Below, you will learn how to create a classy and personalised gift box using nothing but a simple piece of cardboard and your trusty Trotec laser machine!
Preparation
You Will Need:
Cardboard, min. 45 x 60cm, 3mm thick
Double-sided adhesive tape, extra strong
Covering material
Machine Used:
SP500, 200 Watt
2.5" lens
Small cone or cone with specialty cap (depending on availability)
Aluminium cutting grid table
You can use any machine from the SP series as well as either the Speedy 360 or even the Speedy 400 to create this sample.
Tip:
Ensure that you use the smallest cone possible! This will prevent the material from being dirtied or damaged by burn marks.
Step by Step
Step 1: Import Print & Laser Template
Download our graphic and make any adaptations you require. Then, send the graphic to the laser machine using the following settings:
Print Settings:
Process Mode
Resolution
Cut Line
Cut Job
1000 dpi
None
Halftone
Others
Colour
Optimised Geometries, Inner Geometries First
Step 2: Laser Process - Cardboard
Place the cardboard inside your laser engraving machine with the material facing down. Make sure you cover the rest of the laser bed with scrap paper to ensure you get sufficient suction from the vacuum and the cardboard stays in place. Then, enter the material settings. Please note that the parameters can vary depending on the laser machine you are using as well as the laser power.
Laser Parameters
Colour
Process
Power (%)
Speed (%)
ppi/Hz
Cutting Slowly: Red
Cut CO2
30
1.5
5000
Scratching: Blue
Cut CO2
10
3
5000
Cutting Fast: Green
Cut CO2
50
3
5000
Passes
Air Assist
Z-Offset
Advanced
1
Gas 1
-
-
1
Gas 1
-
-
1
Gas 1
-
-
Info:
Be sure to use the external compressed air (= Gas 1) with 4 bar pressures. This will blow the smoke directly through the cutting slots. This will ensure clean-cut edges every single time!
Step 3: Cleaning & Assembly
Now, gutter the scratched cutting lines to achieve a nice fold. You can use either a ballpoint pen or a folding stick for this. Apply some double-sided adhesive tape onto the six flaps. Now, make a crease on all the folding lines to remove any tension from the cardboard. Glue the box together, and you're all done! You now have a beautiful, individual, cardboard gift box!
Inspiration
To make your box special and different, try painting the box once you've finished cutting.
Try placing a piece of wood or acrylic underneath the cut-out design. You can create an individual engraving here that will appear when you open the box.
Feel free to replace the words 'Happy Birthday' with any message, date or image of your choice. This is a great way to offer your customers something unique and personalised!
