what is laser Cutting

    technology that is used to melt, burn or vaporize materials like metals by focusing a laser at a single point.

safety issue

  • airflow for air assist, exhaust, filter for safe laser cutter operation.
  • class 1 w/ safety interlock: highest safety possible.
  • ventialtion of fumes
  • regular cleaning of laser optics
  • sufficient airflow
  • prohibited materials
  • fires during operation
  • as a genernal check for laser cut compatibility, use flame test. if material burns, it should not be used in laser cutting.
  • where e-stop and fire extinguisher is

laser settings

    power

    • higher = deeper
    • too much/little worsens details

    speed

    • higher = less time
    • too high/low speed = poor detail

    frequency [PPI = Pulse Per Inch of travel]

    • higher = greater cutting/melting effect
    • E.G.
      • Acrylic: 500 - 1000
      • Wood: 100 - 500

    General Note:

    • Double power = double cutting power
    • halve speed = double cutting power
    • use vendor's recommended settings as starting point

    some applications:

    • cutting, screen printing.

    how to do laser cutting:

    • 1. Import dxf/autocad file/ to coreldraw (link for how to make a dxf file)
    • 2. Ensure that you have exported correctly, since there can be errors that were overlooked
    • 3. Select the material that you would like to use, by choosing their respective templates
    • 4. Select the colors according to whether you would like them to engrave or cut (note: thickness of line only affects engraving)
    • 5. Set the speed and power according to specifications
    • 6. There are 2 different printers-- Epilog Fusion M2 (which can laser cut right away) & Universal VLS6.60 (where you need to open another app to set settings before printing)

    other resources you can check out: