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laser-operations [2015/12/19 18:31] christopher.dieringer add section headers |
laser-operations [2023/07/20 17:59] Craig Goldsmith [Laser Operation] |
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====== Laser Operations ====== | ====== Laser Operations ====== | ||
- | Operating the laser is a rewarding experience, however it takes patience and training in order to do so safely and effectively. | + | If you like the " |
+ | \\ | ||
+ | Operating the laser is a rewarding experience, however it takes patience and training in order to do so safely and effectively. The guide below is intended to be a supportive utility beyond the required training to operate the equipment. Laser operation generally consists of preparing the material, preparing your cut on the computer using a CAD/CAM software toolchain, and finally, preparing and operating the laser cutting machine. | ||
- | {{ : | + | {{ : |
//Before doing anything, read all of the posted safety and operational signage.// | //Before doing anything, read all of the posted safety and operational signage.// | ||
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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. | + | There may be exceptions. Again, talk to one of the laser trainers first. |
==== Material Constraints ==== | ==== Material Constraints ==== | ||
- | The laser operates on a 900mm x 600mm table. | + | The laser operates on a 900mm x 600mm table. We don't recommend exceeding 800mm x 500mm((Table constraints are estimated. Precision design limitations requested)) |
===== CAD & CAM Operation ===== | ===== CAD & CAM Operation ===== | ||
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==== Designing Your Cut Files ==== | ==== Designing Your Cut Files ==== | ||
- | Most vector drawing applications will be able to export into .dxf, the output file needed for our CAM program. | + | Most vector drawing applications will be able to export into .dxf, the output file needed for our CAM program. Typical programs to draw your cut in are: |
- | | + | |
- | * Adobe Illustrator | + | * Adobe Illustrator |
- | * AutoCAD | + | * AutoCAD |
- | * Creo/ | + | * Creo/ |
- | We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. | + | We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. How to use Inkscape to generate " |
- | Some members use Sketchup for their design work, instead of Inkscape. You must have a [[: | + | Some members use Sketchup for their design work, instead of Inkscape. You must have a [[: |
- | ==== Generate a Compiled Laser Cut File ==== | ||
- | Once your design is completed, you may import it into our CAM (Computer Aided Machining) program. | ||
- | See [[: | + | ==== Power Up ==== |
- | ===== Laser Operation ===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Now that your design has been compiled into a laser-cutter-friendly format, you are ready to start preparing the laser. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | // | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ===== Power Up ===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | | + | |
- the blower, | - the blower, | ||
- the laser, using toggle switch under the red rocker | - the laser, using toggle switch under the red rocker | ||
- the air-compressor | - the air-compressor | ||
- | {{ : | + | {{ : |
- | //Blower Indicator. | + | //Blower Indicator. |
- | {{ : | + | {{ : |
- | //Control Panel. | + | //Control Panel. The EMO (Emergency Off) button is on the top left (red circle). The power switch is under the red rocker, top-right.// |
- | {{ : | + | {{ : |
- | //Air Compressor Switch. | + | //Air Compressor Switch. See this teeny-tiny little black rocker switch? Turn it on. Specifically, |
- | Excellent. | + | Excellent. Now that you've toggled all three switches, confirm that the water cooling circuit shows numbers on the display. |
- | {{ : | + | {{ : |
- | // Observe the red numbers on the LCD | + | //Observe the red numbers on the LCD panel on the cooling pump? It sits on the floor between the desk and the laser. // |
- | 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/ | Let the cooling circuit prime for ~10 minutes before starting you cit (citation/ | ||
- | ===== Work Piece Setup and Calibration | + | ==== Work Piece Setup and Calibration ==== |
- | ==== Work Piece Bracing | + | === Work Piece Bracing === |
- | | + | |
- | * Insert your work piece onto the honeycomb bed | + | * Insert your work piece onto the honeycomb bed |
- | * Ensure that your work piece is flat on the surface. | + | * 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.**__ | + | * 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.**__ |
- | ==== Laser Focus Calibration | + | |
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | //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. | 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. Take extra precaution to ensure that the block is not in the laser path (e.g. not in the same path as the laser head). Also, avoid plunging into the "FOCUS TOOL" lettering. | ||
+ | * 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. Generally, the origin is set to the bottom left of a virtual square drawn around your design. If you don't know with certainty where your origin is, go check now. | ||
+ | * Place your left hand pointer finger near the " | ||
+ | * You will press " | ||
+ | * Press " | ||
+ | * Now you're ready. Read through the pre-flight checklist one last time, then press " | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | // | ||
- | {{: | + | * Watch over your print. You are required to be present in front of laser during all cuts. Enjoy! |
- | {{: | + | ===== ===== |
- | {{: | ||