The cutting process described in this post is what I use from an operator’s perspective on the average project. Some project might have a different process and other operators may have a different way of working. It is not something that needs to be memorized from a certification and safe use perspective but may help …
Category: Laser User Guides
How to raise and lower the bed (Z axis)
Just pressing Z+ on the keypad may not bring the bed to the top of the limit every time. You want nothing under the laser head when raising the bed or zeroing the Z. Adjusting the Z Using the menu on the laser press menu button and navigate to ZU Setting – Press enter …
Design to Cutting Course notes
This 3 part course is designed for beginners to laser cutting. Beginners are folks who will benefit from end-to-end instruction in order to meaningfully qualify as a “certified operator” and more importantly have a successful cutting experience that won’t wreck the machine. Some familiarity with design software is best for this course. This is a combination of …
How to change the filter before the blower
Right now we are using a blower to vent to the outside via the roof. the system looks like this: Laser > filter box > green blower > shop exhaust fan > exhaust to the roof (which runs through clean fab) This how-to article details how to change a variety of filter types. Use the …
User Cleaning of Laser Cutter
For cleaning instructions, see the Shut-Down Checklist.
Safety and Training
Laser Cutter 101 Class Regular classes are scheduled for training on the laser cutter, check ACE Calendar for the next one; if there appear to be none currently scheduled, please post a request on the discuss mailing list! Here are the notes from the class. IMPORTANT: Just reading the notes is not a replacement for …
Power Settings
Ideal values for cutting various materials are dependent on the material and the scope and scale of the art. These settings are just a starting point. Always complete a test-cutting series. The laser power range is from 11% to 87%. Anything below 11% will not fire the laser (and you’ll still be billed for it). …
Materials
Safe Materials Note on plastics: Unless you have a label, it’s almost impossible to tell what kind of plastic it is once it’s formed. The $1/pound bin at TAP is great IF THE PLASTIC HAS A LABEL ON IT. See below on why you should not laser random plastic. Paper/matte board/cardboard/pressboard/cork (cardstock could have additives …
Manuals
PDF manuals for laser cutter and software: LightObject LO-1600W Chiller Barracuda Laser Cutter Manual Old/Out of Date Links: [[File:Laser Manual1280.pdf|RTENOTITLE]] – Manual for EXLAS 1280 laser. Out of Date – We no longer use this software [[File:Lasercut5.3 Manual.pdf|RTENOTITLE]] – Software manual for the laser cutting software LaserCut 5.3 which is included with XYZ-Tech’s machines Out …
Laser billing
The laser costs 50ȼ per minute of firing time. This is just time that the laser is firing, not time spent setting up or moving things around. You can see the laser counting up firing time on the screen above the keypad. The laser fees are used to keep the machine running and replace parts …