Cut and plot service
On the Cut and PlotService pages you will find information on
Plotting (large format printing)
Laser cutting
Combination printing/laser cutting
Service times/employees
Our prices
Location
What is the Cut and Plot Service?
A Central Unit of the Faculty of Architecture (according to §4 Abs. 1 KStG -BgA).
The Cut and Plot Service is 100% self-supporting. This means that the salaries for the
service employees (including students) are financed from income.
The services are therefore subject to a charge.
All BgA services are payable in cash, bank or credit cards are not accepted.
are not accepted.
Students receive a receipt (receipt slip) on which the VAT is also shown.
Plotting (large format printing)
The Cut and Plot Service has 1 HP DesignJet 1050C and 1 Epson SC-T5200 (both 36" printers).
With this device, printouts of up to 88 cm net with a media width of 91 cm are possible.
The length of the printout depends on the application program. It is recommended that you consult the service personnel for overlengths >120 cm.
Large format printing (plotting) is subject to a charge according to TU unit prices.
Procedure:
The student must submit a fully configured PDF file to the Cut and Plot Service, room B409 at the agreed times.
The Cut and PlotService has a Trotec laser cutter, model Speedy 500. With a maximum working area of 1245 x 710 mm, most commercially available plate sizes can be processed without prior cutting. In addition, larger panels can be inserted and thus at least partially lasered.
The laser cutter is operated by the service personnel of the Cut and Plot Service. The laser can only be used by prior appointment. Please refer to the "Service times" section.
Please note that not all materials can be cut with our laser cutter. Please read the following instructions carefully before starting to plan your model:
Instructions for the Speedy 500 or seek advice from the service staff.
Laser-cutting instructions (PowerPoint file)
Architecture model making Trotec
Necessary prerequisites:
1. all panels in one file! - Check for double/overlapping lines
2. only the file formats DWG, DXF (comp. 2010) and DGN are accepted!
No positioning at layout level
3. surface engraving in color white (black background) RGB 255,255,255
4. cutting (vector) in color red RGB 255,0,0
5. cut out (vector) in color blue RGB 0,0,255
6. 2nd cutting plane (vector) in color green RGB 0,255,0
7. plate border in color yellow with a distance of at least 2mm from objects
8. optimization of ortogonal (rectangular) objects -> align to X-axis. Grid without polygons
9. font -> only standard Win fonts, as surface engraving in white (opaque)
Dissolve special fonts into polygons with area filling in white (opaque)
If these points are unclear, be sure to consult Mr. Pietsch
10. Only cash in euros is accepted!
11. pay attention to flat sheet material, especially with thicker >3mm material
12. no polycarbonate or PVC is loaded, therefore no Bayer Vivak, DIY store craft glass
13. transparent material -> only acrylic glass, PMMA, Plexiglas (Evonic)
14. do not forget masking tape (transportation)
15. if the longer side is over 700 mm, then always use landscape format!
Always wrong:
Single files instead of all in one; PDF files instead of DWG;DXF R2010; DWG;
Trimming blue instead of red, cutting red instead of blue, no RGB colors used;
File in layout mode instead of model mode; write-protected sticks and files; elements not resolved but in cells and blocks; double lines; non-optimized rectangles
Video tutorial on laser optimization of ArchiCAD hatchings using the "Totec engraving" method
Working area and max size of the cut material
Combination printing/laser cutting
As of Nov. 2018, it is possible to print and subsequently laser cut fin board (coated or pure) up to a thickness of 1.5 mm. This process is many times faster than laser cutting/engraving for façade elements or roadways. It is also possible to print in color on the fin board! This means that wood can also be imitated on Finnpappe (cheaper and less smear marks than with hard wood)
Prerequisites:
Laser edge = cardboard edge (e.g. cut 1000x750 to 1000x710 mm)
Edge distance for laser cut elements at least 10mm instead of 2mm!!!
Vectors to be printed in one layer or RGB color 0,225,255
1.5 mm gray board only conditionally possible!
Consultations are possible with the head of the CPS, Mr. Pietsch, Tel. 34890. Individual plotting and cutting appointments can only be arranged at short notice: The availability of Mr. Pietsch must be checked by telephone 30 minutes before the laser appointment: 0351 463 34890
Regular working hours: Mon-Tues 8:00-16:00, Wed 10:00-13:00, Thu 8:00-12:00
The procedure for submission times is as follows: arrive as early as possible, hand in the file and leave your cell phone number, Mr. Pietsch will call approx. 30 minutes before processing.
During submission times (overload) only optimized files will be accepted!
Help for optimization
Central printing and plotting prices
Prices for laser cutting:
0.75 €/min. laser time
all prices incl. VAT
