Professional Engraving Systems

  

Making Models With Your Xenetech XL - Series Laser - by Ben Rosenstein

The art of model making dates far back in history to the ancient Egyptians and the Mayans. Consider for a moment that models are used by architects, engineers, filmmakers, salesmen, historians, and hobbyists and it should be easy to see how you can extend the power of laser engravers to grow your business.

Model making satisfies the desire of the designer, developer, investor, or enthusiast to see their ideas in 3D miniature or scale form to get a good representation of what the full scale design will look like. In many cases, model makers go as far as building a miniature city or development.

The Xenetech XL series lasers are ideal for producing model pieces in acrylic, wood, paper, and other materials. Using almost any Windows™ based program, you can easily send a design to be engraved and cut out on the Xenetech Laser.

Consider some of these additional features when using a laser to make models:

Small beam diameter (enhanced by using a 1.5-in focal length lens)

Variable powers available (higher power machines make model cutting easier)

XL Lasers have the ability to keep the laser constantly firing and move at speeds as slow as .001 inch per second

Variable Pulse Rates (to ensure clean cuts without burning around corners)

 

I have built several models using Corel Draw X3 software and a Xenetech laser, including a large suspension bridge and a replica of an old western city.

The city is complete with a hotel, saloon, mercantile store, jail, train station, water tower, and of course, a boot hill with gallows. The laser engraves all of the detail (wood planks, roof shingles, windows, doors, etc.) and then cuts the pieces from the wood. All building pieces were made from 1/8” alder wood and will be on display at the Awards and Recognition Show in Las Vegas in February 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

For Xenetech laser owners that would like to try producing one of the building models, I’ve attached the saloon drawing in a XGW-32 .jbs format or the Corel Draw X3 file.Feel free to download the file, open it and output to engrave and cut.

Saloon.cdr                    saloon.jbs.zip

 

 

I suggest you use alder or similar wood because of the low sap content and the pieces must be 1/8” thick in order for the model to fit together. You should spend a few minutes looking through your supply of wood. (Often the consistency in wood thickness varies across a single piece, and using the most consistent pieces of wood will make the assembly task much easier.)

 

Once you’ve engraved and cut the pieces, starting with the building front piece, insert the tabs into the side wall slots and add all of the walls. Then add the front deck flooring, the front deck railing, and then the roof. As an added touch, you may want to paint certain portions.

 

The suspension bridge files are also attached. Feel free to send me an email at tech@xenetech.com if you have questions.

Suspension Bridge cdrs.zip

 

 

 

 

 

Happy model making!