COMMON LASERCUTTER PROBLEMS
AND STEPS TO FIX THEM
- Quit all programs.
- Make sure that there are no files on your Windows desktop except for shortcuts.
- Navigate to H:\WinData\Application Data\AutoDesk and delete the AutoCAD 2008 folder.
- Log out of all Windows-Athena workstations.
- Log into a Linux-Athena computer (by the Building 7 lift or in any Athena Cluster) and type the following at the prompt:
athena% add archtools ; nukemyprofile
- Log into a Windows-Athena workstation that you have not used in the last week, or ask CRON personel to clear all of the stale profiles on the lasercutter computer and login there.
- Run AutoCAD 2008 and let it set up a new profile for you.
- Quit AutoCAD and re-copy the lasercutter.ctb file into H:\WinData\Application Data\AutoDesk\AutoCAD 2008\R17.1\enu\Plot Styles\
- Lasercutter safety briefings are required to use the machines. Did you attend one this semester?
- Make sure that there are no files on your Windows desktop except for shortcuts. The lasercutter computers are older than the studio computers, and may not have enough space to hold all of your files.
- Reset your profile.
- Make sure there are no elements on the 0 layer. The 0 layer has some special properties, and the lasercutter may attempt to plot elements on it even if it's set to a non-cutting colour. Create a new non-cutting layer if you need to.
- Make sure no elements cross or touch the boundary of your plot selection rectangle or the edge of the bed.
- Reset your profile.
- Make a test cut on a brand new file. Do not copy anything over from the file that failed. If the new file cuts okay, one of the elements from your original file is corrupt and needs to be re-created.
- Save a copy of the file as an RT12 or LT2 file. This will remove extra information that can confuse the lasercutter.
- Reset your profile.
Charles E. Leiserson, Jr.
2008-09-15