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laser-operations [2015/12/18 12:46]
John Benedetto added blurb on using Sketchup 		laser-operations [2023/07/20 18:01] (current)
Craig Goldsmith [Work Piece Setup and Calibration]
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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.  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.+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.
  
-{{  :laser_guidelines.jpg?300x225  }}+{{  :laser_guidelines.jpg?300x225  |laser_guidelines.jpg}} 
 + 
 +//Before doing anything, read all of the posted safety and operational signage.//
  
-//Before doing anything, read all of the posted safety and operational signage.  Also, why wont i rotate?// 
  
 ===== Material Preparation ===== ===== Material Preparation =====
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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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 ==== 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.  Typical programs to draw your cut in are: +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:
- +
-    * Inkscape (free, open-source) +
-    * Adobe Illustrator +
-    * AutoCAD +
-    * Creo/ProE/SolidWorks/Rhino +
- +
-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)), 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  }} +
- +
-//Quelab's Favorite Little Laser Cutter// +
- +
-    * 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  }} +
- +
-//See that little red light?  That light means 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  }} +
- +
-//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}}+  * Inkscape (free, open-source) 
 +  * Adobe Illustrator 
 +  * AutoCAD 
 +  * Creo/ProE/SolidWorks/Rhino
  
-//Next up is the air-compressor.  See this little switch?  Turn it on.  Specifically, press in the straight line icon "-" (closed-circuit).  The "O" (open-circuit), should away from the machine.  The sound the compressor is also a giveaway you've got it right!//+We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. How to use Inkscape to generate "paths" will not be covered here.
  
-{{:laser_focus_tool.jpg?300x400}}+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.
  
-{{:laser_cooler_red_lcd.jpg?300x225}} 
  
-{{:laser_preflight_checklist.jpg?300x225}} 
  
-{{:laser_magnets.jpg?300x400}} 
  
-{{:laser_blower_adjacent_room.jpg?300x225}}