Computer-Controlled Cutting

This document compiles external resources related to computer-controlled cutting (laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and similar 2D cutting workflows).

November 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Laser Cutting (Wikipedia): Overview of laser cutting principles, materials, applications, and history.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting
CNC Concepts – Laser Cutting Basics: Introductory explanation of how CNC laser cutters work, including beam focus, speed, and power.
https://www.cnccookbook.com/laser-cutting-guide/

Trotec Laser: Major manufacturer of laser cutters and engravers; site includes machine specs, materials, and application examples.
https://www.troteclaser.com
Epilog Laser: Laser engraving and cutting systems commonly used in fab labs; includes manuals and sample projects.
https://www.epiloglaser.com
Universal Laser Systems: CO₂ laser systems with detailed technical documentation and materials database.
https://www.ulsinc.com
Glowforge: Desktop laser cutter aimed at makers and educators; site includes beginner-friendly projects.
https://glowforge.com

Inkscape: Free vector design tool widely used to create laser cutting files (SVG, DXF).
https://inkscape.org
LightBurn: Commercial laser control software that connects directly to many desktop lasers for cutting and engraving.
https://lightburnsoftware.com
K40 Whisperer: Free, open-source control software for many low-cost K40-style laser cutters.
https://scorchworks.com/K40whisperer/k40whisperer.html
RDWorks Beginner Guide: Introductory tutorials for RDWorks, the control software used by many Ruida-based lasers.
https://rdworkslab.com

Vinyl Cutter (Wikipedia): Short explanation of vinyl cutters, how they work, and common uses.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinyl_cutter
Roland DG – Vinyl Cutters: Vinyl cutting plotters used for signage, decals, and stencils, with manuals and sample projects.
https://www.rolanddga.com/products/vinyl-cutters
Cricut Learn: Beginner-friendly tutorials for Cricut cutting machines, useful for youth-friendly vinyl and paper projects.
https://learn.cricut.com

Inkscape for Vinyl Cutting: Tutorials on using Inkscape to design cut paths, prepare text, and export to vinyl cutters.
https://inkscape.org/learn/tutorials
Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL): Software for sending designs to many hobby vinyl cutters; useful for classroom and maker projects.
https://surecutsalot.com

Press-Fit Construction Kits (Example from Fab Labs): General overview of parametric press-fit kits used to teach kerf, tolerances, and modular design.
https://fabfoundation.org/fab-labs/
Kerf & Laser Joint Design Guide: Practical explanation of kerf, clearance, and common joint geometries (tabs, slots, finger joints).
https://www.cnccookbook.com/kerf-laser-waterjet-plasma/
Parametric Design Basics: High-level introduction to parametric design concepts useful for adjustable laser-cut kits.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parametric_design

Laser Cutter Safety Guidelines (MIT Maker-style): Typical university-level safety practices for using laser cutters, including ventilation and supervision.
https://www.northwestern.edu/laser-safety/
General Workshop Safety for Makers: Checklists and best practices for safe use of cutting equipment in educational makerspaces.
https://makerspace.ieee.org/resources/

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