Jacqui, Jandra, Jenny, Joanne, Sarah
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Print & Cut
Card Game
Step By Step Instructions
Are you always trying to come up with ways to give away promotional gifts or giveaways to your customers, while meeting their needs and interests? Well, this printed matching game is perfect for you!
Preparation
You Will Need:
- x2 sheets of MDF, 600 x 300mm, 6mm thick
- 1/4 sheet of TroGlass Clear, 10mm
- Spare material to cover the engraving table
Machine Used:
- Speedy 360, 100 Watt
- 2.5" lens
- JobControl® Vision camera system
- Aluminium cutting grid table / honeycomb cutting table for cutting the MDF
- Acrylic cutting grid for cutting the acrylic
This sample can be created on the Speedy 300 laser engraver sized machines and bigger. You also just need to ensure you have JobControl Vision Software.
Important:
Always ensure that 'Send Beziers & Paths to Driver' is activated in your software when completing this project. If it's not running, the registration marks will not be recognised by JobControl Vision.
Step by Step
Step 1: Picture Cards
Have a go at creating your very own designs or feel free to use the template we have provided. You can swap out our pictures for you or your customer's preferred images. Print the design directly onto the MDF using a UV Printer. (Here, you’ll be able to find some extra tips regarding graphics creation in JobControl Vision).
Then, send the job to your laser machine using the following settings. We urge that you don't stray from these provided instructions. If you do, the registration marks will not be recognised by JobControl Vision.
Print Settings:
| Process Mode | Resolution | Cut Line |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Job | 1000dpi | None |
| Halftone | Others |
|---|---|
| Colour | Enhanced Geometries, Inner Geometries First |
Step 2: Laser Process Picture Cards
Create the parameter settings. Please note that our suggested settings can differ depending on the laser machine you are using and its available laser power. Additionally, the printing process can have a slight impact on the laser parameters.
Here, you can find instructions for how to use JobControl Vision Software: JobControl Vision
- When cutting wood, please remember to use the nozzle with a smaller diameter. You can also increase the pressure of your air assist to help with your results.
- We suggest applying application tape to the workpiece to help reduce the traces of smoke and residue. Just don't cover up the registration marks!
Laser Parameters - Registration Marks:
| Colour | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | RegMark | - | - | - |
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - |
Laser parameters - Cutting:
| Colour | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Cut CO2 | 90 | 0.6 | 1000 |
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | on | - |
Tip:
- We decided to use the standard laser parameters from JobControl, optimised for quality
- The material parameters of JobControl can be downloaded here
Step 3: Acrylic Holder
We decided to produce an acrylic holder for the picture cards as well. If you choose to do the same, remember to check the kerf of the base plate and adapt it if necessary.
| Process Mode | Resolution | Cut line |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Job | 500dpi | - |
| Halftone | Others |
|---|---|
| - | Enhanced Geometries, Inner Geometries First |
Step 4: Laser Process - Acrylic Holder
Create the parameter settings. Please note that these recommended settings can differ depending on what laser machine you are using and its available laser power. Also, when cutting acrylic, make sure you use the nozzle with the larger diameter. Additionally, you can increase the pressure of your air assist to help with the quality of your result.
- The pole may bend while being laser cut!
Laser Parameters - Cutting:
| Colour | Process | Power (%) | Speed (%) | ppi/Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Cut CO2 | 95 | 0.1 | 20000 |
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-Offset | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | On | -3mm | - |
Tip:
- We decided to use the standard laser parameters from JobControl, optimised for quality.
- The material parameters of JobControl can be downloaded here
Step 5: Finishing
Now, it's time to clean the cutting edges of the processed MDF cards and contrast the stand. Your card game, along with its acrylic holder, is ready to use!
Inspiration
- Let your imagination run wild! You can always change the shape of the picture cards or even completely change the material! Add a logo or any other text you can think of to pop on the back of the playing cards.
- For something a little bit fancy, try engraving the cutting edge with a stripe pattern. You just need to place all the cards in the holder, put it in the laser machine and continue to engrave all four sides.
