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laser-operations [2015/12/19 19:20]
christopher.dieringer Add operations content 		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.//
 +
 +
 ===== Material Preparation ===== ===== Material Preparation =====
  
Line 12: Line 16:
 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 =====
Line 34: Line 46:
 ==== 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|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  }} +
- +
-//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  }} +
- +
-//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.// +
- +
-{{  :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  }} +
- +
-//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  }} +
- +
-// 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 Bracing === +
- +
-    * Open the laser cabinet +
-    * Insert your work piece onto the honeycomb bed +
-    * Ensure that your work piece is flat on the surface. +
-      * If your piece is not entirely flat, you may consider applying magnets to the workpiece to brace, lift, or flatten it. __**Do NOT place magnets in the laser path.**__  Always assert that magets are placed OUTSIDE of the permiter drawn by the laser "Test" operation. +
- +
-{{  :laser_magnets.jpg?300x400  }} +
- +
-//Use magnets and spacers as needed to align, flatten, or shim your workpiece.// +
- +
-=== Laser Focus Calibration === +
- +
-The laser should be focused to your workpiece on every cut. +
- +
-    * Grab the focus tool from it's very special home on the top, right surface of the laser. +
-    * Lower the Z stage until there is a large enough gap between your work piece and the focus plunger (on the laser head) for the focus tool to fit in between. +
-      * Press Z > DOWN-ARROW to lower the stage from the control panel +
-    * Slide the focus tool between your work piece and the focus plunger. +
-      * Ensure that only the plunger will make contact with the block as we anticipate the Z stage moving upwards.  Take extra precaution to ensure that the block is not in the laser path (e.g. not in the same path as the laser head).  Also, avoid plunging into the "FOCUS TOOL" lettering. +
-    * While still in the Z menu, press "DATUM". +
-    * After the Z stage stops moving, remove the focus tool block by carefully sliding it out from above your work piece. +
- +
-{{  :laser_focus_tool.jpg?300x400  }} +
- +
-//As with all tools, always return the Focus Tool to its home!// +
- +
-(need focusing procedure support imagery) +
- +
-=== Go Time ===+
  
-It's almost time to cut!+  * Inkscape (free, open-source) 
 +  * Adobe Illustrator 
 +  * AutoCAD 
 +  * Creo/ProE/SolidWorks/Rhino
  
-    * Move the laser to the origin of your cut. +We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. How to use Inkscape to generate "paths" will not be covered here.
-      * Hopefully, you set a reasonable origin when prepping your file in the CAM software.  Generally, the origin is set to the bottom left of a virtual square drawn around your design.  If you don't know with certainty where your origin is, go check now. +
-    * Place your left hand pointer finger near the "Stop" button, and your right hand over the "Test" button. +
-      * You will press "Test" and observe the laser traverse the outline of your design.  If laser head exceeds the boundaries of your expected design and you fear that it will hit any of the limits of its availabel travel, hit stop immediately! +
-      * Press "Test" +
-    * Now you're ready.  Read through the pre-flight checklist one last time, then press "Start".+
  
-{{  :laser_preflight_checklist.jpg?300x225  }}+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.
  
-//Pre-flight checklist// 
  
-===== Appendix ===== 
  
-{{:laser_blower_adjacent_room.jpg?300x225}} 
  
-//The blower lives in the next room.  If you don't hear it fire up, make sure it's plugged in!//