Blogs
A Simple Way to Create Object Outline with Beam Studio’s “Offset” Feature
Beam Studio’s new “Offset” feature can help makers quickly add layering effects to their designs.
To create customized handcrafts in any shape is now as easy as ever. I’ll demonstrate this in a few steps below.
First, make sure you have the latest v1.1.8 version of Beam Studio. If not, Download Here.
Then, prepare your image file. The image format needs to be turned into SVG or DXF files. You may choose a free SVG file from this site https://www.flaticon.com/ or draw your own object with Adobe Illustrator.
Now you’re all set for the step-by-step tutorial!
Step 1: Open Beam Studio and click the image icon to import the image.
You may rename Layer 1 as “Engraving” for easy editing.
Once the image is imported, you’ll be asked to select a layering style. Here I will select “Layer/Color,” to give my object a more 3D look.
After selecting the layering style, you’d see the object in black.
Please note that if you choose “Layer/Color” as I do, your object will be in black like mine, but if you choose “Single Layer,” your object will be in white as its shown below on the right.
Step 2: Drag to select the image on the engraving layer and click “Ungroup”
Step 3: Create another layer, rename it as “Cutting” and move the layer down.
Step 4: On the cutting layer, drag your mouse to select the whole object (do no just click on the image).
Step 5: Now activate the “Offset” function by clicking “Edit” > “Path” > “Offset.”
Step 6: Adjust the desirable “Offset Direction”, “Corner”, and “Offset Distance”, then click “Confirm” to create the object outline.
Step 7: The “Offset” function now forms the outline that you can set for cutting.
Step 8: Make sure the image is on the correct layer.
You may click the eye off to make sure the image is on the correct layer.
When clicking the eye off in the engraving layer, the image remains onscreen is in the cutting layer.
When clicking the eye off on the cutting layer, the image remains onscreen is in the engraving layer.
Step 9: Select the optimal parameters for each layer
Engraving layer: Wood – Monochromic Engraving (Power 30%, Speed 180mm/s).
Cutting layer: Wood – 3mm Cutting (Power 55%, Speed 5mm/s)
Step 10: Put your selected wood board in the machine and click “Export” at the upper right corner to start cutting & engraving. Your work should be ready in 3 minutes!
Now we are ready for the finished product!
When activating the “Offset” feature, if you choose “Layer/Color” as I do, your result should have the same effect as my airplane on the right below. But, if you choose “Single Layer” instead, your result will look like the airplane on the left.
LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?
We invite FLUXers to join our Facebook community and share your works with us! You will also find inspiration from other members.
Learn more on Beambox, the most intuitive professional laser cutter/ engraver.
Learn more on beamo, the world’s smallest CO2 laser cutter/engraver.
Craft your Christmas Gift with beamo, DIY Christmas gifts in simple Steps
Jingle bells ring!
This holiday season, why not make your own gifts! With beamo, you can make unique Christmas gifts in a few simple steps for your family and friends.
Ingredient You Need:
- Acrylic night light
- Beam Studio Software (click https://flux-australia.myshopify.com/pages/downloads/ to download)
- beamo Laser Cutter/Engraver
Following Steps:
Step one: select the image you want to engrave on the gift
Step two: make sure beamo and Beam Studio are connected
While using Beam Studio, push the camera icon to connect to beamo’s WiFi.
Make sure beamo and Beam Studio using the same WiFi network.
Step three: place the image at the right position by using built-in camera in beamo
Once the beamo and Beam Studio connected, you can use the camera to view your working area.
By adjusting the image on Beam Studio, you can easily place the image at the right position of the item.
Step four: select the speed and power to craft your gift
There is a panel that you can choose a suitable speed and power based on different materials.
Step five: push START and your gift will be done
Happy Lunar New Year | DIY Paper Cutting of Window Decoration
Have you ever thought that New Year’s elements can be combined with laser engraving?
2020 is coming. Are you ready to get rid of the old stuff?
To celebrate 2020 Lunar New Year, FLUX has created four exquisite, high-quality window paper cuttings for FLUXers to refresh the house decoration.
This year, let’s make it happen!
Material: Red Linen Paper
Thickness: 0.15mm
There are four types of paper cutting decorations, each of which has its unique meaning for Lunar New Year.
1. spring
Celebrate the spring is coming!
Laser-cutting time: 10~15 minute
2. happiness
Best wishes for 2020!
Laser-cutting time: 20~25 minute
3. blessing
A good blessing for the family in 2020!
Laser-cutting time: 10~15 minute
4. fortune
Look forward to a big fortune in 2020!
Laser-cutting time: 10~15 minute
Useful Tips For “Vectorize” Laser Carving
You can select the “Vectorize” function in Beam Studio to modify the carving paths, and it will greatly reduce the engraving time.
Follow these three simple tips and start carving:
- Place the file to the working area and click the image
- Click “Edit”-> “Image”-> “Vectorize” in the upper left corner of the software
- Turn off the button of “Infill”
It is easy to make a paper cutting of window decoration with FLUX laser cutter and Beam Studio.
Take advantage of the New Year holidays to refresh your house!
For more details about Beambox, please click the link.
For more details about beamo, please click the link.
Add Authenticity to your works with Beam Studio’s Built-In “Image Trace” Function
FLUX’s built-in software Beam Studio comes with a brilliant “Image Trace” function that can keep your original pen strokes and add a more personal touch to your artworks. For a quick demonstration, I’ll show you how I make a personalized keychain by using the “Image Trace” function.
Things you’d need to DIY a signature keychain:
- 1 piece of paper
- 1 marker
- Desired material for your keychain charm
- 1 keyring
- beamo
Step 1: Sign your signature on a clean and unpatterned paper with a black marker
Step 2: Scan the paper with beamo
- Place the paper in beamo and click the camera icon for the “Camera Preview”
2. Click the “Image Trace” button in the upper left corner
3. Select a starting preset to trace the image
4. Adjust the optimal parameter for engraving
Step 3: Put the selected material in beamo and set up a suitable parameter for engraving, in my case, a 3mm wood board
One of the optimal parameters for engraving wood boards is power 30% and speed 100mm/s.
Step 4: Design the keychain outline
Create another layer and use the preset parameter in Beam Studio “wood- 3mm cutting”, which is power 60% and speed 6 mm/s.
Step 5: Assemble the engraved signature charm with a keyring and your special signature keychain is ready to go.
LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?
We invite FLUXers to join our Facebook community and share your works with us! You will also find inspiration from other members.
How To Make Your Own Gift Box In 5 Simple Steps
It’s time to customize a gift box using your FLUX laser cutter. Don’t know how to design a 3D box?
Don’t worry – with Beam Studio and free online resources, you can make your own gift box in 5 easy steps.
The idea is simple: you’ll design the box by selecting preset options, import the file to Beam Studio, and your FLUX laser cutter will help you create a box that’s uniquely yours.
STEP 1：Go to Makercase.
Link：https://www.makercase.com/
You can use the “select language” list to set your language preferences.
STEP 2：Select the design you like.
In this tutorial, we picked the basic box option.
- Units setting：Choose inch or millimeter (mm)
- Set the length, width, and height.
- Measure the thickness of the material you will be using and fill in the value.
- Select with or without the lid.
- Select the type of edge joints.
- Set the finger size.
STEP 3：Download and import the file.
- Click “Download Box Plans”, adjust the settings and download the file. (Both SVG and DXF file works in Beam Studio)
- Open Beam studio and import the file.
STEP 4：Start printing!
- Place the material in your FLUX laser cutter (beamo、Beambox or Beambox Pro)
- Use the focus bar to set the focus. If you’re not sure how, please visit our Support Center
- Use Camera Preview to make sure the design is aligned.
- Set the parameters and click “GO”, your personalized box is just minutes away!
STEP 5： Put it together
Turn the collection of box pieces into an actual gift box by putting the pieces together.
LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS?
We invite FLUXers to join our Facebook community and share your creations online with us! You will also find inspiration from other members.
Dream It, Design It STEM Event for Grade Schools | Fluxspace
Dream It, Design It! is a brand-new STEM event designed to help students to address real-world needs and utilize the design thinking process on a variety of topics. Its 1st event was held on Jan. 28th, 2020, at Fluxspace (56 Buttonwood Street, Norristown, PA USA). Check out how beamo and Beambox Pro played an essential role in this event.
In partnership with Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Fluxspace hosted a “Dream It, Design It” challenge. More than 40 students in 4th and 5th grade were presented with a design challenge in which they had to work as a team to design an innovative and collaborative outdoor learning environment.
Students designed and then created prototypes of how they think this space could look like. Students used the FLUX laser cutters to quickly create small-scale rough prototypes of what furniture and structures could be used in the outdoor space. Students then presented their ideas to a panel, and a winner was selected based on creativity, functionality, and sustainability.
Students were able to get hands-on experience on how to operates a laser cutter and enjoy a creative handcrafted experience with beamo.
Designed for learning, Fluxspace is a place that provides opportunities for students, educators, and industry professionals to work together and create a more collaborative and forward-thinking community and workforce.
Fluxspace regularly holds different STEM events and professional developments for educators on subjects such as VR, 3D printing, Laser Cutting, Coding, etc. Check out their next event HERE.
Get the latest info on STEM lessons at STEM Camp EDU.
Laser Engraving Wood Crafts | 3 Ways To Prevent Burn Marks
When using a CO2 laser engraver/cutter to work on wood, smoke or burn marks may appear on the edges. Though the stains are difficult to avoid, they are not completely unavoidable. Here are 3 ways to prevent the edges of the wood from getting stained.
1.Cover the wood surface with masking tape
Before you start engraving on wood, cover the working area with masking tape. The masking tape will prevent the edges of the engraving from getting stained and will not leave any residue behind. This is a common method not only because the tape is cheap and at hand, but also because masking tape can be easily removed, leaving no trace on your creations. Give it a try next time when working on wood materials.
While the upper wood engraving is covered by masking tape, the lower one is not, causing obvious burn marks on the one without masking tape.
2. Adjust the focus of the laser to an optimal distance
An optimal distance of laser focus will keep the burn marks at bay while still allowing for fine results. There is no worry about how to adjust an optimal distance of laser focus for varied types of wood materials. Try out different focus settings to see what works best. With the built-in autofocus system in FLUX beamo, you can easily find the right focus without the hassle. After the adjusted focus, you will find your works clearer and better.
3. Testing various types of wood in advance
Different kinds of wood have different optimal working speed and power. Certain types of wood get burned easily, this usually has more to do with the glue binders embedded in the material rather than the original property of the wood. The glue binders cause more smoke and burn stains when being laser processed. It is advised to test the speed and power in advance to reduce burn marks on wood crafts. The Material Testing Suite in Beam Studio that comes with different working speed and power combinations enables users to test out the parameters on the material, so you can determine the combination that best suits your needs.
When working on wood next time, give these tips a try and make your creations better!
For more details about Beambox, please click the link.
For more details about beamo, please click the link.
Guide For Choosing The Right Laser Cutter
One of the most frequently asked questions we get from our customers is what materials can Beambox cut and engrave. So let’s talk about this laser cutting technology, and from a machining perspective, different types of laser and what they’re commonly used. for.
1. Solid-State Laser
Solid-state lasers, one of the most ancient techniques, use a crystalline or glass rod which is “doped” with ions that provide the required energy states. The most common two are diode laser and Nd:YAG laser.
Nd:YAG laser uses neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet as an active laser medium with a wavelength of 523 / 1064 nm. This wavelength can be easily absorbed by metal, so it is suitable for metal engraving, but not for non-metal engraving. A higher spec of this laser can operate in pulse mode to adjust the color of its results on metal. The laser power is usually smaller compared to other types of laser, but it is more powerful and faster than diode laser, so it is ideal for metal engraving. Most laser marking machines we see use an Nd:YAG laser, very suitable for large-quantities and small-area metal marking in factories.
2. Fiber Laser
Fiber lasers are a type of solid-state laser that is rapidly growing within the metal cutting industry. Fiber lasers are pumped by semiconductor laser diodes, it supports high output power because of the fiber’s high surface area to volume ratio, which allows efficient cooling. The fiber laser is suitable for metal engraving and cutting, but not for non-metal (except for engineering plastics based on resins). Though this type of laser is more pricey, the high optical quality and speed make it an ideal choice for commercial metal marking and cutting.
3. CO2 Laser
The carbon dioxide laser was one of the earliest gas lasers to be developed, in this type of laser, the electricity runs through a gas-filled tube, to produce light.
40W – 150W CO2 Laser:
The wavelength of this laser is 10640 nm, can be absorbed by most organic materials, so it is very suitable for cutting and engraving on non-metals, including wood, leather, paper, acrylic, rubber and more. Glass, rocks, anodized aluminum can be engraved on. When a 50W machine operating at full power, the temperature of the focus point is close to 300° C, materials with a higher melting point cannot be cut, but if covered with a special coating, even metals like stainless steel, titanium can be marked.
1000W+ High Power CO2 Laser
CO2 laser also comes in 1000W – 5000W, and it can cut metal as well. This technique is more developed than others, the results and precision is better than fiber laser though it is more power-consuming.
Conclusion
Let’s take a look at the awesome chart that sums up this article.
|
Non-metal engraving |
Non-metal cutting |
Metal engraving |
Metal cutting |
|
|
Small |
Diode laser CO2 Laser |
CO2 Laser |
Factory CO2 Laser Fiber Laser |
Factory |
|
Large |
CO2 Laser |
CO2 Laser |
Nd:YAG Laser Fiber Laser |
High-power CO2 laser Fiber Laser |
One Last Thing
Beambox and Beambox Pro is the latest product FLUX proudly presents, a 40W / 50W desktop CO2 laser cutter that is perfect for laser etching and cutting on non-metal materials. Beambox comes with a camera alignment feature, a super active user community and an in-house software that supports Windows 7+ / Mac OS X / Linux, and with our special coating, you can also engrave on metal! Beambox is the best choice for designers, makers, schools, and studios who want to make full use of the laser technology to turn their ideas to life, at a very reasonable price. Please click here for more details.
A Deep Dive Into FLUX beamo and Beam Studio | 3D Engraving Tips
Want to create an exquisite fine-tuned artwork with a laser cutter?
But don’t know how to start?
No worries!
There are several easy tips to learn and implement on your creations provided by one of our amazing users – Declan Cheng.
He magically turned a piece of normal wood pallet into a masterpiece of Malaysia Petronas Twin Tower.
In the video, he describes how to operate Beam Studio in detail and use FLUX beamo to maximum advantage.
It’s great for every user of FLUX laser cutter, even the beginners, to learn the tips and create your own artworks.
Discover the unknown mysterious tips hidden in Beam Studio and create a more fine-tuned masterpiece on your own!
After watching the video, it will greatly help refine your artwork into 3D engraving creation.
Go check out Declan Cheng’s YouTube channel to find out more laser engraving and cutting tips in the video.
For more details about Beambox, please click the link.
For more details about beamo, please click the link.
For more details about Beam Studio, please click the link to download.
Beam Studio 1.1.7
Fix:
1. Fixed Network testing sticking bug in windows.
2. Fixed bugs when cropping downsampled image.
3. Fixed bugs when disassemble resized imported svg.
Added:
1. New Line when Text Editing: When Preferences > Text To Path > Optimization is on, Press Shift key + Enter key to change line.
