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Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner (view source)
Revision as of 18:58, 29 June 2022
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=== Vectoring ===
=== Vectoring ===
Vectoring consists of following vector lines specified in your program. Vectoring is most often used to cut through a material. However, at lower settings it can also be used to engrave. Instead of moving back and forth, the laser is following a “vector”. A vector is a line with a specified direction and magnitude. In other words, a line that connects two points. Our laser has a point of 0.001” (0.0254 mm) in diameter. For a line to be recognized as a vector, the line width has to be the size of the point. We will explain how to do this further in this document.
Vectoring consists of following vector lines specified in your program. Vectoring is most often used to cut through a material. However, at lower settings it can also be used to engrave. Instead of moving back and forth, the laser is following a “vector”. A vector is a line with a specified direction and magnitude. In other words, a line that connects two points. Our laser has a point of 0.001” (0.0254 mm) in diameter. For a line to be recognized as a vector, the line width has to be the size of the point. We will explain how to do this further in this document.
===Laser Cutter Components===
==Laser Safety==
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*In operation there is a laser diode pointer (red dot pointer), this is similar to a laser pen but it should never be directed into anyone's eyes. The actual laser beam that will be cutting is invisible so never modify the enclosure.
*The filter should always be attached while performing a cut, the laser cutter is not to be used without the filter, this ensures that the air in the room is safe for users and limits potentially hazardous debris
*The laser can cut many materials but some materials that can be hazardous or dangerous to cut (ex. the small dust particles of MDF are cancer causing).
*Never let the laser system operate unattended.
*Always use the air compressor (located below the table or on the wall) to provide sufficient airflow for the cut.
*A vector cut moves much slower than a raster engrave therefore a lot of heat is being applied to the material for a longer time, which may cause it to combust.
*Make sure you know where the fire extinguisher is (on the red wall) and the closest emergency exit.
*Always remove debris from crumb tray after machine use to prevent fires.
*Never disassemble the machine or remove protective covers. Never open the machines access panels while unit is plugged in. The AC input to the Epilog Laser is potentially lethal and fully contained in the cabinet.
'''Tips: There are a few important safety features incorporated into the laser cutter. Placed on the glass lid is a magnetic switch. If the lid is opened while the laser is running, the lense mechanism will keep moving, but the laser will stop firing. This means that it is very difficult (if not impossible) to burn yourself with the laser. A similar mechanism is incorporated into the front door.'''
== Laser Cutter Components ==
In order to use a laser cutter, there are 4 parts that need to be available:
In order to use a laser cutter, there are 4 parts that need to be available:
*Air Filter: The filter should always be attached while performing a cut, the laser cutter is not to be used without the filter, this ensures that the air in the room is safe for users and limits potentially hazardous debris
*Air Filter: The filter should always be attached while performing a cut, the laser cutter is not to be used without the filter, this ensures that the air in the room is safe for users and limits potentially hazardous debris
*Air Compressor (compressed air): A steady flow of air to blow smoke and cutting residue away from the beam path and optics of a laser cutter. It's simple, but critical; without it, smoke can obscure and reflect the laser beam, foul lenses and mirrors, and severely degrade cut quality.
*Air Compressor (compressed air): A steady flow of air to blow smoke and cutting residue away from the beam path and optics of a laser cutter. It's simple, but critical; without it, smoke can obscure and reflect the laser beam, foul lenses and mirrors, and severely degrade cut quality.
===Control Panel===
===Control Panel===
One way for the user to interact with the laser is by using the control panel. The list below describe the properties of each button found in the laser cutter control panel.
One way for the user to interact with the laser is by using the control panel. The list below describe the properties of each button found in the laser cutter control panel.
| maxResolution = 1200
| maxResolution = 1200
|float=none|buildWidth=610|buildDepth=457|buildHeight=216|buildWidthIN=24|buildDepthIN=18|buildHeightIN=8.5}}
|float=none|buildWidth=610|buildDepth=457|buildHeight=216|buildWidthIN=24|buildDepthIN=18|buildHeightIN=8.5}}
==How to Laser Cut in the Makerspace==
==How to Laser Cut in the Makerspace==
*Are under the direct supervision of someone who has received training
*Are under the direct supervision of someone who has received training
Before the using the laser cutter, please read the section on laser safety above [[Laser Safety|<s>Laser Safety</s>]]. All the informationg in this document can also be found in the [https://www.epiloglaser.com/downloads/pdf/mini_helix_4.22.10.pdf OWNER'S MANUAL FOR EPILOG MINI/HELIX.]
Before the using the laser cutter, please read the previous section on laser safety. All the information in this document can also be found in the [https://www.epiloglaser.com/downloads/pdf/mini_helix_4.22.10.pdf OWNER'S MANUAL FOR EPILOG MINI/HELIX.]
The laser cutting process is as follows:
The laser cutting process is as follows: