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Cutting Printed Materials: Using Templates and Framing

Achieving a perfect contour cut on pre-printed materials requires precise alignment between your design and the Neon laser. This guide covers the two most effective methods: the Jig (Template) Method and the Framing Method.

Method 1: The Jig (Template) Method

This method is ideal for cutting multiple copies of the same design with high consistency.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Create the Template: Place a blank sheet of paper or scrap material on the workbed. Secure it with tape so it doesn't move.
  2. Cut the Silhouette: Run the cut command for your design on this blank sheet. This creates a "hole" or "jig" exactly where the laser will fire.
  3. Position the Print: Without moving the blank sheet, carefully slide your printed material underneath the "hole" you just cut. Align the printed graphics with the cut-out shape perfectly.
  4. Execute: Press Neon It!. Since the machine hasn't moved, the laser will hit the exact same coordinates, cutting your printed design perfectly.

Method 2: The Framing Method

This method uses a boundary box to align the material visually using the Neon's red dot pointer.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Design a Boundary Box: In Neon Studio, draw a simple square or rectangle around the artwork you want to cut.
  2. Print with the Box: Print your file including this outer boundary box.
  3. Position and Secure: Place the printed sheet in the Neon. Use magnets or masking tape to ensure the paper stays flat and still.
  4. Set the Origin: Move the laser head to the starting corner of your printed box.
  5. Run the Frame: Click the Frame button in Neon Studio. The laser head will move along the perimeter of your boundary box using the red dot pointer.
  6. Adjust and Align: If the red dot doesn't follow the printed line exactly, adjust the material's position or the laser head's starting point until the red dot traces the printed box perfectly.
  7. Cut: Once aligned, disable the layer with the boundary box (so you don't cut it) and press Neon It! to cut the internal contours.

Figure 1: Using the red dot pointer to frame the printed boundary box (Coming Soon)

Which Method Should I Use?

Method Best For... Advantage
Jig / Template High-volume production Faster for multiple sheets; extremely precise.
Framing Single items or unique prints Doesn't require extra material for a template.

Pro Tip

When using the Framing Method, make sure your boundary box in the software matches the exact dimensions of the printed box. Even a 1mm difference can cause misalignment across the sheet.

Need help with complex print-and-cut files? If your cuts are consistently drifting, you might need to check your step-calibration. Contact Neon Laser Support for a calibration guide.