Make a ruler mould with Inkscape

• Visit Inkscape and choose the appropriate version for your operating system.

• Follow the installation guide provided.

• A reference of intermediary and final files created through this tutorial is attached, allowing you to test or modify them according to your requirements.

• Open Inkscape; a new document will appear.
• Adjust the document size via File > Document Properties.
• For this project, we selected A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches), but you may opt for another size.
• Save the document in an easily accessible location.

Vector Ruler Generator

Vector Ruler Generator is a free, open-source tool designed for creating rulers for etching or laser cutting into various materials.

• Visit robbbb.github.io/VectorRuler
• Customize your ruler with desired parameters, such as including both centimeters and inches (15 cm or 5.9 in)
• Save your settings with clear file names for easy identification

1. Go to File > Import and choose the desired file.
2. A dialog box with details will appear.
3. Click OK to view the files.
4. Repeat the process for the other unit of measurement.

To ensure correct import into the software, we must resize and adjust for laser cutting using Inkscape.

• Create a guide by clicking on the left-hand ruler and dragging to the right.
• A blue guide will appear. Double-click it, set it to 150 mm (5.91 inches), and press enter.
• Resize the ruler so the left side aligns with the document and the right side with the guide.
• Repeat the process for the inch ruler, setting the guide to 6 inches (152.4 mm).

If you are laser cutting a mold, ensure the text is flipped to read correctly upon injection.

• Select the part to flip.
• Click the "Flip selected objects horizontally" button at the top of the page.
• Use the "Rotate selection 90°" buttons to make further adjustments if needed.

Instructions for Plastic Ruler Construction

1. Identify Plastic Type: Determine the plastic type used for ruler production, which aids future processing. Relevant temperature guidelines are available in the accompanying files.

2. Import Symbol: Import the required symbol similarly to the process used for ruler files.

3. Adjust Import Settings: Opt for "rough" precision to minimize file size while ensuring adequate detail for laser cutting.

4. Alignment and Placement: Align and position the symbol in the desired location.

• Click the Rectangle icon in the left menu to add an outline for the ruler.
• Draw the rectangle around the rulers and set the desired height and width from the top menu.
• Adjust the alignment of the rectangles to ensure the rulers remain visible.
• Select the rectangle and click the "Lower selection to bottom" icon at the top of the screen.
• Repeat the process for the mould's outer border.

Instructions

You need to create holes for wing nuts, bolts, or quick-release clamps.

1. Select the circle icon from the left menu.
2. Draw a circle in the desired location.
3. Adjust the x and y radius from the top menu.
4. Select the circle and duplicate it with CTRL + D.
5. Hold CTRL and move the duplicate to the right for alignment along the x or y axis.
6. Select both top holes, duplicate them, and position them to form the bottom two holes.

• Select all items using the selection tool or by pressing CTRL + A.
• Duplicate all objects by pressing CTRL + D.
• Hold CTRL and move the duplicated objects just below to minimize material waste during laser cutting.
• Delete the rulers and logo by selecting them and pressing delete.

• Use selection tools to duplicate the entire center mold.
• Move it downward until the edges touch.
• Delete the center rectangle and replace it with a circle for the nozzle of the injection machine.

• Save the file as an .svg by selecting File > Save As, and store it in an easily accessible location.

• Import the file into your CAM software to etch the rulers, inner rectangle, and ID code on the bottom plate, and cut out the remaining lines.

• Tap the threads, then proceed to injection mold using the injection machine.

• Refer to the video by Kunststoffschmiede for detailed instructions on using Plexiglas.

• Open source requires sharing the source and files.
• Upload them to platforms such as GitHub or GitLab.
• Share your work on our social media.

Darigov Research focuses on open source hardware, software, and education to address local challenges.

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We have been constructing machines since the introduction of Version 2 and are dedicated to the progress achieved and future growth of this community.

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