Create the design in Silhouette Studio and save it in SVG format
Typically, I create my design with Silhouette Studio, save it to SVG, then import it to XCS. Here is a screenshot of my finished layout in Silhouette Studio.
It is a simple design, an outline was drawn based on a top view of the pumpkin, and offset, to make it into a ring, in order to create a hollow pumpkin, so a LED light can be placed inside. I divided the whole pumpkin into 5 sections.
The lower portion, consisting of 4 layers, gradually increases the size from the bottom up.
For the Mid portion, I provided six layers here, they are all the same size, this will determine the height of the pumpkin, so it could be anywhere from 3-6 layers, or more if you choose to.
Upper Portion, this is the same as the lower portion, there are 4 layers here as well, just the orders are reversed, and they decrease in size for each layer up.
Top Portion, a few more layers gradually decrease in size, few of them have a rectangle cutout for stem placement, and a few of them have different sizes of cutouts in the center, add a little more contour for the shape of the pumpkin, and also a space for the stem and the leaves.
LED Holder Plate, a minimum of two extra layers are added to the bottom with the circle cutout for the placement of the LED light, they are also decreasing in size, which will give a more rounded shape for the bottom of the pumpkin as well.
Finally, save the design to an SVG format.
Step 2
Adjust the machine, get the equipment ready
Before each project, it is always a good idea to have your machine properly cleaned and ready to go. I still use Triangle Prims for my cutting project, so I will make sure that the baseboard is inserted correctly, lay down a sheet of foil, and shinning side down, I cut a Prism Placement Guide to help to hold all the Triangle Prism in place.
Check that Air assist is connected and plugin, then make sure the Air purifier is all set and ready to go. Then the material will be laid down closer to the Camera.
Finally, close the lid, and connect to the computer. Turn on the M1, Air Purifier, and the Air Assist.
Step 3
Setting 1
Process Method
Laser Score
Power(%) or Cut Pressure(g)
70
Pass
1
Speed(mm/s)
10
Import the design file to XCS and adjust the settings & process
Start XCS, and import SVG into XCS, either with the “Image” button or “Import Image…” under the “File” button.
Make a connection to the M1. Once XCS is refreshed and sees the inside of the M1, set it to “Laser Flat”, change the Height raised to “Triangle Prism”, and Auto-measure to determine the thickness of the material.
Since all layers in this design are cut with the same setting, go ahead and select all, to set the function, power, and speed. For my machine, I found that “power of 70, speed of 10, 1 pass, scoring”, works the best for cardboard cutting. Use these settings as a starting point, your machine may be a little different, but it should not be off by much.
I prefer to process a few layers at a time, I will select all layers, turn off “Output” first, then select a few layers at a time, move to the proper location on the material, and turn “Output” on.
Turn on Air Assist and Air purifier, then click “process”.
**Since Cardboard is a highly flammable material, so it is essential to keep your eyes on the project closely and have a Spray water bottle ready. **
**Throughout the same project, make sure always lay your cardboard in the same direction, and arrange your design in the same orientation, do not rotate, otherwise, it may affect the side view of your result. **
Step 4
Assemble the LED Pumpkin Lamp
After all the layers are done, I stack them up to make sure they are in the right order, double-check the shape of the pumpkin, and adjust them as needed, you might want to add or take off a layer or two. Once you are satisfied, the next step is to glue them together.
I use gel type of glue, it is less messy, but it is still a good idea to have a wet paper towel, rag, or sponge by the side, for cleaning your finger as needed, to ensure your project is clean.
Divided all the pieces into 5 different groups, Lower, Mid, Upper, Top, and LED. Glue the pieces in each group first, then glue the group together.
ENJOY......
Design Files
Mini LED Pumpkin Lantern.xcs
Halloween, lamp, lantern, pumpkin, Jack-o-lantern, LED
Create the design in Silhouette Studio and save it in SVG format
Typically, I create my design with Silhouette Studio, save it to SVG, then import it to XCS. Here is a screenshot of my finished layout in Silhouette Studio.
It is a simple design, an outline was drawn based on a top view of the pumpkin, and offset, to make it into a ring, in order to create a hollow pumpkin, so a LED light can be placed inside. I divided the whole pumpkin into 5 sections.
The lower portion, consisting of 4 layers, gradually increases the size from the bottom up.
For the Mid portion, I provided six layers here, they are all the same size, this will determine the height of the pumpkin, so it could be anywhere from 3-6 layers, or more if you choose to.
Upper Portion, this is the same as the lower portion, there are 4 layers here as well, just the orders are reversed, and they decrease in size for each layer up.
Top Portion, a few more layers gradually decrease in size, few of them have a rectangle cutout for stem placement, and a few of them have different sizes of cutouts in the center, add a little more contour for the shape of the pumpkin, and also a space for the stem and the leaves.
LED Holder Plate, a minimum of two extra layers are added to the bottom with the circle cutout for the placement of the LED light, they are also decreasing in size, which will give a more rounded shape for the bottom of the pumpkin as well.
Finally, save the design to an SVG format.
Adjust the machine, get the equipment ready
Before each project, it is always a good idea to have your machine properly cleaned and ready to go. I still use Triangle Prims for my cutting project, so I will make sure that the baseboard is inserted correctly, lay down a sheet of foil, and shinning side down, I cut a Prism Placement Guide to help to hold all the Triangle Prism in place.
Check that Air assist is connected and plugin, then make sure the Air purifier is all set and ready to go. Then the material will be laid down closer to the Camera.
Finally, close the lid, and connect to the computer. Turn on the M1, Air Purifier, and the Air Assist.
Import the design file to XCS and adjust the settings & process
Start XCS, and import SVG into XCS, either with the “Image” button or “Import Image…” under the “File” button.
Make a connection to the M1. Once XCS is refreshed and sees the inside of the M1, set it to “Laser Flat”, change the Height raised to “Triangle Prism”, and Auto-measure to determine the thickness of the material.
Since all layers in this design are cut with the same setting, go ahead and select all, to set the function, power, and speed. For my machine, I found that “power of 70, speed of 10, 1 pass, scoring”, works the best for cardboard cutting. Use these settings as a starting point, your machine may be a little different, but it should not be off by much.
I prefer to process a few layers at a time, I will select all layers, turn off “Output” first, then select a few layers at a time, move to the proper location on the material, and turn “Output” on.
Turn on Air Assist and Air purifier, then click “process”.
**Since Cardboard is a highly flammable material, so it is essential to keep your eyes on the project closely and have a Spray water bottle ready. **
**Throughout the same project, make sure always lay your cardboard in the same direction, and arrange your design in the same orientation, do not rotate, otherwise, it may affect the side view of your result. **
Assemble the LED Pumpkin Lamp
After all the layers are done, I stack them up to make sure they are in the right order, double-check the shape of the pumpkin, and adjust them as needed, you might want to add or take off a layer or two. Once you are satisfied, the next step is to glue them together.
I use gel type of glue, it is less messy, but it is still a good idea to have a wet paper towel, rag, or sponge by the side, for cleaning your finger as needed, to ensure your project is clean.
Divided all the pieces into 5 different groups, Lower, Mid, Upper, Top, and LED. Glue the pieces in each group first, then glue the group together.
ENJOY......