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laser-operations [2022/11/02 18:03]
Craig Goldsmith 		laser-operations [2023/07/20 18:01]
Craig Goldsmith [Power Up]
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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]].\\
 \\ \\
 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 ;). 
  
-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. 
- 
-===== Laser Operation ===== 
- 
-Now that your design has been compiled into a laser-cutter-friendly format, you are ready to start preparing the laser. 
- 
-{{  :laser_overview.jpg?300x225  |laser_overview.jpg}} 
- 
-//Quelab's Favorite Little Laser Cutter// 
- 
-==== Power Up ==== 
- 
-  * Power on the following devices: 
-      - the blower, 
-      - the laser, using toggle switch under the red rocker 
-      - the air-compressor 
- 
-{{  :laser_blower_switch_and_led.jpg?300x225  |laser_blower_switch_and_led.jpg}} 
- 
-//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}} 
- 
-//Control Panel. The EMO (Emergency Off) button is on the top left (red circle). The power switch is under the red rocker, top-right.// 
- 
-{{  :laser_air_compressor_switch.jpg?300x400  |laser_air_compressor_switch.jpg}} 
- 
-//Air Compressor Switch. See this teeny-tiny little black rocker switch? Turn it on. Specifically, press in the straight line icon "-" (closed-circuit). The sound of the compressor is also a giveaway you've got it right!// 
- 
-Excellent. Now that you've toggled all three switches, confirm that the water cooling circuit shows numbers on the display. 
- 
-{{  :laser_cooler_red_lcd.jpg?300x225  |laser_cooler_red_lcd.jpg}} 
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-//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/rationale requested). 
  
 ==== Work Piece Setup and Calibration ==== ==== Work Piece Setup and Calibration ====
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 =====   ===== =====   =====
- 
-===== Appendix ===== 
- 
-{{:laser_blower_adjacent_room.jpg?300x225|laser_blower_adjacent_room.jpg}} 
- 
-//The blower lives in the next room. If you don't hear it fire up, make sure it's plugged in!//