Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

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{{MachineInfoBox
|machine name=Laserscript LS6090
|image=Laserscript_LS6090.JPG
|synonyms=DE: Laserschneider, "Lasercutter"
|access=[[Laser Cutter Introduction|laser cutter introduction]]
|status=working
|location=[[Location::Electronics Room|eRoom]]
|material=[[wood]], [[Material:Glass|glass]], [[Material:Acrylic Glass|acrylic glass]], ...<br>([[Laser Cutter#Possible Materials (Cutting/Engraving)|list of cuttable & engravable materials]];<br>[[Laser Cutter#Possible Materials (Engraving Only)|list of only engravable materials]])
|software=[[Lasercut 5.3]]
|tutors=[[Tutor::User:NitramLegov|Martin]]
|manual=printed copy at the machine
|used with=[[Laser Exhaust System|laser exhaust system]], [[Water Chiller|water chiller]]
}}
'''The laser cutter must only be operated by members who have received a [[Laser Cutter Introduction|detailed introduction]]!'''
'''The laser cutter must only be operated by members who have received a [[Laser Cutter Introduction|detailed introduction]]!'''
On the introduction page, you can find a '''[[Laser_Cutter_Introduction#Workflow|detailed workflow]]''' from creating a [[Format:DXF|DXF]] file to the final product.


==General Information==
If you need to transfer files to the PC next to the Laser Cutter, you can drop them to our [https://cloud.comaking.space/s/LaserFiles Nextcloud]. The files will automatically synchronize to the Laser PC and can be used further from there. Please note that files in this folder will be deleted regularly.
* power: 80 Watt
* worktable size: 60x90 cm (length x width), engraving a bit smaller
** Z axis (height): 23 cm


== Safety Concerns ==
== Safety Concerns ==
A laser cutter is a delicate and dangerous piece of equipment and should only run under direct supervision of a [[Laser Cutter Introduction|qualified]] user. The machine needs to be supervised even more than the [[3D Printer Farm|3D printers]], with the '''operator standing by during the entire duration of a cutting job and being in close vicinity during engraving jobs'''.
A laser cutter is a delicate and dangerous piece of equipment and should only run under direct supervision of a [[Laser Cutter Introduction|qualified]] user. The machine needs to be supervised even more than the [[3D Printers]], with the '''operator standing by during the entire duration of a cutting job and being in close vicinity during engraving jobs'''.


Although the laser beam itself should be certified laser class 1 due to the massive housing and other safety features, the fumes generated when cutting various materials can be harmful to human health (see [[Laser Cutter#Forbidden Materials|forbidden materials]]). A good exhaust filtering system can take care of fumes from the allowed materials but only an outside vent will really remove the smoky smell.
Although the laser beam itself should be certified laser class 1 due to the massive housing and other safety features, the fumes generated when cutting various materials can be harmful to human health (see [[Laser Cutter#Forbidden Materials|forbidden materials]]). A good exhaust filtering system can take care of fumes from the allowed materials but only an outside vent will really remove the smoky smell.
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=== Location Requirements ===
=== Location Requirements ===
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** neoprene
** neoprene
* materials that contain fluorine (F) - it can kill you and also destroys the machine
* materials that contain fluorine (F) - it can kill you and also destroys the machine
** e.g. [[Material:PTFE|PTFE]] ("Teflon") - very very unhealthy!
** e.g. [[Material:PTFE|PTFE]] ("Teflon") - [https://www.sympatex.com/en/newsroom/pressemitteilung/new-laboratory-study-reveals-that-highly-toxic-hydrofluoric-and-hydrochloric-acids-are-released-when-ptfe-burns/ very very unhealthy!]
* epoxy resins and materials bonded with epoxy resins
* epoxy resins and materials bonded with epoxy resins


→ with some materials it is not clear whether it contains Cl or F. '''If you are not sure, don't cut or engrave it'''. If you notice '''any unusal coloration''' of the smoke or flame, stop the job immediately!
→ with some materials it is not clear whether it contains Cl or F. '''If you are not sure, don't cut or engrave it'''. If you notice '''any unusal coloration''' of the smoke or flame, stop the job immediately!
=== Materials that don't work ===
* Polycarbonate (PC)
** will smoke and turn black


=== Possible Materials (Cutting/Engraving) ===
=== Possible Materials (Cutting/Engraving) ===
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*** not as suitable for engraving because there is no colour difference
*** not as suitable for engraving because there is no colour difference
**** 3D engravable, though - the grooves can be [[Material:Fill-In Paint|filled with paint for a nice effect]]
**** 3D engravable, though - the grooves can be [[Material:Fill-In Paint|filled with paint for a nice effect]]
* [[leather]], but '''no artificial leathers''' that contain chlorine!
* [[leather]], but '''no artificial leathers''' if they contain chlorine!
* [[paper]]
* [[paper]]
* [[Colored Card|colored card]]
* [[Colored Card|colored card]]
Line 74: Line 72:
* [[foam]]
* [[foam]]
* [[fabric]]
* [[fabric]]
* '''some''' polyurethanes depending on additives (see this [https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/doc/603216/603216.pdf study] for some reference [s. p. 100])
* '''some''' polyurethanes depending on additives (see this [https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/doc/603216/603216.pdf study] for some reference [p. 101])


When cutting wood or acrylic glass, a small flame may be observed at the focal point but is not necessarily a bad thing. However, if it burns too much or is still on when the laser beam is already somewhere else, immediately open the cover. Because the laser automatically shuts down, the fire should go out.
When cutting wood or acrylic glass, a small flame may be observed at the focal point but is not necessarily a bad thing. However, if it burns too much or is still on when the laser beam is already somewhere else, immediately open the cover. Because the laser automatically shuts down, the fire should go out.
Line 86: Line 84:
*** only works on blank metal, any coatings will not allow the molecular bond triggered by the laser's heat
*** only works on blank metal, any coatings will not allow the molecular bond triggered by the laser's heat


=== Cost ===
The tube and filters need to be replaced from time to time which will add up to several hundred €.
Therefore, an appropriate user contribution is '''20 ct per minute''' which you should please throw into the obvious cash box immediately or in advance.
== Machine Control ==
The machine itself is mainly operated by the control panel located on the right side of the machine:
[[File:LS6090 Control 1.JPG|thumb|left]]
===Homing===
When you turn on the machine, please press the "Datum" button in order to Home the machine. This is needed so that the machine knows where the laser is located after a restart. The laser will move to the upper right corner of the machine.
===Moving the Laser===
In order to move the laser to the starting point of your job, please ensure that you are in the main menu and no option is being highlighted. This can be achieved by pressing "ESC" until you see the following:
[[File:LS6090 Control Movement Possible.JPG|thumb|Movements are possible if nothing is highlighted]]
Now you can move the laser by pressing the directional buttons.
'''Jog Speed'''
In case the laser is moving too much or too little with each button press, please go to the jog set menu by using the following key combination: ''Menu --> Down --> Down --> Enter''
In this menu, you can set the jog distance. Please confirm the new distance by pressing Enter.
===Starting the Job===
After uploading your job to the machine (see [[LaserCut_5.3#Uploading_your_Job]] for details), you can start the job by pressing "Start / Pause". The same button will also pause your job in between if needed.


===Setting the Focus===


In order to set the focus of the laser, please put your workpiece on the tray and put the focus finder (little black 3D printed thingy) on top of it. Now, move the laser above the focus finder and move the tray up (by pressing "up") until the red light of the focus finder turns on. Now, move the tray down until the red light turns off. The focus is now set to the surface of your workpiece.
<br clear="all"/>
== Useful Links ==
== Useful Links ==
''see [[:Category:Laser Cutting]] for many project ideas, tutorials & more!''
=== Retailer's Information ===
=== Retailer's Information ===
HPC, the British company we got the laser cutter from, has some resources we should keep in mind:
HPC, the British company we got the laser cutter from, has some resources we should keep in mind:
Line 124: Line 93:
* [http://forum.laserscript.net/index.php LaserScript forum]
* [http://forum.laserscript.net/index.php LaserScript forum]
* [https://hpclaser.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LS6090-PRO-Data-Sheet-2019a.pdf datasheet for our machine (PDF)]
* [https://hpclaser.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LS6090-PRO-Data-Sheet-2019a.pdf datasheet for our machine (PDF)]
=== Downloadable Designs ===
* [https://www.epiloglaser.com/resources/sample-club.htm Epilog Laser Sample Club]
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/Kitemans-Laser-Cut-Projects/ "Kiteman" on instructables]
* [http://www.makercase.com/ Makercase Box Generator]
* [http://cartonus.com/category/free/ free ''section'' at Cartonus]
=== Tutorials ===
* [http://support.epiloglaser.com/article/8205/50104/photo-laser-engraving-on-wood-with-CorelDRAW photo engraving on wood] by Epilog
** uses CorelDRAW, but works fine in [[GIMP]] as well! Don't take the sample values too literally.
** see also [[Laser Engraving Photos|our own writeup]]
=== Inspiration ===
* Etsy pages like [https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/DiamondWoodcomua?ref=l2-shopheader-name this one]
* [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/emblaser/ Emblaser on Instagram]
* "kirigami" [http://wonderfuldiy.com/wonderful-diy-3d-kirigami-cards-with-18-templates/ pop up cards]
* overview of sample applications from [https://www.troteclaser.com/en/applications/ trotec]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foH1jnLvS_I Japanese Secret Box] (in case you've got a few weeks time for designing)
* [https://glowforge.com/ Glowforge] (scroll down)
=== Laser Cutting Services ===
You could also order laser cut parts online:
* [http://www.formulor.de/ Formulor] for acrylics, soft wood and paper
* [http://chinalasercuttingservice.com/ China Laser Cutting Service] offers low cost cutting service of acrylics and other materials
==== Metal Cutting ====
Not many laser cutters can cut metal. You could use a [[CNC Mill|CNC mill]] instead, or try one of these services:
* [http://www.247tailorsteel.de/ Tailor Steel]
* [http://www.cutworks.de/ Cutworks]
* [http://www.hadocut.de/ Hadocut]
* [http://www.risto-lasertechnik.de/ Risto]
* [http://www.geerscutting.com/ geersCutting]
* <know another one?>




[[Category:CNC]]
[[Category:CNC]]
[[Category:Laser Cutting]]
[[Category:Laser Cutting]]

Latest revision as of 21:30, 24 October 2022

The laser cutter must only be operated by members who have received a detailed introduction! On the introduction page, you can find a detailed workflow from creating a DXF file to the final product.

If you need to transfer files to the PC next to the Laser Cutter, you can drop them to our Nextcloud. The files will automatically synchronize to the Laser PC and can be used further from there. Please note that files in this folder will be deleted regularly.

Safety Concerns

A laser cutter is a delicate and dangerous piece of equipment and should only run under direct supervision of a qualified user. The machine needs to be supervised even more than the 3D Printers, with the operator standing by during the entire duration of a cutting job and being in close vicinity during engraving jobs.

Although the laser beam itself should be certified laser class 1 due to the massive housing and other safety features, the fumes generated when cutting various materials can be harmful to human health (see forbidden materials). A good exhaust filtering system can take care of fumes from the allowed materials but only an outside vent will really remove the smoky smell.


Laserscript LS6090

MachineInfoBox

Laserscript LS6090

Laserscript LS6090.JPG
Synonyms: DE: Laserschneider, "Lasercutter"
Type: Laser Cutter
Material: wood, glass, acrylic glass, ...
(list of cuttable & engravable materials;
list of only engravable materials)
Used with: laser exhaust system, water chiller
Location: Laser Area
Access Requirements: Laser Cutter Introduction
Status: working
Software: Lasercut 5.3
Manual: printed copy at the machine
Tutors: NitramLegov
Pakue
Johannes
Luzian
Keno
Utis
Sebastian
Kalunho
Björn




General Information

  • power: 80 Watt
  • worktable size: 60x90 cm (length x width), engraving a bit smaller
    • Z axis (height): 23 cm


Cost

The tube and filters need to be replaced from time to time which will add up to several hundred €.

Therefore, an appropriate user contribution is 20 ct per minute which you should please throw into the obvious cash box immediately or in advance.

Machine Control

The machine itself is mainly operated by the control panel located on the right side of the machine:

LS6090 Control 1.JPG

Homing

When you turn on the machine, please press the "Datum" button in order to Home the machine. This is needed so that the machine knows where the laser is located after a restart. The laser will move to the upper right corner of the machine.

Moving the Laser

In order to move the laser to the starting point of your job, please ensure that you are in the main menu and no option is being highlighted. This can be achieved by pressing "ESC" until you see the following:

Movements are possible if nothing is highlighted

Now you can move the laser by pressing the directional buttons.

Jog Speed

In case the laser is moving too much or too little with each button press, please go to the jog set menu by using the following key combination: Menu --> Down --> Down --> Enter

In this menu, you can set the jog distance. Please confirm the new distance by pressing Enter.

Starting the Job

After uploading your job to the machine (see LaserCut_5.3#Uploading_your_Job for details), you can start the job by pressing "Start / Pause". The same button will also pause your job in between if needed.

Setting the Focus

In order to set the focus of the laser, please put your workpiece on the tray and put the focus finder (little black 3D printed thingy) on top of it. Now, move the laser above the focus finder and move the tray up (by pressing "up") until you can barely slide the focus finder through the gap. The focus is now set to the surface of your workpiece.

Troubleshooting

Laser keeps starting at the same (wrong) position

Sometimes, the starting point of the laser cutter gets set to a fixed position by accident.

While we are not yet entirely sure how this happens, here's how to fix it:

  1. Make sure the laser cutter is in the following condition (press Esc until the File name gets a grey background):
    Laser homing fix.png
  2. Press so that a new menu opens
  3. Select "Cancel" and confirm with

Location Requirements

  • no dust
  • 5 °C ≤ room temperature ≤ 25 °C
  • max. 70 % humidity
  • CO2 fire extinguisher in the area

==> in the eRoom

Rules

  • supervise the entire job when cutting
    • a fire can only be stopped quick enough if you open the lid immediately!
  • stay in close vicinity for the entire job when engraving
  • abort if you see, hear or smell anything out of the ordinary!

Forbidden Materials

  • materials that contain chlorine (Cl) - it's unhealthy and also destroys the machine
    • e.g. PVC ("vinyl", found in most soft plastics and records)
    • artificial leather
    • neoprene
  • materials that contain fluorine (F) - it can kill you and also destroys the machine
  • epoxy resins and materials bonded with epoxy resins

→ with some materials it is not clear whether it contains Cl or F. If you are not sure, don't cut or engrave it. If you notice any unusal coloration of the smoke or flame, stop the job immediately!

Materials that don't work

  • Polycarbonate (PC)
    • will smoke and turn black

Possible Materials (Cutting/Engraving)

Check the material settings database to see if and how something has been cut before and please add your experience as well.

In addition, you can check the official list from [Epilog].

  • wood
    • plywood
    • particle board/chip board
    • MDF and HDF are also allowed but will make frequent lens cleaning necessary due to their high glue content
  • acrylic glass/Plexiglass (→ not the cheap polystyrene/Bastlerglas from hardware stores, it welds itself shut after being cut)
    • cast acrylic (GS/gegossen) - "chemically better"
      • very suitable for engraving because the colour changes into a milky version of the original
    • extruded acrylic (XT/extrudiert) - better thickness accuracy
      • very suitable for cutting
      • very suitable for parts that should fit together tightly
      • not as suitable for engraving because there is no colour difference
  • leather, but no artificial leathers if they contain chlorine!
  • paper
  • colored card
    • discoloration when "engraving", looks nice
  • cardboard
  • rubber (special kind for stamps)
  • foam
  • fabric
  • some polyurethanes depending on additives (see this study for some reference [p. 101])

When cutting wood or acrylic glass, a small flame may be observed at the focal point but is not necessarily a bad thing. However, if it burns too much or is still on when the laser beam is already somewhere else, immediately open the cover. Because the laser automatically shuts down, the fire should go out.

Possible Materials (Engraving Only)


Useful Links

see Category:Laser Cutting for many project ideas, tutorials & more!

Retailer's Information

HPC, the British company we got the laser cutter from, has some resources we should keep in mind: