Laser Family Tree

In this month’s “In The Labs” project we look at how to put the spark back into your personalized projects by using our Laser Module add-on within VCarve or Aspire to create this nostalgic Laser Family Tree on your CNC!

Todd shows you how to easy it is to take advantage of the same drawing, machining and layout tools you already use to create your own family tree using CNC machining and hybrid laser etching all within one package. Simply create your project, choose which parts you want to cut on your CNC and your laser, then view all elements of the finished hybrid project in one simulation. Watch how Todd 3D carves the pine and walnut tree parts, ribbon and tag templates using VCarve moulding, pocket and 3D toolpaths. He then uses the Laser Module to add pictures and text using the laser picture toolpath strategy to take bitmap images of your family and creates the tooling so the laser can etch them onto the tags. Then he uses the laser cut and fill tool to engrave individual names of his loved ones onto the tags. To really show off the power of the hybrid CNC he laser etches a message on the curved surface of the ribbon. This can only be achieved because the software makes use of the “Z” travel of the CNC to keep the laser focused on the curved surface! He then finishes off by assembling all the wood layers together to create this unique free-standing gift.

Why not test the hybrid laser etching and add your family coat of arms to a flat surface or engrave a family quote or message onto a 3D model or shape like the ribbon model included FREE with this project! The combination of Vectric software and the Laser Module is a real winner as you can see how quickly and precisely you can make personalized projects for your shop, or create nostalgic anniversary or birthday gifts for your family in no time at all.

Links mentioned in the video:

Laser Module Purchase Page - https://www.vectric.com/products/laser-module
Laser Module Free Trial Iformation - https://www.vectric.com/free-trial/laser-module
VTransfer Documentation - https://docs.vectric.com/docs/V11.5/VCarvePro/ENU/Help/form/vtransfer/index.html

Happy Making!