![DIY laser cut silhouette](/static_processed/8497f158e8c4ef379d42414ad0adb2c4/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/paper-cutting-silhouette/DIY-lasercut-silhouette.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":1280,"height":640,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
Laser cut silhouette
Follow this tutorial to learn how to create your own paper silhouette artwork. These finished pieces make great gifts and decorations.
Laser cut silhouette
Follow this tutorial to learn how to create your own paper silhouette artwork. These finished pieces make great gifts and decorations.
Preparation
Required Material
- 1 Sheet Laser Paper Orange-Red
- 1 Sheet Laser Paper Slate Gray + 3M adhesive
- 1 Sheet Laser Paper Blue + 3M adhesive
- 1 Sheet Laser Paper Dark Blue + 3M adhesive
- 1 Sheet Laser Paper Black + 3M adhesive
- Masking material for laser bed
Machines Used
- Speedy 360, 80 Watt
- 1.5" lens
- Honeycomb vacuum table
This DIY uses a Speedy 360 laser engraver, but feel free to create this piece using any of the laser machines in the Speedy laser engraver series.
Tip
If possible, try out a 1.5" lens for this DIY. They're ideal for delicate, detailed cuts.
Step by step
![Trotec laser print settings: LaserPaper](/static_processed/e5de9ac6fffedb4846b1839c2255272f/.PNG?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/paper-cutting-silhouette/trotec-laser-print-settings-paper.PNG","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "trotec-laser-print-settings-paper.PNG")
Step 1: Design
Import the provided graphics, but feel free to adapt them as you wish to create your own unique silhouette. Then send the 5 various graphics to your Trotec laser machine with the following settings:
| Process mode | Resolution | Cut line |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 500dpi | none |
| Halftone | Others |
|---|---|
| color | Enhanced geometries, Inner Geometries first |
![Laser cutting different types and colors of paper](/static_processed/348102f3f836df30a3167f9b3de0bf8e/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/paper-cutting-silhouette/laser-cutting-different-paper.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "laser-cutting-different-paper.jpg")
Step 2: Laser Process the Paper
Arrange the colored paper sheets in order according to your design, and place them in your Trotec laser machine. Also, consider masking the rest of the working surface to get a strong vacuum. We recommend the following laser parameters, although they may vary depending on the laser machine you're using and the available laser power.
Laser Parameters: Engraving
| Black | Engrave CO2 | 40 | 70 | 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Process | Power % | Speed % | ppi/Hz |
| 1 | ON | 0mm | High Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-offset | Advanced |
Laser Parameters: Cutting
| Color | Process | Power % | Speed % | ppi/Hz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Cut CO2 | 15 | 1 | 1,000 |
| Passes | Air Assist | Z-offset | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ON | 0mm | - |
![assemble your laser cut silhouette](/static_processed/e2fd45648297e1a9413b0ee70024232e/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/paper-cutting-silhouette/assemble-lasercut-silhouette.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "assemble-lasercut-silhouette.jpg")
Step 3: Assembly
Select a color for your backing plate, layering the colored sheets on top, following the order established in your design. If you've decided to use our design, we recommend the orange rectangle as a backing plate, with the remaining colors layered in the following order:
- Slate grey
- Blue
- Dark blue
- Black as finishing
Trotec Materials
Like all of our laserable materials, Trotec LaserPaper has been developed specifically for laser processing. This means you can achieve the highest contrast with the laser machine, while retaining a clean cut mark from laser cutting. Available in a wide variety of eye-catching colors, Trotec LaserPaper is ideal for many applications! Consider trying it for invitations, brochures, business cards, greeting cards and much more. Let your imagination run wild!
![Inspiration for a laser cut silhouette](/static_processed/f904267e71918753bb3ac5ea20329f5d/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/paper-cutting-silhouette/inspiration-lasercut-silhouette.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":640,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
Inspiration
- Cut spacers from thin TroLase ADA, and stick them between the individual paper sheets. This adds additional depth and dimension to the final piece.
- Replace the orange base plate with white LaserPaper Synthetic, so you can stand the picture in front of a lamp and illuminate it.
- Depending on the motif, laser cut silhouettes make a great gift card.
![](/static_processed/5b58a61a467804661df93e96a66f70dc/laser-engraver-speedy-400-left.png?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/Laser_Machines/Speedy_Series/laser-engraver-speedy-400-left.png","edits":{"extract":{"top":142,"left":497,"width":933,"height":393},"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
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