Inkscape.org
Beginners' Questions How to cut complex path
  1. #1
    Sjalvarg Sjalvarg @Sjalvarg

    Hello everyone!
    I'm trying to cut this pattern into two separate paths, following the blue line. I'm trying to create a long frieze using the laser cutter, for which I need multiple interlocking pieces.

    I tried modifying the path in many different ways. However, what works for a simple path does not work here. How can I cut this pattern into two separate paths without any issues?

    Here is my last attempt using the 'divide' command...

    Thanks in advance for you help.

     

     

  2. #2
    COD COD @COD
    *

    Are you trying to create a "chain"?

    G1
  3. #3
    COD COD @COD
    *

    Will this help?

     

  4. #4
    Sjalvarg Sjalvarg @Sjalvarg

    Thanks for your answer ! It's not a bad idea, but I need the pieces to fit together like a puzzle. I will add an offset to compensate for the laser cutting afterward. But in your example, it would fall apart. I'd like to make a big frame for a picture.

    Is it not possible to cut easily in this case?

  5. #5
    COD COD @COD
    🏆

    Well - yes - they will fit togther like a puzzle. You just duplicate the symbols as many times as needed. 

    Do a Path>Combine. Do a deep ungroup (because there is a bug in Path>Combine).

    Then - I change the stroke width to 0.25mm. Then Path>Flatten. You will end up with a group of two objects. Delete the top object. You will end up a design with cords that are .25mm apart.

    This is the result in v1.4.2

     

  6. #6
    COD COD @COD
    🏆

    The red is what is cut out with the laser

  7. #7
    COD COD @COD
    🏆

    Duplicate the red chain as many as needed and terminate with the green and blue terminators. Will need to use  appropiate snapping to properly align the paths correctly. 
    https://inkscape.org/~COD/★celtic-knotwork-construction-kit-for-inkscape


     

     

  8. #8
    Sjalvarg Sjalvarg @Sjalvarg
    *

    Wow, thank you for these explanations and models! However, I'm sorry, but I wasn't clear enough : what I want is something where the blank spaces are filled in. Like in this picture (first test...).

    But now I think I can manage. I'll give it a go and come back to you! :D

     

     

  9. #9
    COD COD @COD

    For a border - duplicate the red chains as needed. Then use the 90 degree adapters. 

  10. #10
    COD COD @COD

    If you want to have the negative space as well as the positive space - then instead of doing a path>flatten - do a path>fracture. Then you will have to space all the parts away from each other. 

     

     

  11. #11
    Sjalvarg Sjalvarg @Sjalvarg

    It worked! And a perfect fit! Thank you so much for your help!

    Time to try something more complex.

  12. #12
    COD COD @COD

    Each of those cords are individually cut? I mainly use the kit and Inkscape to create jewelry in Fusion 360. SO - I know they all fit together perfectly. 

    If so - you can try another trick. Both laser engrave and cut. I use a filter to give the edges and cross overs more definition. Convert it to a 300dpi bitmap. You can engrave that in then do a cut. Takes a little more work and coordination.

    Plenty of samples in that kit for you to play around with.