Laser Cutter Techniques
Intro
Using the laser cutter to cut out a vector image is straight forward. this page shows various techniques for cutting non-vector objects such as text or raster images focussing on using inkscape.
Paths
Most machines which run from vector files use paths. A math is basically any line, straight or curved, which has a start point, a direction, and an end point. This can be translated directly into codes the controller can follow. It tells the controller where to position the laser, when to start firing the laser, where to draw and where to stop the laser. Our laser cutter does not use g-code, but g-code is the defacto standard for machine controlled motion.
Text
When typing text into inkscape, it is not automatically a vector format. Open the Objects dialog and note there is only one object.
When importing to RDWords, the file will be empty.
To make the text vector, select all and use the Path menu and select Object to Path.
When you open the Object dialog, you'll see a large number of paths. Each character inthe text is made of multiple strokes, which are paths, which is what is needed.