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laser-operations [2016/11/15 19:14] Adric Menning [Acceptable Materials] |
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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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. | + | 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 [[: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ==== 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 Up ==== | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * Power on the following devices: | + | |
- | - the blower, | + | |
- | - the laser, using toggle switch under the red rocker | + | |
- | - the air-compressor | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | //Blower Indicator. Look at the switch panel on the wall. See that little red light below the blower switch? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | //Control Panel. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | //Air Compressor Switch. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Excellent. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | // 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/ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ==== 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.**__ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | //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. | + | |
- | * While still in the Z menu, press " | + | |
- | * After the Z stage stops moving, remove the focus tool block by carefully sliding it out from above your work piece. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{ : | + | |
- | + | ||
- | //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! | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * Move the laser to the origin of your cut. | + | |
- | * Hopefully, you set a reasonable origin when prepping your file in the CAM software. | + | |
- | * Place your left hand pointer finger near the " | + | |
- | * You will press " | + | |
- | * Press " | + | |
- | * Now you're ready. | + | |
- | {{ : | + | * Inkscape (free, open-source) |
+ | * Adobe Illustrator | ||
+ | * AutoCAD | ||
+ | * Creo/ | ||
- | // | + | We use Inkscape, and have it ready on our machine. How to use Inkscape to generate " |
- | * Watch over your print. You are required | + | Some members use Sketchup for their design work, instead of Inkscape. You must have a [[: |
- | ===== ===== | ||
- | ===== Appendix ===== | ||
- | {{: | ||
- | //The blower lives in the next room. If you don't hear it fire up, make sure it's plugged in!// | ||