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laser-operations [2015/12/18 06:38] christopher.dieringer created |
laser-operations [2016/11/15 19:14] Adric Menning [Acceptable Materials] |
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- | //Before doing anything, read all of the posted safety and operational signage. | + | //Before doing anything, read all of the posted safety and operational signage.// |
===== Material Preparation ===== | ===== Material Preparation ===== | ||
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Approved materials are: | Approved materials are: | ||
- | | + | |
- | * acrylic | + | * acrylic |
- | * cardboard | + | * cardboard |
- | * paper | + | * paper |
+ | * glass (engraving/ | ||
- | You are welcome to cut materials 3/8" or thinner. | + | You are welcome to cut materials 3/8" or thinner. 3/8" is " |
+ | |||
+ | Some not Explicitly approved materials, but have been tested to be ok, check with the laser officer before doing more than small samples of these. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Speedball Speedy-Cut-Easy (the easy is important, non easy has pvc in it), other hackerspaces/ | ||
+ | * Ingredients COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS \\ Blend of paraphinic plasticizer, | ||
+ | * It is a bit stinky. | ||
+ | * 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective tape, still unknown on composition of backing, but the tape itself is acrylic and the reflective stuff does not hurt the cutter, but does need to be masked with tape for good /clean cutting | ||
Disallowed materials are: | Disallowed materials are: | ||
- | | + | |
- | * treated woods | + | * treated woods |
+ | |||
+ | There may be exceptions. Again, talk to one of the laser trainers first. | ||
- | There may be exceptions. | ||
==== Material Constraints ==== | ==== Material Constraints ==== | ||
- | The laser operates on a 900mm x 600mm table. | + | The laser operates on a 900mm x 600mm table. |
===== CAD & CAM Operation ===== | ===== CAD & CAM Operation ===== | ||
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* Creo/ | * Creo/ | ||
- | We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. | + | We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. |
+ | |||
+ | Some members use Sketchup for their design work, instead of Inkscape. You must have a [[: | ||
==== Generate a Compiled Laser Cut File ==== | ==== Generate a Compiled Laser Cut File ==== | ||
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Once your design is completed, you may import it into our CAM (Computer Aided Machining) program. | Once your design is completed, you may import it into our CAM (Computer Aided Machining) program. | ||
- | See [[:LaserCut Quickstart|:LaserCut Quickstart]] for a set of hot tips on how to import your design, optimize your laser cutting configuration, | + | See [[:lasercut_quickstart|LaserCut Quickstart]] for a set of hot tips on how to import your design, optimize your laser cutting configuration, |
===== Laser Operation ===== | ===== Laser Operation ===== | ||
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Now that your design has been compiled into a laser-cutter-friendly format, you are ready to start preparing the laser. | Now that your design has been compiled into a laser-cutter-friendly format, you are ready to start preparing the laser. | ||
- | {{ : | + | {{ : |
// | // | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Power Up ==== | ||
* Power on the following devices: | * Power on the following devices: | ||
- the blower, | - the blower, | ||
- the laser, using toggle switch under the red rocker | - the laser, using toggle switch under the red rocker | ||
- | - the air-compresser | + | - the air-compressor |
{{ : | {{ : | ||
- | //See that little red light? | + | //Blower Indicator. Look at the switch panel on the wall. |
{{ : | {{ : | ||
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//Control Panel. | //Control Panel. | ||
- | {{: | + | {{ : |
+ | |||
+ | //Air Compressor Switch. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Excellent. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | // Observe the red numbers on the LCD panel on the cooling pump? It sits on the floor between the desk and the laser. // | ||
+ | |||
+ | Let the cooling circuit prime for ~10 minutes before starting you cit (citation/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Work Piece Setup and Calibration ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Work Piece Bracing === | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Open the laser cabinet | ||
+ | * Insert your work piece onto the honeycomb bed | ||
+ | * Ensure that your work piece is flat on the surface. | ||
+ | * If your piece is not entirely flat, you may consider applying magnets to the workpiece to brace, lift, or flatten it. __**Do NOT place magnets in the laser path.**__ | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | //Use magnets and spacers as needed to align, flatten, or shim your workpiece.// | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Laser Focus Calibration === | ||
+ | |||
+ | The laser should be focused to your workpiece on every cut. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Grab the focus tool from it's very special home on the top, right surface of the laser. | ||
+ | * Lower the Z stage until there is a large enough gap between your work piece and the focus plunger (on the laser head) for the focus tool to fit in between. | ||
+ | * Press Z > DOWN-ARROW to lower the stage from the control panel | ||
+ | * Slide the focus tool between your work piece and the focus plunger. | ||
+ | * Ensure that only the plunger will make contact with the block as we anticipate the Z stage moving upwards. | ||
+ | * While still in the Z menu, press " | ||
+ | * After the Z stage stops moving, remove the focus tool block by carefully sliding it out from above your work piece. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | //As with all tools, always return the Focus Tool to its home!// | ||
+ | |||
+ | (need focusing procedure support imagery) | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Go Time === | ||
+ | |||
+ | It's almost time to cut! | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Move the laser to the origin of your cut. | ||
+ | * Hopefully, you set a reasonable origin when prepping your file in the CAM software. | ||
+ | * Place your left hand pointer finger near the " | ||
+ | * You will press " | ||
+ | * Press " | ||
+ | * Now you're ready. | ||
- | //Next up is the air-compressor. See this little switch? | + | {{ : |
- | {{: | + | // |
- | {{: | + | * Watch over your print. You are required to be present in front of laser during all cuts. Enjoy! |
- | {{: | + | ===== ===== |
- | {{: | + | ===== Appendix ===== |
{{: | {{: | ||
- | < | + | //The blower lives in the next room. |