The laser cutter/engraver can both cut and engrave a variety of materials. The machine is connected to a computer via USB  appears as a printer on the computer. Files are sent to the cutter/engraver as if it were a printer. 

To create 2D objects to be cut/engraved, a variety of programs can be used. If you want to cut anything, the 2D object needs to be a vector file (e.g. svg), in which case the cutter/engraver software will decide on whether to cut or engrave based on the linewidth. Raster files (e.g. jpg, tiff etc) will be engraved.  The workflow can be thought of in two phases:

1. Create vector file that the Zing can interpret.

2. Send the vector file to the Zing for cutting/engraving, and make the object. 

Epilog Zing Workflow - File Preparation

Options for file preparation.

Inkscape. Free and open source vector graphics software. 

QCAD. Inexpensive vector graphics software.

OpenSCAD. Freeware 3 & 2D modeling software.

CorelDraw. Subscription vector graphics software. 

Typical workflow 

Inkscape

1. • • Create or import object

     • Use linewidth < 0.004 mm for object to be cut.. (Object -> Fill and Stroke -> Stroke Style -> Width < 0.004 mm

     • For vector/cutting you must use Save as...pdf. rather than Print to... . The latter will rasterize the object.

QCAD

1. • • Create object

     • Use linewidths  <0.004 mm for objects to be cut.

     • PDF export

OpenSCAD

1. • • Create a 2D object using 2D tools, or by using projection() on a 3D object.

     • Export to svg, then open in Inkscape

CorelDraw

• Create or import object.

• Use linewidths < 0.004 for objects to be cut.

Cutting/Engraving

Epilog Zing Workflow - Cutting/Engraving

1. Turn on/log into computer.

2. Turn on laser cutter exhaust with switch on the wall.

3. Turn on laser cutter

4. Check that the laser cutter is online (Control Panel -> View devices & printers -> Printers & scanners). If not, reboot computer.

5. Set material onto bed, and set the bed level (Focus -> Adjust arrows until swinging spring just touches material -> Reset)

6. Open vector object with Adobe Acrobat or CorelDraw.

7. Set laser cutter parameters (File->Print->Properties). 

   • Set piece size to match material.

   • Set speed and power depend on the material being cut/engraved. See subpage. This is an important step to prevent flames.

   • Check 'Send to Manager' and Uncheck 'Send to Printer'.  (Note: if you are confident in the piece, you can send directly to printer and skip step 9 below.)

   • When finished click OK.

8. Print (If you unchecked 'send to printer', the software will complain that the file didn't get printed).

9. Open the Epilog Job Manager. 

   • View your job (Double click on the job). Make sure it looks correct.

   • Double check speed & power settings.

   • Click Quick Print (lower left)

10. At the cutter, a new job should appear. To execute, push "Go". 

11. Monitor the job. The fire extinguisher is next to the door to the roof.

12. When finished, remove object.

13. Clean up work area

14. Turn off laser cutter, turn off exhaust and log out and turn off computer.