Changes

Laser cutting is a technology that uses light amplification by stimulation of emitted radiation or, a laser, to vector or raster stock material. The material removal required to obtain a cut or a raster is obtained by a process called thermal separation. In industry, and depending on the materials involved, the lasers used in the laser cutting process greatly range in power. At the uOttawa Makerspace, depending on the machine, the lasers may output either 50 or 60 watts of ultraviolet light, which can be used to cut through many woods, plastics, and other materials of lesser density. The principle is fairly simple: the laser generated by the machine is reflected to a focusing head, which in turn focuses the power contained in the ultraviolet beam to a small point on the stock, inducing the desired thermal separation. The power of the laser as well as the focusing head path is then adjusted by software to obtain one of two modes of cut: rastering and vectoring.

Laser cutting is a technology that uses light amplification by stimulation of emitted radiation or, a laser, to vector or raster stock material. The material removal required to obtain a cut or a raster is obtained by a process called thermal separation. In industry, and depending on the materials involved, the lasers used in the laser cutting process greatly range in power. At the uOttawa Makerspace, depending on the machine, the lasers may output either 50 or 60 watts of ultraviolet light, which can be used to cut through many woods, plastics, and other materials of lesser density. The principle is fairly simple: the laser generated by the machine is reflected to a focusing head, which in turn focuses the power contained in the ultraviolet beam to a small point on the stock, inducing the desired thermal separation. The power of the laser as well as the focusing head path is then adjusted by software to obtain one of two modes of cut: rastering and vectoring.

 

==[[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/How does Laser Cutting Work?|How does Laser Cutting Work?]]==

| name = Epilog Mini 24

| image = mini24.jpg

|float=none|buildWidth=610|buildDepth=457|buildHeight=216|buildWidthIN=24|buildDepthIN=18|buildHeightIN=8.5}}

 

==How Laser Cutting Works==

It is important to understand that the laser from a laser cutter does not directly cut material, and that it works by leveraging the concepts of optic bending and focusing to orient and focus the laser’s power to a single point in or on the stock material. The focal length of the lens in the machine’s focusing head assembly is therefore an important variable to take into consideration for lasering, and as an operator, the distance of the focusing lens to the stock material must be taken into account if you wish to obtain good results. Always remember to focus your laser. Thankfully, laser cutting machines usually come with a focusing tool of sorts to assist operators with the setup of a lasering job.

It is important to understand that the laser from a laser cutter does not directly cut material, and that it works by leveraging the concepts of optic bending and focusing to orient and focus the laser’s power to a single point in or on the stock material. The focal length of the lens in the machine’s focusing head assembly is therefore an important variable to take into consideration for lasering, and as an operator, the distance of the focusing lens to the stock material must be taken into account if you wish to obtain good results. Always remember to focus your laser. Thankfully, laser cutting machines usually come with a focusing tool of sorts to assist operators with the setup of a lasering job.

It is important to remember that a laser cutter focusing head can only move along the X-Y plane. While this may seem like a limitation at first, the focusing head’s movements are very precise and allow for the manufacturing of parts that contain special assembly features, which in turn easily mesh together to result in complex 3-dimensional structures. A good example of such a feature is that which can be seen on-screen. This part holds together by what are called finger joints. Keep in mind that making this part on a laser cutter instead of a 3D printer or a manual milling machine can greatly reduce both manufacturing time and costs.

It is important to remember that a laser cutter focusing head can only move along the X-Y plane. While this may seem like a limitation at first, the focusing head’s movements are very precise and allow for the manufacturing of parts that contain special assembly features, which in turn easily mesh together to result in complex 3-dimensional structures. A good example of such a feature is that which can be seen on-screen. This part holds together by what are called finger joints. Keep in mind that making this part on a laser cutter instead of a 3D printer or a manual milling machine can greatly reduce both manufacturing time and costs.

 

 

=== Rastering ===

=== Rastering ===

Rastering consists of superficially removing material from stock, resulting in an embossed feature. Rastering is applied to a component in a fashion similar to that of an inkjet printer, where a print head moves quickly back and forth printing a thin line at a time.

Rastering consists of superficially removing material from stock, resulting in an embossed feature. Rastering is applied to a component in a fashion similar to that of an inkjet printer, where a print head moves quickly back and forth printing a thin line at a time. Rastering is a type of engraving, where top layers of the material are removed to create a depression in the material. You will know the laser is rastering because it is moving back and forth like a regular 2D printer. Our laser has a built in setting that distributes the power settings over different shades. This means that a darker shade will look darker because it received more power when rastered. Think of it like a black and white printer.

=== Vectoring ===

=== Vectoring ===

Vectoring consists of following vector lines specified in your program. This mode is mostly used for cutting through material, but can also be used to contour shapes or text.

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.

 

 

==Getting to know the laser cutter setup==

There are 4 parts to the laser cutter setup:

== [[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/Laser Cutter Components|Laser Cutter Components]] ==

*Laser Cutter

As shown in the image below, the laser cutter has an on/off located on the bottom left hand side of the laser. The main control panel located on the front.

 

*Computer: The computer is used to upload the design that need to be cut to the laser. It is also used to configure all the necessary setting of the laser.

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.

*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.

===Control Panel===

===Control Panel===

 

#'''Go:'''Start or stop a job or process

#'''Go:'''Start or stop a job or process

#'''Stop:''' Stop a process. When rastering it will stop right away. When vectoring it will only stop once it has finished its current path

#'''Stop:''' Stop a process. When rastering it will stop right away. When vectoring it will only stop once it has finished its current path

#'''Power:''' While rastering you can adjust the power by pushing this button on using the arrow keys

#'''Power:''' While rastering you can adjust the power by pushing this button on using the arrow keys

#'''Speed:''' While rastering you can adjust the speed by pushing this button on using the arrow keys

#'''Speed:''' While rastering you can adjust the speed by pushing this button on using the arrow keys

===Properties===

===Properties===

 

#'''Resolution:'''The print resolution can set from 75 to 1200 Dots per inch(DPI).the higher the DPI the more time it takes for laser cutter to complete the job.

#'''Resolution:'''The print resolution can set from 75 to 1200 Dots per inch(DPI).the higher the DPI the more time it takes for laser cutter to complete the job.

#'''Auto Focus:'''In the Makerspace we use a manual focus instead of Auto Focus. Please, <u>'''NEVER'''</u> check the box, it will make the bed crash into the laser head

#'''Auto Focus:'''In the Makerspace we use a manual focus instead of Auto Focus. Please, <u>'''NEVER'''</u> check the box, it will make the bed crash into the laser head

##'''Frequency:''' Determines the number of laser pulses per inch of cut.Lower the frequency,the less heat being applied to the material. The frequency can range between 1 to 5000..Each materials have their own specific value and can be in “Suggested Material settings” which is located next  to the laser cutters in Makerspace.

##'''Frequency:''' Determines the number of laser pulses per inch of cut.Lower the frequency,the less heat being applied to the material. The frequency can range between 1 to 5000..Each materials have their own specific value and can be in “Suggested Material settings” which is located next  to the laser cutters in Makerspace.

[[File:Properties1.png|center|thumb|555x555px|Properties page]]

==[[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/Which Laser Cutters do we have?|Which Laser Cutters do we have?]]==

==What can it do?==

The laser cutter has two different methods of transforming the material, either rastering or vectoring. Rastering is a type of engraving, where top layers of the material are removed to create a depression in the material. You will know the laser is rastering because it is moving back and forth like a regular 2D printer. Our laser has a built in setting that distributes the power settings over different shades. This means that a darker shade will look darker because it received more power when rastered. Think of it like a black and white printer.

 

| image = helix.png

| materials = see charts below

| maxResolution = 1200

|float=none|buildWidth=610|buildDepth=457|buildHeight=216|buildWidthIN=24|buildDepthIN=18|buildHeightIN=8.5}}

==[[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/Laser Safety|Laser Safety]]==

*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).

*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.

*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.'''

==[[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/Material Settings|Material Settings]]==

==Material Settings==

===Materials not allowed in the CO₂ laser===

===Materials not allowed in the CO₂ laser===

Some materials should never be used in the laser as they may cause the release of toxic fumes. Other factors, such as fire hazards and excessive melting, can also make a material undesirable for cutting. Please consult the list below to know if your materials are allowed on the machine. '''If a material is unlisted in the table below and in the allowed materials list, please consult a Makerspace employee''' '''for further guidance.'''

Some materials should never be used in the laser as they may cause the release of toxic fumes. Other factors, such as fire hazards and excessive melting, can also make a material undesirable for cutting. Please consult the list below to know if your materials are allowed on the machine. '''If a material is unlisted in the table below and in the allowed materials list, please consult a Makerspace employee''' '''for further guidance.'''

|There are many '''normally''' laserable items such as thin wood laminates that you can purchase that become un-cuttable when the manufacturer adds a layer of peel-off glue on the bottom to attach them to surfaces. Examples include cork tiles, thin wood laminate, acrylic tiles, and paper stickers. Never cut these materials in the laser cutter if they have this backing. The glue will vaporize forming a coating on the lens that will coat it, cloud it, heat it, and then potentially crack the lens. The glue residue is worse than resin, and can't be removed without risking damage to the lens ... requiring a lens replacement.

|There are many '''normally''' laserable items such as thin wood laminates that you can purchase that become un-cuttable when the manufacturer adds a layer of peel-off glue on the bottom to attach them to surfaces. Examples include cork tiles, thin wood laminate, acrylic tiles, and paper stickers. Never cut these materials in the laser cutter if they have this backing. The glue will vaporize forming a coating on the lens that will coat it, cloud it, heat it, and then potentially crack the lens. The glue residue is worse than resin, and can't be removed without risking damage to the lens ... requiring a lens replacement.

|}

|}

===Materials allowed and recommended settings===

 

===Materials Allowed and Recommended Settings===

Epilog (the company that manufactures the laser) has an extensive list of materials that you can cut with their lasers. Simply consult Appendix B in the [https://www.epiloglaser.ca/assets/downloads/manuals/legend-manual-web.pdf Owner's Manual for the Mini/Helix] (p.143) to get access to that list. Make sure you use the settings for the laser you are planning to use (50 Watts VS 60 Watts). Here are some extra materials that are unlisted but have been proven to work at these settings:

Epilog (the company that manufactures the laser) has an extensive list of materials that you can cut with their lasers. Simply consult Appendix B in the [https://www.epiloglaser.ca/assets/downloads/manuals/legend-manual-web.pdf Owner's Manual for the Mini/Helix] (p.143) to get access to that list. Make sure you use the settings for the laser you are planning to use (50 Watts VS 60 Watts). Here are some extra materials that are unlisted but have been proven to work at these settings:

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|5000

|5000

|}

|}

==How to laser cut in the Makerspace==

 

== [[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/How to Laser Cut in the Makerspace|How to Laser Cut in the Makerspace]] ==

To be able to laser cut at the makerspace we require that you either:

To be able to laser cut at the makerspace we require that you either:

*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 page on [[Laser Safety]]. 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:

#Start the cut

#Start the cut

#Turn off laser cutter setup

#Turn off laser cutter setup

#Clean up

# Clean up

===Prepare your file and select your material===

 

===Prepare your file and select your material ===

Before you are going to start laser cutting, you need to get some prep work out of the way. First you need to create or select your file. If you are rastering an image, you can select or create an image in any program or use an existing picture. If you are rastering an image, you can select or create an image in any program or use an existing picture.

Before you are going to start laser cutting, you need to get some prep work out of the way. First you need to create or select your file. If you are rastering an image, you can select or create an image in any program or use an existing picture. If you are rastering an image, you can select or create an image in any program or use an existing picture.

The laser cutter needs to be be adapted to the material and image you are going to cut. This is done by changing the height and the laser’s home. The height affects the laser’s focus and the home is related to the center engraving. More information about this can be found on the laser settings page.

The laser cutter needs to be be adapted to the material and image you are going to cut. This is done by changing the height and the laser’s home. The height affects the laser’s focus and the home is related to the center engraving. More information about this can be found on the laser settings page.

*'''Setting Home:''' This is setting the origin for the laser. If you do not have center engraving select. This will be the top left hand corner of the piece. For more information, see the laser setting page.

*'''Setting home:''' This is setting the origin for the laser. If you do not have center engraving select. This will be the top left hand corner of the piece. For more information, see the laser setting page.

*#Make sure the laser cutter is on.

*#Make sure the laser cutter is on.

*#Press the pointer button. You should see a red dot under the laser head. That is the current location of the laser.

*#Press the pointer button. You should see a red dot under the laser head. That is the current location of the laser.

*#Press X/Y off.

*#Press X/Y off.

*#Press Go. You should be able to freely move the laser cutter head.

*# Press Go. You should be able to freely move the laser cutter head.

*#Move the laser head so that the red dot is at the desired origin.

*#Move the laser head so that the red dot is at the desired origin.

*#Press set home. You should no longer be able to move the laser head and you home is set.

*# Press set home. You should no longer be able to move the laser head and you home is set.

*'''Focusing laser:''' We '''do not''' use the automatic focus function on the laser (Please, '''<u>NEVER</u>''' check the box for Auto-Focus it will break the laser), therefore you need to manually focus the laser before your cut.

*'''Focusing laser:''' We '''do not''' use the automatic focus function on the laser (Please, '''<u>NEVER</u>''' check the box for Auto-Focus it will break the laser), therefore you need to manually focus the laser before your cut.

*#Make sure the laser is on.

*#Make sure the laser is on.

===Click print and select settings===

===Click print and select settings===

On the computer, click print. The print setup window will appear.

On the computer, click print. The print setup window will appear.

#While the laser cutter is cutting, do not leave the laser cutter unattended. If small flames appear, '''do not panic.''' As long as you piece is not actively burning, you are ok. If at any point you are unsure, pause your cut and find the Makerspace Coordinator on duty. You can pause your cut by pressing the red stop button, it will always finish the line that is cutting before it ends. If it needs to be stopped for safety purposes and it is not stopping with the Red Button, use the On/Off switch on the left side of the laser. Leave the lid closed. To resume, press the green go button.

#While the laser cutter is cutting, do not leave the laser cutter unattended. If small flames appear, '''do not panic.''' As long as you piece is not actively burning, you are ok. If at any point you are unsure, pause your cut and find the Makerspace Coordinator on duty. You can pause your cut by pressing the red stop button, it will always finish the line that is cutting before it ends. If it needs to be stopped for safety purposes and it is not stopping with the Red Button, use the On/Off switch on the left side of the laser. Leave the lid closed. To resume, press the green go button.

===Turn off laser cutter setup===

=== Turn off laser cutter setup===

When you are finished all your cuts, turn off the laser cutter, air compressor, and air filter.

When you are finished all your cuts, turn off the laser cutter, air compressor, and air filter.

===Clean up===

===Clean up===

So that our laser remains operational, it is important that we clean up after each cut. Clean off any debris that can be found on the the laser cutter bed. Using the handles on the front of the laser cutter, open the front of the laser. Empty the debris tray and replace it.

So that our laser remains operational, it is important that we clean up after each cut. Clean off any debris that can be found on the the laser cutter bed. Using the handles on the front of the laser cutter, open the front of the laser. Empty the debris tray and replace it.

===Issues with the Laser Cutter and how to fix them===

==[[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/Troubleshooting Laser Cutter Issues|Troubleshooting Laser Cutter Issues]]==

*File not sending to the Laser Cutter

*File not sending to the Laser Cutter

**Try unplugging the USB-B Cable from the laser and plugging it back, the files should now be available on the Laser Screen

** Try unplugging the USB-A Cable from the laser and plugging it back, the files should now be available on the Laser Screen

**Make sure to choose the Printer that has a "(USB)" at the end of the printer name in Adobe Acrobat Reader

**Make sure to choose the Printer that has a "(USB)" at the end of the printer name in Adobe Acrobat Reader

**Try turning Off and On the laser

**Try turning Off and On the laser

*Vector not working : When sending a vector file, if the Laser Cutter does a sound right away and doesn't start, it means something is probably wrong with the file.

* Vector not working : When sending a vector file, if the Laser Cutter does a sound right away and doesn't start, it means something is probably wrong with the file.

**Make sure the line thickness is actually 0.001 inch

** Make sure the line thickness is actually 0.001 inch

**Make sure opacity is at <u>exactly</u> 100%

**Make sure opacity is at <u>exactly</u> 100%

**Make sure that the Vector or Combined setting in the Epilog Driver is selected

**Make sure that the Vector or Combined setting in the Epilog Driver is selected

*Only part of the file gets printed

*Only part of the file gets printed

**Check your canvas size is the actual size or bigger that everything that is in that document

**Check your canvas size is the actual size or bigger that everything that is in that document

**Make sure that in the Epilog Driver, the "Piece size" is bigger than the size of your document

** Make sure that in the Epilog Driver, the "Piece size" is bigger than the size of your document

==Design Resources==

==[[Digital technologies/Laser cutting/Laser cutting- Beginner/Resources|Resources]]==

Some programs exist to simplify the laser cutting workflow. A few tools are listed below.

Some programs exist to simplify the laser cutting workflow. A few tools are listed below.

===[https://en.makercase.com/#/ Makerbox]===

===[https://en.makercase.com/#/ Makerbox]===

===[https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/downloads/caas/downloads/content/slicer-for-fusion-360.html Slicer for Fusion 360]===

===[https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/downloads/caas/downloads/content/slicer-for-fusion-360.html Slicer for Fusion 360]===

Slicer for Fusion 360 is a Fusion 360 add-on that allows for the conversion of 3D models into lasercuttable puzzle-like designs. This add-on can be extremely useful at making an inner-skeleton of large structures.

Slicer for Fusion 360 is a Fusion 360 add-on that allows for the conversion of 3D models into lasercuttable puzzle-like designs. This add-on can be extremely useful at making an inner-skeleton of large structures.

==Resources==

===[https://makerepo.com/jboud030/652.decoupe-laser-virtuel-virtual-laser-cutting/#/ Laser Cutter Simulation]===

 

==References==

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