Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

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

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:

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:

Make sure the laser cutter is in the following condition (press Esc until the File name gets a grey background):
Press ⏎ so that a new menu opens
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
- e.g. PTFE ("Teflon") - 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!

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
    - 3D engravable, though - the grooves can be filled with paint for a nice effect
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)

glass
- including mirrors (front or back!)
metals
- only anodized aluminium and high quality stainless steel can be engraved directly
- for most metals you should use a special marking spray
  - only works on blank metal, any coatings will not allow the molecular bond triggered by the laser's heat

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:

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{wanted}}
+'''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
+== Safety Concerns ==
-|machine name=''Example: Epilog Legend 36 EXT''
+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'''.
-|image=
-|synonyms=DE: Laserschneider, "Lasercutter"
-|access=
-|status=
-|location=
-|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:Mitja|Mitja]], [[User:Pakue|Patrick]]
-|manual=[https://www.epiloglaser.de/downloads/pdf/ext_4.22.10.pdf EN online]
-|used with=[[Laser Exhaust System|laser exhaust system]]
-}}
-'''The laser cutter will only be operated by [[Tutors#Laser Cutter Tutors|tutors]] who have attended a [[Laser Briefing|briefing]]!'''
+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.
-== Safety Concerns ==
+<br clear="all" />
-A laser cutter is a delicate and dangerous piece of equipment and will only run under supervision of an experienced laser tutor. 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'''.
+<!--  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:
-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 we will also route an outlet through the window to get rid of the smoky smell.
+ [[MachineType::{{PAGENAME}}]]
+ |order=ascending
+ |format=embedded
+ |embedonly=yes
+}}
 === Location Requirements ===
 * 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
+==> in the [[eRoom]]
 == Rules ==
-* <details TBD>
+* 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 ===
@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 ** neoprene
 * 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, stopp 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) ===
 Check the [[Laser Cutter Material Settings|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 [[https://www.epiloglaser.com/laser-machines/zing-laser-series.htm#materials Epilog]].
 * [[wood]]
 ** [[plywood]]
@@ Line 55: / Line 63: @@
 *** very suitable for parts that should fit together tightly
 *** not as suitable for engraving because there is no colour difference
-**** 3D engravable, though - the grooves can be [[Laser Cutter Tips & Tricks|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]]
 * [[Colored Card|colored card]]
@@ Line 64: / Line 72: @@
 * [[foam]]
 * [[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 flame may be observed but is not necessarily a bad thing. However, when it burns too much, 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.
 === Possible Materials (Engraving Only) ===
@@ Line 75: / Line 84: @@
 *** 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.
-<Pricing TBD>
-== 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 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].
-==== Confirmed to Work ====
-* the official [https://www.epiloglaser.de/tech-support/ext-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
-* [[VisiCut]] (preferred) provides an Inkscape and Illustrator extension to directly import from these programs
-==== Other Options ====
-* [https://github.com/thenexxuz/cups-epilog cups-epilog] does not support this model
-* [https://github.com/kallaballa/ctrl-cut ctrl-cut] should work on Linux and Mac, used by Metalab Vienna
-=== Control Pad/Manual Control ===
-[[File:Controllpanel-LaserCutter.jpg|right|the control panel of the Laser Cutter.|thumb|300px]]
-==== Homing ====
-The machine will home every time it is turned on.
-==== Setting Zero Coordinate on the Workpiece ====
-For setting the zero position it is good practice to turn on the pilot laser '''(POINTER)''' to see where the laser would cut. Afterwards disable the stepper motors by pressing '''(X/Y AUS [8])''' and confirming with the '''(ENTER/START)''' button – now the mirror head can moved freely. Be aware to only apply light pressure on the metal parts, not on the lens or mirror. Set the laser to the new zero position and press '''(ANFANG [7])'''. The steppers are now reengaged so don't try to move the head again.
-==== Focusing ====
-The laser cutter has a fixed focus from the head. In order to change the cutting point you have to move the object by raising or lowering the Z-axis platform. Press the '''(FOKUS [9])''' – be aware the head will move a few centimeters on positive X and Y direction – with the '''(UP)''' and '''(DOWN)''' arrow buttons the position of the platform can be moved. The right distance to your cutting object can be measured with the focusing triangle which can be attached to the head of the cutter. Raise the platform until the tip of the triangle touches your object. Now the focus is directly on the surface of you object. Note that for cutting, the focal point should ideally be within the workpiece! '''Remove the triangle again (!)''' and press '''(RESET)''' to finish the focusing.
-==== Changing Job Settings ====
-Speed and power settings for '''raster''' jobs can be adjusted without a computer.
-== Maintenance ==
-=== Cleaning the Optics ===
-The optics (two mirrors, the lens and the laser window) are cleaned with special optics cleaner or [[Material:Isopropanol|isopropanol]] '''(NEVER ANYTHING ELSE!)''' every 2-3 operating days, using [[Q-Tips|Q-tips]] in a rolling motion.
-[[File:Laser Cutter Lens.jpeg|right|disassembled lens|thumb|300 px]]
-[[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. For removal '''unscrew the two Philips/flat-head screws (red arrow)''' and carefully remove the lens assembly. The screws are secured and '''won't come off completely'''. Now you can proceed cleaning the lens (both sides) with nothing but '''[[Material:Isopropanol|isopropanol]]''' and [[Q-Tips|Q-tips]] by rolling the tip. If the lens is quite dirty it usually takes 3-4 tips to clean it.
-'''"Primary" Mirror'''
-This mirror is just above the lens and will require an equal amount if cleaning compared to the lens. '''Loosen the plastic screw (green arrow)''' and pull the mirror straight out. Cleaning is similar to the lens.
-'''"Secondary" Mirror & Laser Window'''
-Every two months, the mirror on the right side of the Y axis and the window in the back of the machine (where the laser beam enters the machine) should 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 ==
-=== 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.
-=== 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 not 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:Laser Cutting]]