Creating flexibility where there is none? Just another thing you can do with an Epilog Laser system. Here we’ll walk you through the steps of creating the “living hinge” – a laser-cut pattern that allows hardwoods and other non-flexible materials to bend with ease.
Using this technique we created a personalized book cover that easily conforms to a variety of sizes. Depending on the thickness and composition of your material, you can modify the living hinge design to fit a variety of materials such as cardstock, veneers, plastics and much more!
The original living hinge file that inspired this version was created by SNIJLAB of the Netherlands. Visit the thingiverse website to view their creation.
For this project, we used a 50-watt Helix with the following settings:
Engraving: 100% speed, 100% power, 600 dpi, Jarvis dithering
Cutting: 25% speed, 100% power, 500 frequency
Adjust the settings for your laser and wattage using the suggested settings from the manual.
Open the file and modify the design as you would like.
Next, insert the sheet of wood into your laser and send over the file.
Once your laser is finished wipe off the smoke and debris from the quote engraving, then adhere your book to the inside with temporary glue or by creating a paper pocket.
We'll send you a brochure, as well as engraved and cut samples created with the laser.
Visit our full Sample Club for more ideas of what you can create with a laser system from Epilog.
View our full line of Co2 and Fiber laser engraving and cutting systems to see which is right for you.