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laser-operations [2015/12/19 19:20]
christopher.dieringer Add operations content 		laser-operations [2016/11/15 19:14]
Adric Menning [Acceptable Materials]
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 Approved materials are: Approved materials are:
  
-    * non-treated woods +  * non-treated woods 
-    * acrylic +  * acrylic 
-    * cardboard +  * cardboard 
-    * paper+  * paper 
 +  * glass (engraving/frosting only)
  
-You are welcome to cut materials 3/8" or thinner.  3/8" is "thick" for our laser.  Feel free to touch base with the trainers if you are interested in cutting thicker materials.+You are welcome to cut materials 3/8" or thinner. 3/8" is "thick" for our laser. Feel free to touch base with the trainers if you are interested in cutting thicker materials. 
 + 
 +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/laser users have reported using it fine 
 +      * Ingredients COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS \\ Blend of paraphinic plasticizer, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, styrene butadiene styrene synthetic \\ rubber, white factis synthetic rubber, polysiloxane, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate. 
 +      * 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:
  
-    * plastics prefixed with "poly", e.g. PVC. +  * plastics prefixed with "poly", e.g. PVC. 
-    * treated woods+  * treated woods 
 + 
 +There may be exceptions. Again, talk to one of the laser trainers first.
  
-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.  We don't recommend exceeding 800mm x 500mm((Table constraints are estimated.  Precision design limitations requested)) in your design.  Your material should be vary flat.  A non-flat material will over imperfect cuts, both in desired shape and inability to punch your design out of the material blank.+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)) in your design.  Your material should be very flat.  A non-flat material will result in imperfect cuts, both in desired shape and inability to punch your design out of the material blank.
  
 ===== CAD & CAM Operation ===== ===== CAD & CAM Operation =====
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 We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine.  How to use Inkscape to generate "paths" will not be covered here. We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine.  How to use Inkscape to generate "paths" will not be covered here.
  
-Some members use Sketchup for their design work, instead of Inkscape. You must have a [[:sketchup_dxf_export_plugin|dxf export plugin]] to enable .DXF export.  That plugin is verified to work with Sketchup 8((still available at   [[http://www.oldversion.com/windows/google-sketchup-8-0-0-0|http://www.oldversion.com/windows/google-sketchup-8-0-0-0]] _FCKG_BLANK_TD_)) , unknown if it works with newer versions.+Some members use Sketchup for their design work, instead of Inkscape. You must have a [[:sketchup_dxf_export_plugin|dxf export plugin]] to enable .DXF export.  That plugin is verified to work with Sketchup 8((still available at     [[http://www.oldversion.com/windows/google-sketchup-8-0-0-0|http://www.oldversion.com/windows/google-sketchup-8-0-0-0]] _FCKG_BLANK_TD_)) , unknown if it works with newer versions.
  
 ==== Generate a Compiled Laser Cut File ==== ==== Generate a Compiled Laser Cut File ====
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 {{  :laser_blower_switch_and_led.jpg?300x225  }} {{  :laser_blower_switch_and_led.jpg?300x225  }}
  
-//Blower Indicator.  See that little red light below the switch panel?  That LED indicates that the blower is on!  That light must be illuminated at all times during cutting.  The switch immediately above it turns it on.  You should hear the blower kick on in the other room.//+//Blower Indicator. Look at the switch panel on the wall.  See that little red light below the blower switch?  That LED indicates that the blower is on!  That light must be illuminated at all times during cutting.  The switch immediately above it turns it on.  You should hear the blower kick on in the other room.//
  
 {{  :laser_control_panel.jpg?300x400  }} {{  :laser_control_panel.jpg?300x400  }}
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 //Pre-flight checklist// //Pre-flight checklist//
 +
 +    * Watch over your print.  You are required to be present in front of laser during all cuts.  Enjoy!
 +
 +=====   =====
  
 ===== Appendix ===== ===== Appendix =====