Introduction to Laser-Cutting from Udemy

In this course, you will learn how to use free software to make designs that you can cut on any laser cutter. We will take things step-by-step.

In the first part, you will be learning Inkscape, which is free software that can be used for making designs.
Once you are comfortable with Inkscape, we’ll start with easy designs that have only one part.
Then we’ll get into slightly more complex designs. And finally, by the end, you’ll learn how to create projects with multiple interlocking parts, using different types of joints.
You’ll also learn the different ways a laser can affect the material you’re cutting, like scoring and engraving. We’ll also cover non-design things, like material selection, preventing burn marks, finishing your projects, and more.
By using this project-based incremental learning method, you won’t feel overwhelmed trying to do something that is beyond your current skill level. And you will practice by creating actual products that you can use in your house.

I made the projects used in this course using my Glowforge laser-cutter, but you don't need your own laser-cutter. There are many maker spaces and libraries that now provide access to laser-cutters. For the first 3 years of this hobby, I used an Epilog laser-cutter at my library. The files you learn to make in this course can also be cut on almost any laser-cutter.

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Teaches free software that is industry standard in design and laser cutting

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in laser cutting with Inkscape

Develops proficiency in laser cutting with increasingly complex designs

Explores different ways that a laser can affect material as a finishing tool

Covers material selection, preventing burn marks, and finishing projects

Meets learners where they are by using a project-based incremental learning method

Reviews summary

Laser-cutting fundamentals

Learners say this Introduction to Laser-Cutting course is easy to understand, beginner-friendly, and interesting. Students appreciate the clear and well-structured lessons with plenty of examples. They describe the course as comprehensive and enjoyable.

Interesting and enjoyable learning experience

"very interesting, easy to follow, easy to understand."

"Absolutely Amazing! Love how Sal is so detailed with her teaching and explains so well."

"Sal makes the material engaging and easy to understand."

Organized and easy to follow

"I like the way the course is set up."

"Easy to understand for beginners. Well-structured."

"Sal's background as a teacher really shows in the way she structures her courses and in the way she produces the content."

Examples make concepts easy

"good easy to understand"

"easy to understand and lots of examples"

"very interesting, easy to follow, easy to understand."

Great for beginners

"It was great course for beginners. simple to follow"

"Easy to understand for beginners. Well-structured."

"it is absolutely great! I am a total beginner and the explanations are great to understand the tarot clearly!"

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Laser-Cutting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and products, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in biomedical engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Biomedical Engineer.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and develop chemical processes and products, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in chemical engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Chemical Engineer.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and develop solutions to environmental problems, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in environmental engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of an Environmental Engineer.

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Architectural Engineer

Architectural Engineers design and develop buildings and other structures, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in architectural engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of an Architectural Engineer.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and develop civil infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in civil engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Civil Engineer.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and components, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in electrical engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of an Electrical Engineer.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and other related systems, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in aerospace engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of an Aerospace Engineer.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems and components, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in mechanical engineering. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Mechanical Engineer.

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Product Design Engineer

Product Design Engineers design and develop new products, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides hands-on experience with laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in product design. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Product Design Engineer.

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Design Engineer

Design Engineers create and develop products, using their knowledge of engineering principles and materials. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides hands-on experience with laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in product design. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Design Engineer.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build and maintain robots used in various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is sometimes used in robotics. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Robotics Engineer.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers design and optimize production processes in various industries. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is commonly used in manufacturing. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a Manufacturing Engineer.

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Laser Technician

Laser Technicians operate and maintain laser systems used in various industries, including manufacturing and research. This course may be particularly helpful for those seeking a career as a Laser Technician, as it provides hands-on experience with laser cutting technology. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, all of which are relevant to the work of a Laser Technician.

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CNC Machinist

CNC Machinists use computer-controlled machines to create metal parts for various industries. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in this field, as it provides a foundation in laser cutting technology, which is often used in CNC machining. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of a CNC Machinist.

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Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Industrial Machinery Mechanics help maintain the machinery used in various industries, including manufacturing and energy production. This course may be useful for those seeking a career in this field, as it provides hands-on experience with laser cutting technology, which is commonly used in industrial manufacturing. The course covers topics such as design software, material selection, and project finishing, which are all relevant to the work of an Industrial Machinery Mechanic.

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Introduction to Laser-Cutting

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