File Setup

This page takes you through how to download the driver, setup your file and send it to the Card Cutter.

Submission Checklist

Before submitting sending your job to the Card Cutter, ensure that you have fulfilled the following checklist:

• Geometry is placed in the Card Cutter Template File

• Your geometry is made up of curves only, NO surfaces, NO hatches

• You have set the geometry to the correct layers (Cut, Score, Pen)

• Removed any digital artefacts such as non-required models, geometry or layers

• Input the correct settings in the Print dialogue for your material and process.

Download the Template File

Download the Rhino 5 Template file here.

Just like the jobs that you would submit to our bureau services, you need to place your geometry in the Card Cutter Template File to ensure the best outcomes for your job.

Setup Your File for Success

This section outlines the process of making your rhino geometry readable by the card cutter. We will go through some useful commands that will translate your 3D model into 2D line-work, and some digital fabrication tips that will help you set up files correctly for both Card Cutting and Laser cutting.

Geometry

"Paper Egg Model" Linus Tan 2011

• Explode: Break up large, or complicated, 3D objects into smaller pieces, this will make Unrolling your geometry easier.

Exploded section of Rhino geometry.

• Unroll: Unroll components into flat surfaces- Unroll gives you more precise control of the geometry compared to the 'smash' command. There are several options within the Unroll command, select the options that generate workable pieces for your unique geometry.

Unrolled pieces laid out flat on the Rhino c-plane.

• Make 2D: Transform your unrolled surfaces into curves by running the Make2D command, this command also makes sure that your geometry consists of planar curves only.

Select your unrolled surfaces and run the Make2D command.

• Copy: Copy your 2D curves into the Card Cutter Template file.

File Setup

• Create Tabs: Once you have your laid out geometry, think about which sections you want to connect to each other. You will need to create tabs at these sections to connect your shapes together.

Tabs need to be creates on the edges of this shape.

• Offset: To allow the folded pieces to join without being seen, offset the edges by at least 3mm to create a folding tab. Use the Offset command on the shape's boundary curve. Make sure that only the edges that will be connected have tabs on them.

• Trim: Tidy up any overhanging lines, generally close the tabs using 45 degree connecting lines.

Connective tabs have been added and fold lines changed to the Score layer.

• Layer Change: Once you have your outline curves and your tabs, it is important to go through and select which lines you want to be cut, and which you want to be scored. Select the geometry you want to score and place it on the Score layer.

All done! Now we just have to set up our print settings!