use the Units drop down to select Inches. Update both the Scale and Units text boxes so they both read "1".
• Click "OK".
• Your DXF file will now be ready to upload into SheetCam.