Laser Cutter

THIS IS A DRAFT

About

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This device allows users to take designs created on a computer and cut them out of many different materials.

Designs are made using Inkscape, an open-source vector graphics editor (other editors, such as Draftsight and Adobe Illustrator, can be used as well).

Laser cutting is a great way to rapidly prototype work.

MakeICT's laser cutting machine was built by Rabbit Laser.

Basic Use Guidelines

1. Step 1: attend foam-cutting workshop (this week?, Tom and Dom)
2. Step 2: demonstrate ability to use foam-cutter safely, also shows design skills
3. Step 3: attend laser-cutting workshop (pre-req: foam-cutting workshop)
   1. Use laptops in class for file design and understanding Lasercut
   2. One lesson walks students through the steps to run a file
   3. Second lesson has student create and load their own file
4. Step 4: demonstrate ability to use laser-cutter safely
   1. Laser cutter workstation is for loading files to cut material only, no design work
   2. Material is supplied for the beginning class

User's will need to supply their own materials for projects

Prepare your design

1. Download and install inkscape
2. Create your design using paths and objects (if you want an image, you must trace it)
3. Make sure your design is in the bottom left corner, and that patterns use space efficiently
4. Convert all objects to paths
   1. Edit > Select all
   2. Path > Object to Path
5. Save your file as an Inkscape SVG (the default format)
6. On a flash drive, save a copy of your file using the HP Graphics Language file type (hpgl)
   1. Make sure Mirror Y Axis is checked
   2. Leave everything else alone

Prepare the foam cutter

1. If the PC isn’t on, turn it on
2. Find a piece of foam large enough to accommodate your piece
3. Attach the foam to the cutter using masking tape (Use the 1/4 in. pink foam)
4. Foam should be loaded with the thin film (print side) facing you
5. Find the power toggle on the top-left corner of the machine, and flip it UP (a light should come on indicating the foam cutter has power)

Cut your design

1. Find KCAM on the desktop and launch it
2. Open the CNC controls from the View menu
3. If the foam cutter is making a loud noise, press the up arrow button (Z-axis)
4. Load your file
   1. Open the File menu
   2. Select Import > HPGL File
   3. Change the File type to display All files
   4. Find your HPGL file and open it
5. Using the CNC manual controls, position the perforator until it is positioned at the bottom left corner of the mounted foam
6. Press the Zero button next to each axis (x, y, and z)
7. From the automatic tab in the CNC Controls window, hit the Play button

If something goes wrong during your print

1. Hit the PAUSE button in the automatic controls (the pause button will allow you to resume from where it pauses. The STOP button will force the machine to restart from the beginning)
2. If the perforator is still running hit the up arrow button (Z-axis)

Maintenance

Weekly mirror and lens cleaning is required by trained staff