【Laser Engraving Application】 How to use Snapmaker 3-in-1 Printer for Laser Engraving in Education?
The article on Snapmaker applications in education will be a trilogy, introducing how to use the three functions of the 3-in-1 machine for teaching purposes. We will now introduce the second part: Laser Engraving!
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With interchangeable modules, Snapmaker allows you to quickly switch between different functions. Now, let's proceed with laser engraving. Today's task is to create a wooden guitar decoration. Before delving into the actual production process, let's understand the structure of a guitar. The image below shows a vertically placed acoustic guitar, which can be broadly divided into three parts: the headstock, the neck, and the body. The headstock is equipped with tuning pegs for adjusting string tension; the body includes a soundhole to amplify the sound of plucked or strummed strings, and a bridge to anchor the strings. Between the headstock and the soundboard is a long, slender neck.
To better assist students in making guitars, it is advisable to ask questions to guide their thinking before designing.
Q: What are the overall characteristics of a guitar's shape?
A: The guitar's body has a streamlined and irregular outline, wide at both ends and narrow in the middle, displaying axial symmetry. The head and neck shapes can also be roughly considered quadrilateral. Since guitars have a clear axially symmetric shape, we can first draw half of the outline for each part and then flip it to get the other half. This way, we can save time in the drawing process and ensure the regularity of the design structure.
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For this project, Snapmaker will use Inkscape as the design tool. You can also use more professional software if needed.
If you are new to laser engraving and plan to try STEAM education in your classroom or at home, we highly recommend checking out this tutorial!!
First, open Inkscape and create a new file. Then use the basic graphics tools to draw the body of the guitar, creating an elliptical object and converting it to a path. Divide the ellipse into two parts with a straight line along its central axis, and use the "cut path" tool to get the aforementioned "half outline." Through node editing, simplify this path, then duplicate it and flip it horizontally to get the "other half of the outline." Combine the two paths to get the complete guitar body path. Similar to the process of drawing the guitar body outline, Snapmaker uses the "cut path" and "combine path" methods to draw the shield-shaped headstock. The neck outline is a slender trapezoidal shape created by using the rectangle tool and node editing. Finally, combine the headstock, neck, and body outlines to get the complete guitar outline.
How can drawing patterns on the guitar surface make it more attractive and personalized? Using the "Spray objects" feature in Inkscape, we randomly scattered stars on the soundboard. Once all graphics are ready, Snapmaker exports the image in PNG format for subsequent laser cutting and engraving in Luban.
👉 【Related Article】：How to utilize all three functions of Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer?
Here are some important tips in Luban that can help you achieve a successful project:
Since a clear outline needs to be cut, "Vector" should be selected in the "Process Mode," and the threshold should be appropriately increased so that the previewed outline is more distinct.
When importing patterns into Luban, it is recommended to select "Grayscale" in "Process Mode" for laser engraving.
Speed and power parameters can be set according to your chosen material.
Step 1 Step 2
Step 3 Step 4
If you follow the guide above, the only thing left to do is wait for your exquisite little guitar!
In the next article, we will share instructions on using CNC carving and cutting. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are inspired to laser engrave your first creation!
Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer is essential for bringing projects to life!!
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