Incrementing object size

[Kuth (Luis Jardim)]

In general, how can I incremente the size of several identical objects.

To make it easier to understand what I’m trying to do:
I intend to create a drill bit holder for sizes ranging from 5mm to, for example, 20mm, including “half sizes”. That is, the first hole would be 5mm, the second 5.5mm, the third 6mm, the fourth 6.5mm… and so on.

The “Array” tool allows to repeat the same object, but it doesn’t allow to do what I want in a single step.

The “Offset Shapes” tool, if I created circles of the exact measurements (5, 6, 7 and so on), I could then offset them all at the same time with an offset of 0.25. Even so, it wouldn’t be in a single step.

What I’m looking for is to create a 5mm circle (for example), create an “Array” with a value of 30 (number of holes) with a 0.5mm diameter increment in the next hole.

Is this possible to do in just one step, or am I being too demanding (which could also be seen as lazy)?

In the time it took me to develop this question, run it through the translator, correct it, and publish it, I had already accomplished what I wanted.
This is to prove that I’m not as lazy as you think, and I’m thinking about the future of the community.

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

I took on the challenge of your project. The way I found to get the evenly incremented holes is by using the copy along path tool. It took experimenting to get the scaling just right, and I’m sure there is a mathematical formula for finding the correct scaling, I just don’t know it.

I drew a long line, then a 5mm circle, selected the circle then line(order is important) and went to Arrange Menu> Copy Along Path. In the dialogue I entered 31 copies, that’s how many are required to get from 5 to 20 with .5mm steps, 30 only gets you to 19,5mm. I selected scale and entered 410%. I arrived at that number by trial and error.

This was the result. 31 holes, evenly spaced with a .5mm increase in each one. The thing I cannot explain is the holes are not aligned and even if I select all and try to align to the line they don’t align with the line properly.

[Kuth (Luis Jardim)]

I swear I was about to identify you because of the number of your videos I’ve seen, and I was almost certain you’d have a solution or something close to it for the issue. However, that could limit opinions, as others might think I was specifically asking you for help.

I confess that I also remembered the “Copy Along Path” option, but that only solved part of the problem. What I didn’t know is that it allows to increment the resulting objects.

The support for the drill bits is in the “design phase,” so I’ll still explore your suggestion.

I am very grateful for the time you spent in such a short space of time.
Thank you!

However, I remain open to other suggestions that will certainly be useful to others.

[RonSa (Ron)]

@thelmuth

Is there a way to adjust both the number of copies and the space between copies?
In other words have 31 the number of copies and lets say the space of 10mm between copies?

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

There may be another / better way to achieve this. This is just what I came up with.

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

@RonSa

have 31 the number of copies and lets say the space of 10mm between copies?

Not in the Copy along path dialogue. This limits the placement to the length of the line (path). After you have your properly scaled copies made you can rearrange them any way you want. which would not work for this use case.

For one solution you could select the entire set of holes and move together.

Then select the last hole and move it by the desired spacing x number of spaces. In this case 10 x 30 = 300mm

Select all the holes and distribute h spaced.

You now have a row of holes spaced 10mm apart.

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

@thelmuth

if I select all and try to align to the line they don’t align with the line properly.

It turns out that my line wasn’t perfectly horizontal, that’s why the holes didn’t align properly.

[RonSa (Ron)]

After using your “incrementing object size” I bottom align all the circles. Then I distributed the circles but I found that one couldn’t adjust the spacing.

I some other software doesn’t do “incrementing object sizing” but I can adjust the spacing between the objects to any spacing I wish. So I exported from LB then imported to this other software.

Now if either one of these software could do it all it would be great!

(I accidently deleted my other post)

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

@RonSa

but I found that one couldn’t adjust the spacing.

You need to move one of the end circles to the required position before distributing. That’s where the formula distance x spacing comes in. Reread my previous post.

[Kuth (Luis Jardim)]

While I’m exploring @thelmuth solution, I’m encountering this “bug”.
What must be happening is that the properties of the original object are “saved” in the generated objects.
That’s why the dimensions in the top bar are correct, but the properties are wrong in relation to the selected object.

Meanwile:

@thelmuth

With the homework already done by you it seems easy.

However, the “Scale Copies” field intrigues me because I don’t understand what the value refers to and what it specifically affects or implies. Does it represent a percentage, or what exactly does it represent?

Or, in another way, and in this specific case, how does 410 represent 0.5 between objects?

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

It is the change between the first object and the last object as a percentage. So 20 mm is 4 times large than 5 mm, which is 400%. But 400% larger than 5 mm doesn’t work out exactly 20 mm so I had to experiment and that’s why I came up with 410% that actually worked. I don’t understand the math. I just know what worked.

[Kuth (Luis Jardim)]

@thelmuth

So 20 mm is 4 times large than 5 mm, which is 400%

Ok, my math confirms it., If you say…
I imagined it was a percentage.
Since my math is much worse than yours, I resorted to an online calculator to calculate the percentage of 5 out of 20, and the result was this:

“AUMENTOU” means INCREASE
which, when entered into the “Scale Object” field, doesn’t match with the result you show.

@thelmuth

I don’t understand the math.

So if you think you are not good with math I am way worse!

[misken (Melvin)]

Another option (but not that practical in this case, maybe) is that once you do an operation with the offset tool, a ctrl+click will redo the same operation on the next object. So you can use the array tool to multiply the object like ten times, then select the first, choose the offset tool, select your parameters (e.g. extend by 0.5mm, delete original object) and click ok. So you have that operation finished. Then you can select the next circle and just ctrl+click the offset tool icon, then it will apply the offset automatically.
The drawback is that it’s not incrementing automatically, so you need to click the first circle once, the second one twice, the third one three times etc.

[RonSa (Ron)]

@thelmuth

You need to move one of the end circles to the required position before distributing. That’s where the formula distance x spacing comes in. Reread my previous post.

I actually did what I posted before I saw your post…
I gave your idea a try, IMO LB is a bit more fussy.

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

Well Lightburn is primarily a laser control software that incorporates a LOT of design elements, not a design software that also controls lasers. I think it does great for the majority of designs.

[RonSa (Ron)]

@thelmuth

Well Lightburn is primarily a laser control software that incorporates a LOT of design elements, not a design software that also controls lasers

I didn’t mean to upset you.

The software I’m using is for operating vinyl cutting equipment (I still have a couple of them) which cuts vinyl along an X/Y axis. Think of the cutter as a plotter using roll material. Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a laser attachment and a base available for it. I never went in that direction. The software is an old version that I purchased pre-subscription era. It surprises me that I can still install it on a Win11 system.

[thelmuth (Tim Helmuth)]

Not upset at all, sorry if I came across that way. I was just pointing out that there are many graphic design programs better suited to certain tasks. Lightburn does a great job at what they do, but they cannot be all things to all people / projects. But, most tasks can be achieved one way or another.

Luis presented a specific query about his project. I provided one way to accomplish said project. There may be other, better ways to accomplish it in Lightburn, this is just what I came up with.

You asked about modifying the results and I provided a way to achieve what you asked.

I enjoy solving problems for forum users. My answers are usually not the only way, and often not the best way, but they work.

I’m familiar with vinyl plotters. I used one just the other day to create a 52” x 22” graphic for my church. I use Sure Cuts a Lot to run the plotter, but the design work was done in a graphics program.

Please take no offense. If I can help solve a problem I will. Or at least try.

[RonSa (Ron)]

@thelmuth

I use Sure Cuts a Lot to run the plotter

My daughter has that software to run a Cameo, I like it’s puzzle generator.

[Kuth (Luis Jardim)]

What I’ve already done in the original project (because I have another one where I’m testing various possibilities) was as you indicated, using the “Offset Shapes” tool.
The suggestion given by Tim is the closest to what I’ve asked so far. (In a few actions, obtain the final result) Very useful for lazy people with little mathematical knowledge like me.

A combination of the “Offset Shapes” tool (which allows increment) and “Array” (which allows the number of reproductions, including the distance between edges) should work like a charm.

But as Tim mentioned, and very well, Lightburn is a software for laser machines with many implemented drawing features.
In my humble opinion, perhaps even a little too much, but that’s precisely what makes Lightburn so attractive and leads me to “why not go a little further”.
I have little doubt that if the developers see this topic, they will think about the subject and in the future, they will implement something that does what I intend and even more.

What I wish is something that seems simple (and currently isn’t complicated at all if done in a few steps) but is complicated to do in just one step.

[Kuth (Luis Jardim)]

Here is the first phase of the project, which, with the settings for my machine, will surely take more than 3 hours if everything goes well.

I created the holes using the method suggested by Tim, but it was necessary to make very small adjustments just for precision. (It probably wouldn’t significantly affect the final operation.)
I’m counting on the laser’s “kerf” to obtain the necessary clearance to insert and remove the drill bits. If it doesn’t work, I’ll have to widen the holes according to what I find necessary after trying.

A question that arose during the process, but for which I didn’t open a new topic because it’s just a “yes or no” answer.

Using “Variable Text” (I used it as “serial number”), is it possible to create numbers with decimal places? (Ex. 10,5) I couldn’t. I created the integers, duplicated them, and edited the duplicates by adding “,5”

If works fine I’ll leave the file probably at the “Finished Creations” category.