The Gravit Online designer tool is a web interface which allows users to dynamically create svg file formatted designs, most useful for tools such as a cnc routing machine, or a laser cutting machine. In the Ashland Makerspace, we use Gravit as a basic tool to create designs for engraving, cutting, and burning designs into wood and acrylic. The user friendly interface is simple to operate, and this tutorial will help get anyone who wants to use the laser cutter started with their designing.
To begin, users should navigate to Gravit.io, the webpage of the gravit online designer tool. At that point, users should follow onscreen instructions to create an account, and should see this screen.
I usually press the “print” option, which gives me a blank canvas for whichever design I am trying to make. This is usually sufficient for whichever projects you need to create. After selecting this option, you will see this screen.
At this point, users can operate gravit like a traditional editing and design creation software. For my project, I am creating a guitar pickguard for my electric guitar. To create the design, I used the sketching and parabolic line tools to create the unique curves. The laser cutter uses vectorial images, meaning the tool follows a path marked by black lines. This means that the cutter will follow the path of the outline, and the circles for screw holes. Next, users will need to download their designs in the svg format, which is most useful for laser cutting.
At this point, you will need to email your design to a staff member with access to the glowforge tool.
Administrators with access to this tool will connect the computer to the laser glowforge, and will be able to choose how the laser cutter interacts with your design. For example, at this step, you can decide if you want your design cut out or just engraved into the material.
The online tool will have a birds eye view of the cutting space, where you can overlay your design onto the available material. With your design optimized and placed, you must turn on the filter next to the glowforge to minimize odor and smoke. With all preperations done, the online tool will prompt the user to press the glowing button on the glowforge, and the laser will start to execute the programmed path. The laser will continue for a period of time, before turning off and prompting the user to give time for the laser to cool down. After this time, your design can be removed and finished.
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