Laser cutting and engraving is a CNC technology that allows an amazing range of high-quality 2D and 3D designs and products to be made quickly and easily. Using Inkscape, a free and open-source software program, you will learn how to create designs for cutting and engraving in wood, leather, acrylic, cardboard, and even glass. Laser cutters are increasingly being used by all kinds of businesses and individuals and becoming ever more available. This short course will teach you the basic skills necessary to turn your ideas into reality. We will start by doing some small guided projects in plywood or cardboard. You will learn how to draw shapes, paths, and text objects in inkscape, and how to control the laser cutting process by assigning colors to the different elements of the design. Once you have mastered the basics we will do some more complex tasks like tracing a bitmap, grouping paths, and manipulating curves, and then you can start working on your own projects.
There are no formal entry requirements but you should have some basic computer and mouse skills. You may also want to download and get to know Inkscape before you come, but it is not essential.