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laser-operations [2015/12/18 13:00] John Benedetto [Laser Operations] |
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. | + | 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.// | ||
+ | |||
===== Material Preparation ===== | ===== Material Preparation ===== | ||
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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: |
- | + | ||
- | * Inkscape (free, open-source) | + | |
- | * Adobe Illustrator | + | |
- | * AutoCAD | + | |
- | * Creo/ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 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. | + | |
- | ==== Generate a Compiled Laser Cut File ==== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Once your design is completed, you may import it into our CAM (Computer Aided Machining) program. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | See [[: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ===== Laser Operation ===== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Now that your design has been compiled into a laser-cutter-friendly format, you are ready to start preparing the laser. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | // | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * Power on the following devices: | + | |
- | - the blower, | + | |
- | - the laser, using toggle switch under the red rocker | + | |
- | - the air-compressor | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | //See that little red light? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | //Control Panel. | + | |
- | {{: | + | * Inkscape (free, open-source) |
+ | * Adobe Illustrator | ||
+ | * AutoCAD | ||
+ | * Creo/ | ||
- | //Next up is the air-compressor. | + | We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. How to use Inkscape to generate |
- | {{:laser_focus_tool.jpg? | + | 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:// |
- | {{: | ||
- | {{: | ||
- | {{: | ||
- | {{: | ||