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Welcome!
Here is a guide on how to use the Cricut! To upload files from SolidWorks in to the Cricut Design Space, they must be saved as a .dxf file. Since the Design Space is super cool and fun, you also need to use LibreCAD to convert it to a 2007 .dxf file. There’s also some fun things you need to do in the Design Space to cut your piece properly.
If you have any questions about gasket cutting with the Cricut, you can reach out to Casey Sauer. But please read this document first!
Making a .DXF File
Open your SolidWorks part and save as .dxf
Select export as faces/loops/edges, and click on the correct face. Click the check mark.
The following screen should pop up. Make sure it looks as you expect and then click save.
LibreCAD
This software is where you can convert your .dxf to a 2007 .dxf. Open your .dxf file. If there is text for SolidWorks educational licensing, as seen below, delete it by clicking the text and pressing the delete button. You should be left with just your outline and the red cross in the middle.
Save as a 2007 .dxf.
Cricut Design Space
The credentials for our Cricut Design Space account are:
Username/Email: nershipping@gmail.com
Password: Racecar228
Open the Cricut Design Space software and log in with the NER credentials. Click “New Project” in the top righthand corner.
Click “Upload” in the bottom lefthand corner.
Select your 2007 .DXF file from the file explorer and click “Upload” in the bottom righthand corner. The part will probably look like it doesn’t have all of your contours, but that is just the Cricut software. The example part has circular holes in it, but can be seen as just a solid rectangle. Most of the time all contours are there, just not visible.
Go to the feature tree on the right. All contours are initially seen as separate parts. Select all components that are in the same part you are cutting, right click, and select “Attach.”
The Cricut software scales your file, so you need to manually scale it back to your desired size. Go to the top of the screen and lock the aspect ratio for the selected part. Change either the width or the height to match the actual part. Once the part is scaled properly, click “Continue” in the bottom righthand corner.
For material selection, turn the knob on the machine to the desired material. For rubber gaskets, set it to custom on the dial, and then “Genuine Leather” on the software. It should be saved as a favorite on the NER account, but if not just browse through all the options.
For rubber gaskets, set the pressure to “More.”
For rubber gaskets, set the tool to the deep point blade. It is probably already loaded into the machine. If you aren’t sure, it is the black one with a longer blade.
Set up your material on the cutting mat. If the mat isn’t sticky or you are doing a thicker or slicker material such as rubber, you may want to tape it down. Don’t be afraid to use multiple layers.
Load the mat into the machine. You will need to slide it in and apply light pressure while the machine pulls it in.
Press go! Congratulations, you made a custom gasket!
