Laser Cutter Introduction: Difference between revisions

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Once we have a [[Laser Cutter|laser cutter]], introductions will be carried out by [[tutors]] and should take about 2 or 3 hours. Why "waste your time" like that? Attendance to such a briefing is required in order to use the machine without supervision! Scrolling down, tutors can find a checklist of what to teach and attendees can see what to expect.
This is the content required for an introduction to our [[Introduction for::Laser_Cutter|laser cutter]]- '''reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a [[tutor]]!''' It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)


== Checklist ==
If you need this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors: [[Tutor::User:NitramLegov|Martin]], [[Tutor::User:Pakue|Patrick]], [[Tutor::User:Johannes|Johannes]], [[Tutor::User:Keno|Keno]], [[Tutor::User:Sebastian|Sebastian]], [[Tutor::User:Kalunho|Kalun]], [[Tutor::User:Luzian|Luzian]], [[Tutor::User:Björn|Björn]], [[Tutor::User:Utis|Utis]], [[Tutor::User:Lmnl99|Luca]]
During a briefing, participants should learn enough to work with the laser cutter independently and safely. They also receive a basic cleaning and maintenance course so not every little hickup has to be solved in the [[Issue Tracker|issue tracker]].


Here's what will be covered in such a briefing:
Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual (available on the Laser PC).
* dangers
** invisible but powerful IR radiation - luckily contained by the enclosure (laser class 1)
** fire can [http://www.laserworks.jp/images/f03.jpg destroy the machine!]
** harmful gases
*** [[Laser Cutter#Forbidden Materials|forbidden materials]] (ANYTHING containing chlorine or fluorine!) may not be placed into the laser cutter at all
*** exhaust filtering system ''should'' take care of most others - if you notice a strong smell, something may be broken or the filter is full!


* general overview of technology, mirror system, lens, etc.
== Safety ==
[[PPE|Personal protection]]: no special PPE needed since the enclosure protects you.


* locations of manuals:
{| class="wikitable"
** [https://www.epiloglaser.com/assets/downloads/manuals/zing-manual-web.pdf Epilog Zing]
|-
! Dangers !! Precautions
|-
| Fumes generated by burning/evaporating your work-piece might be dangerous ||
* Always ensure the exhaust filtering system is turned on before firing the laser.
* Make sure your work-piece can safely be used with a laser cutter (please reference the list of [[Laser_Cutter#Possible Materials (Cutting/Engraving)|possible materials]]
* Make sure you have read the [[Laser Cutter#Forbidden Materials|list of forbidden materials]] (ANYTHING containing halogens like chlorine or fluorine!) may not be placed into the laser cutter at all
* If you notice a strong smell: Turn off the laser and check the filtering system: something may be broken or the filter is full!
|-
| Invisible but powerful IR radiation || luckily contained by the enclosure (laser class 1)
* safety contacts prevent the laser tube from firing if the lid or any relevant side panels are open
|-
| Fire can [http://www.laserworks.jp/images/f03.jpg destroy the machine!] ||
* keep the tray clean - small cutouts from past projects burn easily
* do not leave the room when operating the machine; closely supervise all cutting jobs
* double-check the CO<sub>2</sub> fire extinguisher is within reach
* opening the lid can already be effective in putting out small fires
|-  
|}


==Basics of Laser Cutting==
The Tutor will show you:
* content of the '''entire''' [[Laser Cutter|laser cutter]] wiki page
* content of the '''entire''' [[Laser Cutter|laser cutter]] wiki page
** especially [[Laser Cutter#Forbidden Materials|'''forbidden materials!''']]
** especially [[Laser Cutter#Forbidden Materials|'''forbidden materials!''']]


* introduction to [[VisiCut]] or another suitable laser control software
** settings, raster vs. vector, our [[Laser Cutter Material Settings|collection of material related settings]]
** importing settings


* quick overview of [[SVG]] sources and/or editing software, e.g. [[Inkscape]]
==Operating the Machine==
 
The tutor will first show you the basic operations at the laser:
* practical session, especially demonstrating the machine and filter control pads and focussing
* How to '''prepare the laser cutter'''
** release of x and y motors, definition of workpiece origin
** to prevent fires, clean the tray under the table when it gets cluttered with little pieces
** network settings (static IP) to communicate with the laser cutter; job selection
**turn on the [[Water Chiller|water chiller]] and let it get to temperature (< 20°C)
** operation of the [[Laser Exhaust System|exhaust filter unit]] and "Air Assist" compressor
* How to turn on the laser
** safety switch: laser turns off when glass is lifted - important when fire breaks out!
* How to move the x and y motors by using the control panel
*** also useful if you only have one try and want a "dry run" using only the pointer (''that'' laser stays on)
**Adjust the jog length to move with larger / smaller steps
* How to ensure the focus of the laser is set correctly by moving the table up and down
* How to use the emergency stop
* How to check the safety switches: laser turns off when glass is lifted - important when fire breaks out!
** also useful if you only have one try and want a "dry run" using only the pointer (''that'' laser stays on)


''This should act as a guide, tutors can always emphasize or add points of importance.''
''This should act as a guide, tutors can always emphasize or add points of importance.''


== Workflow ==
== Workflow ==
The tutor will show you:
* how to create or edit your [[SVG]] file (using [[Inkscape]] or similar programs)
* how to generate a [[Format:DXF|DXF]] file (use DXF R14 if your program supports this) to import into [[LaserCut 5.3]]
* how to move your files to the laser PC using [[File Drop|file drop]]
* introduction to [[LaserCut 5.3]] running on our laser PC
** settings, raster vs. vector, our [[Laser Cutter Material Settings|collection of material related settings]]
** importing settings
* '''software'''
* '''software'''
** install [[Inkscape]] or similar software to produce vector files
** install [[Inkscape]] or similar software to produce vector files
** install [[VisiCut]] (platform independent version, developer branch recommended)
** install [[LaserCut 5.3]] (Demo version, Windows only)
** download/import settings
** download/import settings
** import [[SVG]] file into VisiCut, select material and/or try individual settings, select elements for cutting or engraving
** import [[DXF]] file into [[LaserCut 5.3]]
** calculate time estimate (VisiCut + Zing: about 20 % higher estimate than actual time)
*** set cutting/engraving settings per path
 
*** simulate toolpath: <code>Laser --> Simulate</code>
* '''prepare laser cutter'''
*** estimate work time [[File:Estimate Work Time Button.png]]
** to prevent fires, clean the tray under the honeycomb table when it gets cluttered with little pieces
*** transfer job
** clean lens (roll [[Q-Tips|Q-tips]] with [[isopropanol]] over lens - roll with light pressure, do not wipe) if necessary
*** '''the entire preparation workflow can be found in detail under "[[LaserCut 5.3]]"'''
*** you can use a mirror or cellphone selfie-cam to look under the lens - '''only with the laser pointer disabled!'''
** clean mirror/s (especially mirror above lens) if necessary
** switch on laser cutter
** switch on laser pointer
** deactivate X/Y motors and manually move lens to starting point - '''touch only the metal parts, not the optics!'''
** set focus with spring gauge, further reduce height for cutting (aim for the center of your workpiece in that case)
** connect your laptop to our [[network]]
** transfer job via VisiCut, notebook can be disconnected once transfer is complete
** select the job on the cutter's display


* '''execution'''
* '''execution'''
** activate exhaust system
** activate [[Water Chiller|water chiller]]
** activate compressor
** activate [[Laser Exhaust System|exhaust system]]
** start the job by pressing [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Start.jpg | x25px|"Go"]]
** prepare the machine ([[Laser Cutter#Machine Control|Machine Control]])
** [[Laser_Cutter#Setting_the_Focus|set the focus]]
** when in focus, the red laser '''should''' be on the right spot (If nobody touched it).
*** you may press <code>Laser</code> to check the divergence of the laser and your cutting point to be extra sure if you have a test piece
** you may press <code>Test</code> on the machine to assure that the file fits the measurements of your workpiece: the machine's head will travel around the bounding rectangle of your design
** [[Laser_Cutter#Starting_the_Job|start the job]] either via the Laser PC or on the cutter's display
** observe cutting, watch for irregular fumes or flames - especially if testing new materials
** observe cutting, watch for irregular fumes or flames - especially if testing new materials
** cutting might not work for the first one or two cm after a "cold start" - in that case, restart the job briefly at the end
** cutting might not work for the first one or two cm if you have just started the machine for the first time that day - in that case, restart the job briefly at the end
** do not leave the laser cutter unattended!
** do not leave the laser cutter unattended (fire hazard)!
*** cutting: stay at the machine the entire time!
*** cutting: stay at the machine the entire time!
*** engraving: stay at least within sight and earshot!
*** engraving: stay at least within sight and earshot!


* '''after cutting'''
* '''after cutting'''
** switch off exhaust system and compressor
** switch off LaserCutter & water chiller
** remove parts from table
** remove parts from table
** [[Shop Vac|vacuum]] table if necessary
** clean tray under the table
** [[Shop Vac|vacuum]] the table if necessary
** [[Laser Cutter Material Settings|share your experiences]] with the others :-)  
** [[Laser Cutter Material Settings|share your experiences]] with the others :-)  
** donate for the machine time!
** donate for the machine time!
*** currently 50 ct per minute (goes to the next owners of the loaned machine who will need it for maintenance costs)
*** currently '''20 ct per minute'''
 
** turn off the PC


{{Waiting List}}
{{Waiting List}}

Latest revision as of 23:07, 30 October 2024

This is the content required for an introduction to our laser cutter- reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

If you need this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors: Martin, Patrick, Johannes, Keno, Sebastian, Kalun, Luzian, Björn, Utis, Luca

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual (available on the Laser PC).

Safety

Personal protection: no special PPE needed since the enclosure protects you.

Dangers Precautions
Fumes generated by burning/evaporating your work-piece might be dangerous
  • Always ensure the exhaust filtering system is turned on before firing the laser.
  • Make sure your work-piece can safely be used with a laser cutter (please reference the list of possible materials
  • Make sure you have read the list of forbidden materials (ANYTHING containing halogens like chlorine or fluorine!) may not be placed into the laser cutter at all
  • If you notice a strong smell: Turn off the laser and check the filtering system: something may be broken or the filter is full!
Invisible but powerful IR radiation luckily contained by the enclosure (laser class 1)
  • safety contacts prevent the laser tube from firing if the lid or any relevant side panels are open
Fire can destroy the machine!
  • keep the tray clean - small cutouts from past projects burn easily
  • do not leave the room when operating the machine; closely supervise all cutting jobs
  • double-check the CO2 fire extinguisher is within reach
  • opening the lid can already be effective in putting out small fires

Basics of Laser Cutting

The Tutor will show you:


Operating the Machine

The tutor will first show you the basic operations at the laser:

  • How to prepare the laser cutter
    • to prevent fires, clean the tray under the table when it gets cluttered with little pieces
    • turn on the water chiller and let it get to temperature (< 20°C)
  • How to turn on the laser
  • How to move the x and y motors by using the control panel
    • Adjust the jog length to move with larger / smaller steps
  • How to ensure the focus of the laser is set correctly by moving the table up and down
  • How to use the emergency stop
  • How to check the safety switches: laser turns off when glass is lifted - important when fire breaks out!
    • also useful if you only have one try and want a "dry run" using only the pointer (that laser stays on)

This should act as a guide, tutors can always emphasize or add points of importance.

Workflow

The tutor will show you:


  • software
    • install Inkscape or similar software to produce vector files
    • install LaserCut 5.3 (Demo version, Windows only)
    • download/import settings
    • import DXF file into LaserCut 5.3
      • set cutting/engraving settings per path
      • simulate toolpath: Laser --> Simulate
      • estimate work time Estimate Work Time Button.png
      • transfer job
      • the entire preparation workflow can be found in detail under "LaserCut 5.3"
  • execution
    • activate water chiller
    • activate exhaust system
    • prepare the machine (Machine Control)
    • set the focus
    • when in focus, the red laser should be on the right spot (If nobody touched it).
      • you may press Laser to check the divergence of the laser and your cutting point to be extra sure if you have a test piece
    • you may press Test on the machine to assure that the file fits the measurements of your workpiece: the machine's head will travel around the bounding rectangle of your design
    • start the job either via the Laser PC or on the cutter's display
    • observe cutting, watch for irregular fumes or flames - especially if testing new materials
    • cutting might not work for the first one or two cm if you have just started the machine for the first time that day - in that case, restart the job briefly at the end
    • do not leave the laser cutter unattended (fire hazard)!
      • cutting: stay at the machine the entire time!
      • engraving: stay at least within sight and earshot!
  • after cutting
    • switch off LaserCutter & water chiller
    • remove parts from table
    • clean tray under the table
    • vacuum the table if necessary
    • share your experiences with the others :-)
    • donate for the machine time!
      • currently 20 ct per minute
    • turn off the PC

Waiting List

This introduction takes longer than many others and usually can't be done spontaneously during regular opening times. If you would like to receive it, please add yourself to >> this list << and we will find a good time once a few members are on it!

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