Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

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{{wanted}} We '''do''' have a limited-time [[loan]] until early 2019 though :-)
'''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.


''Lasers are awesome! As soon as we can afford it, a big CO<sub>2</sub> laser cutter (40-100 W) would be a great addition to our machine selection.''
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.
 
{{MachineInfoBox
|machine name=Epilog Zing 16
|image=Epilog Zing.JPG
|synonyms=DE: Laserschneider, "Lasercutter"
|access=upon [[Laser Cutter Introduction|personal introduction]]
|status=available for a '''limited time''' (early 2019)
|location=[[CNC Room|CNC room]] '''(move out during [[CNC Routing|CNC routing]]!)'''
|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=[[VisiCut]], Epilog printer driver, Corel Draw,<br>any Windows software that can print
|tutors=[[User:Lukas|Lukas]], [[User:Pakue|Patrick]]
|manual=[https://www.epiloglaser.com/assets/downloads/manuals/zing-manual-web.pdf EpilogLaser.com (EN)]
|used with=[[Laser Exhaust System|laser exhaust system]]
}}
 
'''The laser cutter will only be operated by members who have received a [[Laser Cutter Introduction|detailed introduction]]!'''


== 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.
<br clear="all" />
<!--  NOTE: The following block "imports" content from separate pages - please don't change the code! To edit the actual information, please go back and click "edit" next to the section headline you are interested in :-)  -->
{{#ask:
[[MachineType::{{PAGENAME}}]]
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=== Location Requirements ===
=== Location Requirements ===
* no dust (roll it out into the [[Common Room|common room]] when the [[CNC Router|CNC router]] is going to be used!)
* no dust
* 15 °C ≤ room temperature ≤ 30 °C  
* 5 °C ≤ room temperature ≤ 25 °C  
* max. 70 % humidity
* CO<sub>2</sub> fire extinguisher in the area
* CO<sub>2</sub> fire extinguisher in the area
==> in the [[eRoom]]


== Rules ==
== Rules ==
Line 41: Line 38:
** 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


→ 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 69: 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 [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 80: 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.


The owners of the loaned Zing are asking for '''50 ct per minute''' so the wear on the machine is taken care of.
== Machine Control ==
=== Software ===
The [http://hci.rwth-aachen.de/materials/publications/oster2011a.pdf Bachelor thesis on VisiCut] gives a great overview on available software, we suggest using [[VisiCut]] itself but others may also work.
<!-- We will also keep a settings repository, which you can access in [[VisiCut]] via '''Options''' > '''download Recommended Settings'''. There you can find all tested materials and related settings as well as the right printer dimensions/presets. If you experiment with new materials, please add to this list by talking to [[User:Pakue|Patrick]] or submitting a [https://help.github.com/articles/about-pull-requests/ pull request]. //not yet doing that!-->
When accessing the laser, please note it currently uses 192.168.1.20 as its IP-Adress. You may have to enter this in the software, e.g. under "Hostname" in the laser cutter profile in VisiCut.
==== Confirmed to Work ====
* [[VisiCut]] (preferred) provides an Inkscape and Illustrator extension to directly import from these programs
* the official [https://www.epiloglaser.com/tech-support/zing-drivers.htm Epilog printer driver] for Windows can ''cut'' with Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator, but not with Inkscape
** ''raster engraving'' is possible with almost any Windows program that is capable to print
==== Other Options ====
* [https://github.com/thenexxuz/cups-epilog cups-epilog]?
* [https://github.com/kallaballa/ctrl-cut ctrl-cut] should work on Linux and Mac, used by Metalab Vienna
=== Control Pad/Manual Control ===
Detailed information on the different control pad functions can be found in the [https://www.epiloglaser.com/assets/downloads/manuals/zing-manual-web.pdf manual] (pages 53ff).
==== Homing ====
The machine will home in a back corner every time it is turned on. It can also be re-homed while in the 'UnlockXY' mode [[File:Epilog Zing Menu UnlockXY.jpg | x25px]] by pressing the back button [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Back.jpg | x25px]]
==== Setting Zero Coordinate on the Workpiece ====
For setting the zero position it is good practice to turn on the pilot laser [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Pointer.jpg | x25px]] to see where the laser would cut. Afterwards disable the stepper motors by pressing '''(X/Y unlock [8])''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu UnlockXY.jpg | x25px]] – now the mirror head can moved freely. Be aware to only apply light force on the metal parts, and do not touch the lens or mirror. Set the laser to the new zero position and press '''(Go)''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Start.jpg | x25px]]. The stepper motors are now reengaged so do not try to move the head again. <br>
In case the you want to cancel the XY positioning, it can be stopped by pressing the pause/stop [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Stop.jpg | x25px]].
==== Focusing ====
[[File:Laser cutter optimal focus.gif|frame|right|Focus set on surface of the workpiece]]
The laser cutter has a fixed focus from the head. In order to change the cutting point you have to move the workpiece by raising or lowering the Z-axis platform. Press '''(Focus [5])''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Focus.jpg | x25px]] (or '''(X/Y unlock [8])''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu UnlockXY.jpg | x25px]]) – now the '''(Up)''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Up.jpg | x25px]] and '''(Down)''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Down.jpg | x25px]] arrow buttons move the platform. The right distance to your cutting object can be measured with the focus gauge (spring which is usually kept folded up on the X axis by a magnet). Flip it down and move it over your workpiece, then raise the platform until the tip ''just'' touches down. Now the focus is directly on the surface of you object.
Note that for cutting, the focal point should ideally be within the workpiece! You can manually raise the platform a bit further after storing the focus gauge in its folded position again. Before you do that, it is a good idea to "zero" the determined workpiece surface level by pressing '''(Up)''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Up.jpg | x25px]] and '''(Down)''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Down.jpg | x25px]] simultaneously.
<!-- TO CLARIFY: what is the unit of the displayed focal point "coordinate"? -->
'''Make sure that nothing sticks up far enough to touch any moving machine parts! Your workpiece should have a level surface or you are limited to only working on the high points.'''
==== Changing Job Settings ====
Speed and power settings for '''raster''' jobs can be changed, even during a job, by pressing '''(Speed [1])''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Speed.jpg | x25px]] or '''(Power [2])''' [[File:Epilog Zing Menu Power.jpg | x25px]].
== Maintenance ==
=== Cleaning the Optics ===
The optics (two mirrors, the lens and the laser window) are cleaned with special optics cleaner or [[Material:Isopropanol|isopropanol]] or laboratory-grade [[acetone]] '''(NEVER ANYTHING ELSE!)''' every 2-3 operating days, using [[Q-Tips|Q-tips]] in a rolling motion.
[[File:Laser Cutter partially cleaned lens.JPG|left|partially cleaned lens (from below)|thumb|200 px]]
'''Lens'''
The lens is the last optical device in front of the object you are cutting and therefore it usually gets the dirtiest. Clean the lens with nothing but '''[[Material:Isopropanol|isopropanol]]''' and [[Q-Tips|Q-tips]] by rolling the tip, NOT wiping. If the lens is quite dirty it usually takes 3-4 tips to clean it.
If you are not able to reach it well with a Q-tip, carefully screw it off and return it to its position after cleaning. Be aware that the thread is made of [[aluminum]] and should not be overtightened!
'''"Primary" Mirror'''
This mirror is just above the lens and will require an equal amount of cleaning compared to the lens. The process is similar to the lens.
'''"Secondary" Mirror & Laser Window'''
Every now and then, the mirror(s) on the left side of the Y axis might need to be cleaned using the same technique.
=== Cleaning the Rails ===
The rails the Y axis moves on (left and right side of the machine) should only be wiped with a dry lint-free cloth (or a bit of [[isopropanol]]/window cleaner).
=== Cleaning the Cutting Table ===
Until we have some experience ourselves, we'll stick with [https://wiki.raumzeitlabor.de/wiki/Lasercutter#Reinigung the RZL's procedure] for cleaning the interior and the honeycomb table (wet wipes & oven cleaner not purchased yet).
=== Changing Filters ===
''(main article: "[[Laser Exhaust System]]")''
=== Laser Tube Replacement ===
The laser source itself will hopefully last 5 years before too much gas has diffused out of it and a noticable drop in power will occur. Tube replacement will be very expensive and will require careful [[Laser Cutter Calibration|calibration]].


== Useful Links ==
== Useful Links ==
=== Downloadable Designs ===
''see [[:Category:Laser Cutting]] for many project ideas, tutorials & more!''
* [https://www.epiloglaser.com/resources/sample-club.htm Epilog Laser Sample Club]
=== Retailer's Information ===
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/Kitemans-Laser-Cut-Projects/ "Kiteman" on instructables]
HPC, the British company we got the laser cutter from, has some resources we should keep in mind:
* [http://www.makercase.com/ Makercase Box Generator]
* [https://hpclaser.co.uk/how-to-maintain-and-service-your-laser-machine-effectively/ how to maintain and service]
* [http://cartonus.com/category/free/ free ''section'' at Cartonus]
* [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)]
=== 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 22:30, 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:

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