Laser Cutter Introduction

Once we have a laser cutter, briefings 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.

Checklist

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.

Here's what will be covered in such a briefing:

• general overview of technology, mirror system, lens, etc.
• locations of manuals (including those for the exhaust filter unit and its remote control!)
• content of the entire laser cutter wiki page
  • especially forbidden materials
• introduction to VisiCut or another suitable laser control software
  • settings, raster vs. vector, our collection of material related settings
  • importing settings
• quick overview of svg sources and/or editing software, e.g. Inkscape
• practical session, especially demonstrating the machine and filter control pads and focussing
• release of x and y motors, definition of (0/0)
• network settings (static IP) to communicate with the laser cutter; job selection
• safety switch: laser turns off when glass is lifted - important when fire breaks out!

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

Best Practice (from Briefing)

• software
  • install Inkscape or similar software to produce vector files
  • install VisiCut (platform independent version, developer branch recommended)
  • download/import settings
  • import SVG file into VisiCut, select material and/or try individual settings, select elements for cutting or engraving
  • calculate time estimate

• prepare laser cutter
  • select table (honeycomb or massive) and clean tray
  • clean lens (roll Q-tips with isopropanol over lens - roll, do not grind) if necessary
  • 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
  • set focus with triangle, further reduce height for cutting
  • connect notebook via cross-over network cable and choose compatible static IP
  • transfer job via VisiCut and select job via display, notebook can be disconnected once transfer is complete

• cutting
  • activate exhaust system (80 % to 100 %, check filter status)
  • activate compressor
  • start cutting process
  • 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", restart job briefly at the end
  • do not leave laser cutter unattended

• after cutting
  • switch off exhaust system and compressor
  • remove parts from table
  • vacuum table if necessary
  • fill in log book and remember to donate for the machine time!