A cricut is a computerized scrapbook cutting machine. I have worked out
the steps needed to have it cut stencils from Eagle's cream layer.
The short version:
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Eagle
Layout PCB as usual.
Change the tcream layer to no fill and color to black.
Add a 2 inch line to the tcream layer.
In the print dialog check black and print to pdf box.
Inkscape
Import the above pdf and save as a SVG (scalable vector graphic) file.
I used the finest setting for details when importing the pdf but I do
not know that it had much of an impact. The file was 8K. To see the
graphics I needed to do a VIEW>DISPLAY_MODE>OUTLINE.
Sure Cuts a Lot
Load the SVG file from inkscape. SCAL has its own idea regarding what
size the graphic should be. Using the scale on the onscreen cutting
board shrink the graphic such that the 2 inch line is again 2 inches. To
do this I first zoom to 400%. Move the graphic so the left edge is on a
inch line. Then resize it so that it is 2 inches long.
Save the SCAL project. Load the project again and hit cut. If you try to
cut without saving and loading (or maybe just undoing the zoom) SCAL
will crash.
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I used the demo version of SCAL. It makes extra cuts through the
graphic to make it unusable. They did not cause enough problem to make
the stencil unusable. The non demo version can be had for $75 from
Craft Edge http://www.craftedge.com/.
The details of how I figured this out can be found on the Electro-Tech
forum. I have posted several images there. The thread is
http://www.electro-tech-online.com/showthread.php?p=674243#post674243
There are still some warts but it works. Most are with the SCAL
software but none are show stoppers.
When I have worked with the method a bit more I will post a how-to on my
web site.
3v0
