So I may have a bit of a workaround for the lack of an array copy function in LW4. I make promotional key fobs, so I often have to make fifty things that are 2x1 inch. I’m using a couple macros to semi-automatically realign the laser.
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Nothing special. Just wrote a macro with a G0 X0 Y-31and a G92 X0 Y0 and put this in my post op macro in my last operation. That way, its positioned to do the next one. I just have to pull the trigger each time.
It does mean you have to sort of know what you’re doing ahead of time when plating, as you’ve only got one copy of the job in the software, but every other method I could think of is way more labor intensive when using both vector and raster files simultaneously.
Why not do the array in your vector software?
If I’m only doing vector work, I do. It’s two quick operations in QCAD. Usually I have a bitmap or other raster file that I have to etch and then cut out. I don’t know if QCAD will let me array raster images. Let me see…
For sure Ai or Inkspace will let you
No good. Doesn’t bring the image in from QCAD. In fact, because QCAD uses the R15 DXF version instead of R12, I usually have to walk the file through LibreCAD first. They did turn up in LibreCAD.
I’m a Linux only shop (because who on earth can click Yes to that Microsoft EULA?) so no Adobe products, and Inkscape is utterly useless. The only real tool I can find in Inkscape to do this deals in space in between array elements, not on center spacing. The easiest place to make this happen would be in the CAM software. Know any that can do this?
That I use is SketchUp / Fusion / Rhino but don’t think there is a Linux of any