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laser-operations [2022/11/02 18:03]
Craig Goldsmith 		laser-operations [2023/07/20 18:00]
Craig Goldsmith [Laser Operations]
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 ====== Laser Operations ====== ====== Laser Operations ======
  
-If you like the "how-to" small posters on the laser cutter room walls, [[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-KGZOdkT7sGcsuefvlqsBkndTDe6SKp/view?usp=share_link|you can download that PDF here]].\\+If you like the "how-to" small posters on the laser cutter room walls, [[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_10vbb5F61dDHgWJtU8Hx70PrFbn18AI/view|you can download that PDF here]].\\
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 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. 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.
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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.//
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 ===== Material Preparation ===== ===== Material Preparation =====
  
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 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 ==== 
  
-Once your design is completed, you may import it into our CAM (Computer Aided Machining) program. We use Leetro Automation LaserCut5.3. It's a terrible program. You will learn to hate it, but it gets the job done ;). 
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-See [[:lasercut_quickstart|LaserCut Quickstart]] for a set of hot tips on how to import your design, optimize your laser cutting configuration, and how to send your completed design to the laser cutter. 
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-===== 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. 
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-{{  :laser_overview.jpg?300x225  |laser_overview.jpg}} 
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-//Quelab's Favorite Little Laser Cutter// 
  
 ==== Power Up ==== ==== Power Up ====
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 =====   ===== =====   =====
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-===== Appendix ===== 
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-{{:laser_blower_adjacent_room.jpg?300x225|laser_blower_adjacent_room.jpg}} 
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-//The blower lives in the next room. If you don't hear it fire up, make sure it's plugged in!//