MakeICT Wiki - User contributions [en]

Main Page

2017-04-05T15:54:26Z

Jralexan1: 2017-04-05 JA: Updated date and time for laser cutter class

= Welcome to MakeICT's wiki =
''MakeICT's wiki is a place where anybody can share information, thoughts, or anything helpful about any project or topic which may be of interest to MakeICTers. This wiki is open to and editable by anybody wishing to contribute. If you wonder if something could be on here then it can.''

MakeICT's mission: We innovate, learn, and build community at the intersection of art, technology, science, and culture.

== General Information ==
* [//www.makeict.org Official Website]
* [//www.makeict.org/forum Main Forum for Communication]
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* [[Contact Information]]
* [[MakeICT Headquarters|Headquarters]]
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== Administration ==
* [[Bylaws]]
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=== Policies ===
* [[External Workshop and Class Policies]]
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* [[Tool Loans to MakeICT Policy]]
* [[Voting]]
* [[:Category:Rules_and_policies|All Rules and Policies on the wiki]]

=== Meetings ===
* [[Meetings]]
* [[Meeting Tasks]]
* [[Board Decisions]]

== Current Collaborative Projects and Special Interest Groups ==
* [[Special Projects Process and Brigade Items]]
* [[Makers CNC]]
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* [[Web Hive]]
* [[Embedded Thursday]]
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* [[Green Team]]
* [[Laser Heads]]
* [[Arcade Cabinet]]
* [[Gamification]]
* [[Onboarding Group]]
* [[MakerFaire Committee]]

== Classes and Hosted Events ==
If you would like to teach a class, please fill out this form: [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWF4whmFJ2VnB-tKogyOcomgF52qiq1YwR7IUamY8ALnhQ6Q/viewform?c=0&w=1 Teach a class]

Dates in this section are updated manually, and irregularly so always check [http://makeict.org/calendar http://makeict.org/calendar] for the latest dates.

* [[Workshops and classes| General information about workshops and classes]]
* Electronics
** [[Learn to Solder]]
** [[Intro to Arduino]]
** [[Embedded Thursday]]
** Prior Classes, click expand on the right to see.
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="">
* [[RC Car Hacking with Arduino]]
* [[PCB Etching: Toner Transfer Method]]
* [[PCB Etching: Milling Method]]
* [[2014-Feb: the 555 tone generator]]
* [[ABC's of Electronics]]
</div>
* Fabrication
** [[Laser Cutter Authorization Class]] Next class: Thursday, April 6 at 6 pm. Register Here: [http://makeict.org/rsvp/?event=2462934]
** [[Metal Shop Safety Class]] Next class: Friday, March 24 at 6 pm. Register Here: [http://makeict.org/rsvp/?event=2469829]
** [[Wood Shop Safety Class]] Next class: Wednesday, March 15 at 6 pm. Register Here: [http://makeict.org/rsvp/?event=2479574]
** [http://makeict.org/wiki/index.php/FabLab Intro to CNC: a Foam Cutting Workshop]
** [http://makeict.org/wiki/index.php/FabLab Intro to 3D Printing] Next class: Saturday, 25 February 2017 at 1pm Register Here: [http://makeict.org/rsvp/?event=2464744]
** [http://makeict.org/wiki/index.php/FabLab Advanced 3D Printing and Modeling]
** [[Intro to CNC: Shopbot]] Next class: Sunday, February 26th at 2 pm. Register Here: [http://makeict.org/rsvp/?event=2469802]
* Software
** [[Inkscape Wizardry for Makers]]
** [[Fusion 360: Sketching for Makers]]
** Prior Classes, click expand on the right to see.
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="">
* [[Computing for Humans]]
* [[2014-02-01: Audio and video programming with Pure Data]]
* [[2014-Apr-29: Intro to Pure Data for Artists]]
</div>
* Textiles
** [[Basic Sewing Workshop]]
* Other Workshops
** [[Bicycle Maintenance Workshop]]
* Instructables Build Nights
** Prior Classes, click expand on the right to see.
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="">
** [http://www.instructables.com/community/August-2015-Build-Night-with-Cheng-Concrete/ Instructables Build Night: Cheng ShapeCrete]
** [http://www.instructables.com/id/Spark-CorePhoton-Setup/ Instructables Build Night: Chibitronics]
** [http://www.instructables.com/id/Illuminated-Badge/ Instructables Build Night: Spark.io Cores]
** [http://www.instructables.com/id/Dremel-build-night-at-MakeICT/ Instructables Build Night: Dremal]
** [http://www.instructables.com/id/Eyeglass-Repair-with-Sugru/ Instructables Build Night: Sugru]
** [[Instructables Build Night: Lumi]]
** [[Instructables Build Night: Jameco/555]]
** [http://www.instructables.com/id/Animated-EL-Wire-Sign/ Instructables Build Night: Cool Neon]
</div>
* Social Gatherings / Miscellaneous
** Prior gatherings and classes, click expand on the right to see.
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="">
** [[Annual Halloween Challenge]]
** [[2014 Kickoff Mixer]]
** [[Arduino Day]]
</div>

== Prior Projects & Groups ==
To see prior groups expand this section --->
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="">
* [[3D Printing SIG|3D Printing and Modeling]]
* [[Electric Microbus|Bus, bus, bus!]]
* [[Future Planning Committee]]
* [[MakeAXE]]
* [[Powerwheels Racing]]
* [[Wichita Patcher's Circle]]
* [[Processing]]

(If one of these is interesting to you, feel free to post a message on the forums about it, and you can see about the status of these items.)
</div>
----

== Getting Started Using Our Wiki==
Consult the [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.
* [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting General formatting help]
* [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Help:Links Formatting links]
* [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Lists Formatting lists]
* [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]

Laser Cutter

2016-06-30T21:24:13Z

Jralexan1: /* Laser Cutter Authorized Users */

{{Infobox lasercutter
|machineName = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Laser engraving/cutting machine
|image = Laser_cutter.jpg
|caption = Rabbit Laser Cutter
|bedSize = 1200 x 900 mm (47.2 x 35.4 inches)
|laserPower = 80W
|laserType = Sealed CO2 laser tube
|bedHeight = ~10 inches
|cutSpeed = 36,000 mm/min
|engraveSpeed = 60,000 mm/min
|engraveResolution = 1000 DPI
|manual =
|website = http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_RL1290.html
|websiteText = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Product Page
}}
The '''Laser cutter''' cuts or engraves digital designs on a variety of materials. Laser cutting is a great way to rapidly prototype projects.

A certification workshop, hosted by an approved instructor, is required of all members before using the laser cutter. Workshops are posted on the [http://makeict.org/calendar calendar]. Peer certification is not an approved path for use of the laser cutter.

Interfacing with the laser cutter is performed with [[Media:LaserCut_v5.3.zip|LaserCut v5.3]].

The laser cutter does require regular cleaning and alignment. This is to be performed by trained volunteers only.

== Usage ==
=== Safety ===
Laser cutters pose a fire hazard. A high intensity beam of laser light can produce extremely high temperatures as it comes into contact with the materials it is engraving, marking, or cutting. When using the laser cutter, remember:
# You may only use the laser cutter if you have been officially certified according to the machine access policy
# '''Never''' leave the laser cutter unattended while it was powered on (even if it is not firing)
# '''Never''' cut materials that you don't know are safe
# '''Never''' override laser cutter safeties and switches
# Know what to do if a fire happens
## Hint: Hit the big, red, emergency stop button. This will shutdown the laser and the air supply.
## A Carbon Dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) fire extinguisher is located next to the laser cutter

=== Before starting the laser cutter===
# Check the coolant window in the back of the chiller before starting any project.
# Check that the screen in the collection bin is clean and the bin is empty.

=== After starting the laser cutter ===
# Before cutting make sure the air compressor and the fan motor are on
# '''Home the head!'''
::* If you do not do this, you may crash the head, which is not good.
# Refer to the cutting manual for appropriate engraving and speed and power settings for varied materials
# Beware of flammable materials while using the machines.

=== Workflow ===
# [[Designing for the laser cutter | Create design or import]]<br/>If importing, unite lines (under Tools menu)
# Separate layers if necessary (by changing their colors)
# Set layer modes
# Set layer [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit speeds/powers]
# [Optional] Set origin (under Laser menu)
# Download
## Delete all
## Download current
# Load media into cutter
# Focus laser (in center of media)
# Move laser to origin
# Run box / test
# Close lid and start
# After cut is finished allow ~30 seconds before opening to vent smoke/fumes

=== When Finished ===

# Home the head
# Remove media and clear debris
# Power off

=== Common Issues ===
* Edges of cut pieces are slanted, rather than straight.
::''The Laser is out of alignment and needs to be adjusted. Notify the Fab Lab BD.''
* The head crashes when approaching the left or bottom of the bed.
::''The head must be homed before starting to cut. If it isn't homed there is a risk of crashing the head, which is a bad thing.''
* Bed only travels downwards.
::''The focus probe is stuck in the triggered position. Wiggle it loose and make sure nothing jammed.''
*Focus probe is broken.
::''There are spares in the kit in the cabinet on the left-hand side of the laser. When putting a thicker material in the cutter remember to lower the bed before moving the head.''
* Fumes are not venting well.
::''Make sure that the screen in the collection bin under the bed is clean.''

== Materials ==
Cutting a bad material in the laser cutter can be dangerous. Only approved materials should be cut, and banned materials should never be placed in or even around the laser cutter. Cutting an unknown material risks bodily harm and damage to equipment/facilities.

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit For speed and power settings with different materials, please look at and contribute to this shared spreadsheet.]

=== Approved materials ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Notes !! Warnings
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Acrylic (aka Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)</div> || Cuts well, leaves a smooth polished edge. Higher powers can leave smoke/scorch marks along edges. Some people remove paper/plastic protection sheets before cutting. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cardboard</div> || Cuts well, can catch fire || FIRE hazard!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Ceramic</div> || '''Engraving only''' || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cloth (cotton, felt, hemp)</div> || Cuts easily || NO plastic coated or impregnated cloth!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Corian</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cork</div> || Cuts nicely, the quality of the cut depends on the thickness and quality of the cork. Engineered cork has a lot of glue in it, may not cut nicely. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coroplast (corrugated plastic)</div> || Difficult to cut through cleanly, due to the ribs. Multiple passes are usually needed. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Delrin</div> || Comes in a number of shore strengths (hardness), the harder tends to work better. Great for gears! ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Glass</div> || Has a sandblasted look, green glass works best || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Leather, suede</div> || Leather is very hard to cut, can be if thinner than a belt thickness ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">MDF, engineered woods</div> || May experience a higher amount of charring when cut ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Magnetic sheet</div> || Cuts easily ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Stone/Granite/Marble/etc.</div> || '''Engraving only''' || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Matte Board</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Melamine</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Mylar</div> || Works well if it's thin. Thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curl || Gold coated mylar will not work
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Paper, card stock</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Plywood, composite woods</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Pressboard</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">NON-CHLORINE Rubber</div> || '''DO NOT CUT''' unless the rubber compound has been tested || '''Beware chlorine-containing rubber!''' If you're not sure, assume you've got chlorinated rubber, and don't cut it.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Tile</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood</div> || Avoid oily/resinous woods || FIRE - Cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods can catch fire.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood Veneer</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Anodized Aluminum</div> ||'''Engraving only.''' Vaporizes the anodized layer away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Bare Metals</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Brass</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coated Metals</div> || || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Painted Metals</div> || '''Engraving only.''' Vaporizes the paint away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Stainless Steel</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Titanium</div> || ||
|}

=== Banned materials ===
These materials should '''never''' be processed in the laser cutter.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! DANGER !! WARNING
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)</div> || Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt || ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. It also does not engrave well (again, tends to melt).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Chlorinated plastics (PVC/Poly Vinyl Chloride, vinyl/pleather/artificial leather)</div> || Emits pure chlorine gas when cut! || '''Don't ever cut this material''' as it will ruin the optics, cause the metal of the machine to corrode, and ruin the motion control system. Bubbles yellow, smokes alot, STINKS!!!!!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Coated Carbon Fiber</div> || Emits noxious fumes || A mix of two materials. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut, with some fraying - but not when coated
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Fiberglass</div> || Emits fumes || It's a mix of two materials that cant' be cut. Glass (etch, no cut) and epoxy resin (fumes)
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Galvanized metal</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Zinc fumes are poisonous. Galvanized metal should never be super heated (so don't weld on it either).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Metal</div> || || [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting#Power_consumption Power needed for LASER to cut metal]
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Milk bottles/HDPE</div> || Catches fire and melts || It melts, gets gooey. DON'T. Someone has to clean the hex worktable.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Mirrored surfaces</div> || Will not cut, reflects laser beam || Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam, damaging the cutter's interior components. Some mirrored materials can be placed reflective-side down and cut.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Polycarbonate/Lexan</div> || Cut very poorly, disbackground-color, catch fire || Polycarbonate is often found as flat, sheet material. The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation! This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyPropylene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyStyrene, it melts, catches fire, and the melted drops continue to burn and turn into rock-hard drips and pebbles.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyStyrene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyPropylene. It catches fire, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. '''This is the #1 material that causes laser fires!!!'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Pressure treated wood</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Should never be burned -- not in your fireplace, and definitely not in our LASER
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Printed circuit board (FR4 and other material types)</div> || ||
|}

== Other resources ==
=== On this wiki ===
* [[Designing for the laser cutter]]
* [[:Category:SVG files]] practice shapes for first projects
* [[Media:LaserCut_v5.3.zip|LaserCut v5.3]]
=== External links ===
* [http://makezine.com/2011/09/22/identifying-unknown-plastics/ Identifying Unknown Plastics by Make Magazine]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilstein_test Beilstein test]
* [https://vimeo.com/1615418 Polymer Identification (video) by Burnination]
* [http://www.chymist.com/Polymer%20Identification.pdf Polymer Identification (PDF) by David A. Katz]
* [http://www.nclark.net/Density_Column.pdf Density Column Using Recyclable Plastics]
* [http://www.thingiverse.com/tag:lasercut Thingiverse Laser Cut projects]

== Laser Cutter Authorized Users ==
To see authorized users expand this section --->
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Authorization Date
|-
| [[User:Amy Dorsch|Amy Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Paul Sheets|Paul Sheets]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Aaron Rivers|Aaron Rivers]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Anna Lenhart-Murray|Anna Lenhart-Murray]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Audrey Barba|Audrey Barba]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Bob Jackson|Bob Jackson]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Bonnie Thurman|Bonnie Thurman]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Brad Cooley|Brad Cooley]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Brian Hertz|Brian Hertz]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Brock Milford|Brock Milford]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Bryan Barr|Bryan Barr]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Cat Barba-Abay|Cat Barba-Abay]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Charles Griesel|Charles Griesel]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Charlie Fair|Charlie Fair]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Chris Batcheller|Chris Batcheller]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Chris Lofland|Chris Lofland]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Chris Strait|Chris Strait]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Christy Bennett|Christy Bennett]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Christian Kindel|Christian Kindel]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Cindy Conrad|Cindy Conrad]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Cory Kertz|Cory Kertz]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Coty Sandfort|Coty Sandfort]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Curt Gridley|Curt Gridley]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dale Morrow|Dale Morrow]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Dana Danaver|Dana Danaver]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Daniel Towle|Daniel Towle]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:David Graver|David Graver]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:David Springs|David Springs]] || 2015-09-19
|-
| [[User:Dean Day|Dean Day]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Douglas Stice|Douglas Stice]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Doug Wilson|Doug Wilson]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Dustin Richey|Dustin Richey]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Ed Hutson|Ed Hutson]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Eric Sommer|Eric Sommer]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Ernest Sharp|Ernest Sharp]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Gayle Thomas|Gayle Thomas]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Geoffrey Kisch|Geoffrey Kisch]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:H. Robert Shultz|H. Robert Shultz]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Helen Haskin|Helen Haskin]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Henry Gridley|Henry Gridley]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Ivan Quiroz|Ivan Quiroz]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:JaiPal Chauhan|JaiPal Chauhan]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:James A Seymour|James Seymour]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:James Classen|James Classen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:James Dorsch|James Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:James Lancaster|James Lancaster]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:James Tennant|James Tennant]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Jeremiah Loder|Jeremiah Loder]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Jerry Carpenter|Jerry Carpenter]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Jerry Shubert|Jerry Shubert]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Jesse Lee|Jesse Lee]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Jim Hammer|Jim Hammer]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Joe Groom|Joe Groom]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Joe Lobdell|Joe Lobdell]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Joel Ewy|Joel Ewy]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:jralexan1|John Alexander]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:John Harrison|John Harrison]] || 2015-10-30
|-
| [[User:Jonny Fosnight|Jonny Fosnight]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Joseph Woolridge|Joseph Woolridge]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Judah Hansen|Judah Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Julie Chen|Julie Chen]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Karyn Bell-Simon|Karyn Bell-Simon]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Keith Rowley|Keith Rowley]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Kenton Hansen|Kenton Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Kevin Elledge|Kevin Elledge]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Kim Lujan|Kim Lujan]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kyle McCormick|Kyle McCormick]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Larry Frank|Larry Frank]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Logan Pajunen|Logan Pajunen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Marc Lujan|Marc Lujan]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Marc Roths|Marc Roths]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Marcus Mosley|Marcus Mosley]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Esau|Mark Esau]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Reuter|Mark Reuter]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Marty Boyzuck|Marty Boyzuck]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Matthew Pewewardy|Matthew Pewewardy]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Melanie Jenney|Melanie Jenney]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Melissa Soutiere|Melissa Soutiere]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Michael Grudowski|Michael Grudowski]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Barushok|Mike Barushok]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Doolittle|Mike Doolittle]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Mike Hutton|Mike Hutton]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Mike McKown|Mike McKown]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Mitzi Trout|Mitzi Trout]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Nathan Huff|Nathan Huff]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Paul Poirier|Paul Poirier]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Paul Wilson|Paul Wilson]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Rick Boyd|Rick Boyd]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Sam Jossie|Sam Jossie]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Samuel McConnell|Samuel McConnell]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Samuel Schurter|Samuel Schurter]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Shawn Achenbach|Shawn Achenbach]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Skyler Lovelace|Skyler Lovelace]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Stephan Reckers|Stephan Reckers]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Steve Owens|Steve Owens]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Steve Saner|Steve Saner]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Stuart Smith|Stuart Smith]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Tammy Arnott|Tammy Arnott]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Terry Weatherson|Terry Weatherson]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Thomas Bloom|Thomas Bloom]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Turquoise Thomas|Turquoise Thomas]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Tyler Ball|Tyler Ball]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Valerie Lillich|Valerie Lillich]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Weston Vice|Weston Vice]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:William Davisson|William Davisson]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Aaron Weaver|Aaron Weaver]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Adam Wiley|Adam Wiley]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Alex Kern|Alex Kern]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Alexander Melton|Alexander Melton]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Bruce Barley|Bruce Barley]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Holly Arnold|Holly Arnold]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Jake Ferrell|Jake Ferrell]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Jared Stafford|Jared Stafford]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Jess Bechtelheimer|Jess Bechtelheimer]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:John Clark|John Clark]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Kurt Hershey|Kurt Hershey]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Larame Cline|Larame Cline]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Larry Roth|Larry Roth]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Larry Wynn|Larry Wynn]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Michele Pugh|Michele Pugh]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Mike Arnold|Mike Arnold]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Mike Brennison|Mike Brennison]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Resha Parajuli|Resha Parajuli]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Stuart Smith|Stuart Smith]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Tim Otter|Tim Otter]] || 2016-06-15
|-
|}
</div>

[[Category:FabLab Equipment]]

Laser Cutter

2016-06-30T21:19:43Z

Jralexan1: /* Laser Cutter Authorized Users */

{{Infobox lasercutter
|machineName = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Laser engraving/cutting machine
|image = Laser_cutter.jpg
|caption = Rabbit Laser Cutter
|bedSize = 1200 x 900 mm (47.2 x 35.4 inches)
|laserPower = 80W
|laserType = Sealed CO2 laser tube
|bedHeight = ~10 inches
|cutSpeed = 36,000 mm/min
|engraveSpeed = 60,000 mm/min
|engraveResolution = 1000 DPI
|manual =
|website = http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_RL1290.html
|websiteText = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Product Page
}}
The '''Laser cutter''' cuts or engraves digital designs on a variety of materials. Laser cutting is a great way to rapidly prototype projects.

A certification workshop, hosted by an approved instructor, is required of all members before using the laser cutter. Workshops are posted on the [http://makeict.org/calendar calendar]. Peer certification is not an approved path for use of the laser cutter.

Interfacing with the laser cutter is performed with [[Media:LaserCut_v5.3.zip|LaserCut v5.3]].

The laser cutter does require regular cleaning and alignment. This is to be performed by trained volunteers only.

== Usage ==
=== Safety ===
Laser cutters pose a fire hazard. A high intensity beam of laser light can produce extremely high temperatures as it comes into contact with the materials it is engraving, marking, or cutting. When using the laser cutter, remember:
# You may only use the laser cutter if you have been officially certified according to the machine access policy
# '''Never''' leave the laser cutter unattended while it was powered on (even if it is not firing)
# '''Never''' cut materials that you don't know are safe
# '''Never''' override laser cutter safeties and switches
# Know what to do if a fire happens
## Hint: Hit the big, red, emergency stop button. This will shutdown the laser and the air supply.
## A Carbon Dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) fire extinguisher is located next to the laser cutter

=== Before starting the laser cutter===
# Check the coolant window in the back of the chiller before starting any project.
# Check that the screen in the collection bin is clean and the bin is empty.

=== After starting the laser cutter ===
# Before cutting make sure the air compressor and the fan motor are on
# '''Home the head!'''
::* If you do not do this, you may crash the head, which is not good.
# Refer to the cutting manual for appropriate engraving and speed and power settings for varied materials
# Beware of flammable materials while using the machines.

=== Workflow ===
# [[Designing for the laser cutter | Create design or import]]<br/>If importing, unite lines (under Tools menu)
# Separate layers if necessary (by changing their colors)
# Set layer modes
# Set layer [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit speeds/powers]
# [Optional] Set origin (under Laser menu)
# Download
## Delete all
## Download current
# Load media into cutter
# Focus laser (in center of media)
# Move laser to origin
# Run box / test
# Close lid and start
# After cut is finished allow ~30 seconds before opening to vent smoke/fumes

=== When Finished ===

# Home the head
# Remove media and clear debris
# Power off

=== Common Issues ===
* Edges of cut pieces are slanted, rather than straight.
::''The Laser is out of alignment and needs to be adjusted. Notify the Fab Lab BD.''
* The head crashes when approaching the left or bottom of the bed.
::''The head must be homed before starting to cut. If it isn't homed there is a risk of crashing the head, which is a bad thing.''
* Bed only travels downwards.
::''The focus probe is stuck in the triggered position. Wiggle it loose and make sure nothing jammed.''
*Focus probe is broken.
::''There are spares in the kit in the cabinet on the left-hand side of the laser. When putting a thicker material in the cutter remember to lower the bed before moving the head.''
* Fumes are not venting well.
::''Make sure that the screen in the collection bin under the bed is clean.''

== Materials ==
Cutting a bad material in the laser cutter can be dangerous. Only approved materials should be cut, and banned materials should never be placed in or even around the laser cutter. Cutting an unknown material risks bodily harm and damage to equipment/facilities.

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit For speed and power settings with different materials, please look at and contribute to this shared spreadsheet.]

=== Approved materials ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Notes !! Warnings
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Acrylic (aka Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)</div> || Cuts well, leaves a smooth polished edge. Higher powers can leave smoke/scorch marks along edges. Some people remove paper/plastic protection sheets before cutting. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cardboard</div> || Cuts well, can catch fire || FIRE hazard!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Ceramic</div> || '''Engraving only''' || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cloth (cotton, felt, hemp)</div> || Cuts easily || NO plastic coated or impregnated cloth!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Corian</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cork</div> || Cuts nicely, the quality of the cut depends on the thickness and quality of the cork. Engineered cork has a lot of glue in it, may not cut nicely. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coroplast (corrugated plastic)</div> || Difficult to cut through cleanly, due to the ribs. Multiple passes are usually needed. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Delrin</div> || Comes in a number of shore strengths (hardness), the harder tends to work better. Great for gears! ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Glass</div> || Has a sandblasted look, green glass works best || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Leather, suede</div> || Leather is very hard to cut, can be if thinner than a belt thickness ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">MDF, engineered woods</div> || May experience a higher amount of charring when cut ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Magnetic sheet</div> || Cuts easily ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Stone/Granite/Marble/etc.</div> || '''Engraving only''' || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Matte Board</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Melamine</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Mylar</div> || Works well if it's thin. Thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curl || Gold coated mylar will not work
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Paper, card stock</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Plywood, composite woods</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Pressboard</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">NON-CHLORINE Rubber</div> || '''DO NOT CUT''' unless the rubber compound has been tested || '''Beware chlorine-containing rubber!''' If you're not sure, assume you've got chlorinated rubber, and don't cut it.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Tile</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood</div> || Avoid oily/resinous woods || FIRE - Cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods can catch fire.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood Veneer</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Anodized Aluminum</div> ||'''Engraving only.''' Vaporizes the anodized layer away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Bare Metals</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Brass</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coated Metals</div> || || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Painted Metals</div> || '''Engraving only.''' Vaporizes the paint away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Stainless Steel</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Titanium</div> || ||
|}

=== Banned materials ===
These materials should '''never''' be processed in the laser cutter.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! DANGER !! WARNING
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)</div> || Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt || ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. It also does not engrave well (again, tends to melt).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Chlorinated plastics (PVC/Poly Vinyl Chloride, vinyl/pleather/artificial leather)</div> || Emits pure chlorine gas when cut! || '''Don't ever cut this material''' as it will ruin the optics, cause the metal of the machine to corrode, and ruin the motion control system. Bubbles yellow, smokes alot, STINKS!!!!!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Coated Carbon Fiber</div> || Emits noxious fumes || A mix of two materials. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut, with some fraying - but not when coated
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Fiberglass</div> || Emits fumes || It's a mix of two materials that cant' be cut. Glass (etch, no cut) and epoxy resin (fumes)
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Galvanized metal</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Zinc fumes are poisonous. Galvanized metal should never be super heated (so don't weld on it either).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Metal</div> || || [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting#Power_consumption Power needed for LASER to cut metal]
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Milk bottles/HDPE</div> || Catches fire and melts || It melts, gets gooey. DON'T. Someone has to clean the hex worktable.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Mirrored surfaces</div> || Will not cut, reflects laser beam || Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam, damaging the cutter's interior components. Some mirrored materials can be placed reflective-side down and cut.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Polycarbonate/Lexan</div> || Cut very poorly, disbackground-color, catch fire || Polycarbonate is often found as flat, sheet material. The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation! This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyPropylene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyStyrene, it melts, catches fire, and the melted drops continue to burn and turn into rock-hard drips and pebbles.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyStyrene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyPropylene. It catches fire, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. '''This is the #1 material that causes laser fires!!!'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Pressure treated wood</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Should never be burned -- not in your fireplace, and definitely not in our LASER
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Printed circuit board (FR4 and other material types)</div> || ||
|}

== Other resources ==
=== On this wiki ===
* [[Designing for the laser cutter]]
* [[:Category:SVG files]] practice shapes for first projects
* [[Media:LaserCut_v5.3.zip|LaserCut v5.3]]
=== External links ===
* [http://makezine.com/2011/09/22/identifying-unknown-plastics/ Identifying Unknown Plastics by Make Magazine]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilstein_test Beilstein test]
* [https://vimeo.com/1615418 Polymer Identification (video) by Burnination]
* [http://www.chymist.com/Polymer%20Identification.pdf Polymer Identification (PDF) by David A. Katz]
* [http://www.nclark.net/Density_Column.pdf Density Column Using Recyclable Plastics]
* [http://www.thingiverse.com/tag:lasercut Thingiverse Laser Cut projects]

== Laser Cutter Authorized Users ==
To see authorized users expand this section --->
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="">
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Authorization Date
|-
| [[User:Amy Dorsch|Amy Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Aaron Rivers|Aaron Rivers]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Anna Lenhart-Murray|Anna Lenhart-Murray]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Audrey Barba|Audrey Barba]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Bob Jackson|Bob Jackson]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Bonnie Thurman|Bonnie Thurman]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Brad Cooley|Brad Cooley]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Brian Hertz|Brian Hertz]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Brock Milford|Brock Milford]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Bryan Barr|Bryan Barr]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Cat Barba-Abay|Cat Barba-Abay]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Charles Griesel|Charles Griesel]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Charlie Fair|Charlie Fair]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Chris Batcheller|Chris Batcheller]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Chris Lofland|Chris Lofland]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Chris Strait|Chris Strait]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Christy Bennett|Christy Bennett]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Christian Kindel|Christian Kindel]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Cindy Conrad|Cindy Conrad]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Cory Kertz|Cory Kertz]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Coty Sandfort|Coty Sandfort]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Curt Gridley|Curt Gridley]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dale Morrow|Dale Morrow]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Dana Danaver|Dana Danaver]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Daniel Towle|Daniel Towle]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:David Graver|David Graver]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:David Springs|David Springs]] || 2015-09-19
|-
| [[User:Dean Day|Dean Day]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Douglas Stice|Douglas Stice]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Doug Wilson|Doug Wilson]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Dustin Richey|Dustin Richey]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Ed Hutson|Ed Hutson]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Eric Sommer|Eric Sommer]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Ernest Sharp|Ernest Sharp]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Gayle Thomas|Gayle Thomas]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Geoffrey Kisch|Geoffrey Kisch]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:H. Robert Shultz|H. Robert Shultz]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Helen Haskin|Helen Haskin]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Henry Gridley|Henry Gridley]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Ivan Quiroz|Ivan Quiroz]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:JaiPal Chauhan|JaiPal Chauhan]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:James A Seymour|James Seymour]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:James Classen|James Classen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:James Dorsch|James Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:James Lancaster|James Lancaster]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:James Tennant|James Tennant]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Jeremiah Loder|Jeremiah Loder]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Jerry Carpenter|Jerry Carpenter]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Jerry Shubert|Jerry Shubert]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Jesse Lee|Jesse Lee]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Jim Hammer|Jim Hammer]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Joe Groom|Joe Groom]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Joe Lobdell|Joe Lobdell]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Joel Ewy|Joel Ewy]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:jralexan1|John Alexander]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:John Harrison|John Harrison]] || 2015-10-30
|-
| [[User:Jonny Fosnight|Jonny Fosnight]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Joseph Woolridge|Joseph Woolridge]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Judah Hansen|Judah Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Julie Chen|Julie Chen]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Karyn Bell-Simon|Karyn Bell-Simon]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Keith Rowley|Keith Rowley]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Kenton Hansen|Kenton Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Kevin Elledge|Kevin Elledge]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Kim Lujan|Kim Lujan]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kyle McCormick|Kyle McCormick]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Larry Frank|Larry Frank]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Logan Pajunen|Logan Pajunen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Marc Lujan|Marc Lujan]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Marc Roths|Marc Roths]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Marcus Mosley|Marcus Mosley]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Esau|Mark Esau]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Reuter|Mark Reuter]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Marty Boyzuck|Marty Boyzuck]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Matthew Pewewardy|Matthew Pewewardy]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Melanie Jenney|Melanie Jenney]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Melissa Soutiere|Melissa Soutiere]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Michael Grudowski|Michael Grudowski]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Barushok|Mike Barushok]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Doolittle|Mike Doolittle]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Mike Hutton|Mike Hutton]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Mike McKown|Mike McKown]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Mitzi Trout|Mitzi Trout]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Nathan Huff|Nathan Huff]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Paul Poirier|Paul Poirier]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Paul Wilson|Paul Wilson]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Rick Boyd|Rick Boyd]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Sam Jossie|Sam Jossie]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Samuel McConnell|Samuel McConnell]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Samuel Schurter|Samuel Schurter]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Shawn Achenbach|Shawn Achenbach]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Skyler Lovelace|Skyler Lovelace]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Stephan Reckers|Stephan Reckers]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Steve Owens|Steve Owens]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Steve Saner|Steve Saner]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Stuart Smith|Stuart Smith]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Tammy Arnott|Tammy Arnott]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Terry Weatherson|Terry Weatherson]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Thomas Bloom|Thomas Bloom]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Turquoise Thomas|Turquoise Thomas]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Tyler Ball|Tyler Ball]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Valerie Lillich|Valerie Lillich]] || 2016-06-21
|-
| [[User:Weston Vice|Weston Vice]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:William Davisson|William Davisson]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Aaron Weaver|Aaron Weaver]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Adam Wiley|Adam Wiley]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Alex Kern|Alex Kern]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Alexander Melton|Alexander Melton]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Bruce Barley|Bruce Barley]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Holly Arnold|Holly Arnold]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Jake Ferrell|Jake Ferrell]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Jared Stafford|Jared Stafford]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Jess Bechtelheimer|Jess Bechtelheimer]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:John Clark|John Clark]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Kurt Hershey|Kurt Hershey]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Larame Cline|Larame Cline]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Larry Roth|Larry Roth]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Larry Wynn|Larry Wynn]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Michele Pugh|Michele Pugh]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Mike Arnold|Mike Arnold]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Mike Brennison|Mike Brennison]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Resha Parajuli|Resha Parajuli]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Stuart Smith|Stuart Smith]] || 2016-06-15
|-
| [[User:Tim Otter|Tim Otter]] || 2016-06-15
|-
|}
</div>

[[Category:FabLab Equipment]]

Laser Cutter

2016-05-23T02:29:59Z

Jralexan1: /* Laser Cutter Certified Users */

[[Category:FabLab Equipment]]

{{Infobox lasercutter
|machineName = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Laser engraving/cutting machine
|image = Laser_cutter.jpg
|caption = Rabbit Laser Cutter
|bedSize = 1200 x 900 mm (47.2 x 35.4 inches)
|laserPower = 80W
|laserType = Sealed CO2 laser tube
|bedHeight = ~10 inches
|cutSpeed = 36,000 mm/min
|engraveSpeed = 60,000 mm/min
|engraveResolution = 1000 DPI
|manual =
|website = http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_RL1290.html
|websiteText = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Product Page
}}

== About ==
The Laser cutter allows users to take designs created on a computer and cut and/or engrave using many diferent materials. Laser cutting is a great way to rapidly prototype projects. Interfacing with the laser cutter is performed with [[Media:LaserCut_v5.3.zip|LaserCut v5.3]].

The laser cutter does require regular cleaning and alignment. This is to be performed by trained volunteers only.

For tips and information about creating designs for the laser cutter, visit [[Designing for the laser cutter]]

== Machine access policy ==
Use of the Laser Cutter requires attendance in a certification workshop hosted by one of the approved instructors. Workshops are posted on the [http://makeict.org/calendar calendar].

== Usage ==
=== Safety ===
Laser cutters pose a fire hazard. A high intensity beam of laser light can produce extremely high temperatures as it comes into contact with the materials it is engraving, marking, or cutting. When using the laser cutter, remember:
# You may only use the laser cutter if you have been officially certified according to the machine access policy
# '''Never''' leave the laser cutter unattended while it was powered on (even if it is not firing)
# '''Never''' cut materials that you don't know are safe
# '''Never''' override laser cutter safeties and switches
# Know what to do if a fire happens
## Hint: Hit the big, red, emergency stop button. This will shutdown the laser and the air supply.
## A Carbon Dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) fire extinguisher is located next to the laser cutter

Before starting the laser cutter:
# Check the coolant window in the back of the chiller before starting any project.
# Check that the screen in the collection bin is clean and the bin is empty.

After starting the laser cutter:
# Before cutting make sure the air compressor and the fan motor are on
# '''Home the head!'''
::* If you do not do this, you may crash the head, which is not good.
# Refer to the cutting manual for appropriate engraving and speed and power settings for varied materials
# Beware of flammable materials while using the machines.

=== Workflow ===
# Create design or import<br/>If importing, unite lines (under Tools menu)
# Separate layers if necessary (by changing their colors)
# Set layer modes
# Set layer [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit speeds/powers]
# Set origin (under Laser menu)
# Download
## Delete all
## Download current
# Load media into cutter
# Focus laser (in center of media)
# Move laser to origin
# Run box / test
# Close lid and start
# (when done) Home the head
# Remove media and clear debris
# Power off

=== Common Issues ===
* Edges of cut pieces are slanted, rather than straight.
::''The Laser is out of alignment and needs to be adjusted. Notify the Fab Lab BD.''
* The head crashes when approaching the left or bottom of the bed.
::''The head must be homed before starting to cut. If it isn't homed there is a risk of crashing the head, which is a bad thing.''
* Bed only travels downwards.
::''The focus probe is stuck in the triggered position. Wiggle it loose and make sure nothing jammed.''
*Focus probe is broken.
::''There are spares in the kit in the cabinet on the left-hand side of the laser. When putting a thicker material in the cutter remember to lower the bed before moving the head.''
* Fumes are not venting well.
::''Make sure that the screen in the collection bin under the bed is clean.''

== Materials ==
Cutting a bad material in the laser cutter can be dangerous. Only approved materials should be cut, and banned materials should never be placed in or even around the laser cutter. Cutting an unknown material risks bodily harm and damage to equipment/facilities.

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit For speed and power settings with different materials, please look at and contribute to this shared spreadsheet.]

=== Approved materials ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Notes !! Warnings
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Acrylic (aka Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)</div> || Cuts well, leaves a smooth polished edge. Higher powers can leave smoke/scorch marks along edges. Some people remove paper/plastic protection sheets before cutting. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cardboard</div> || Cuts well, can catch fire || FIRE hazard!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Ceramic</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cloth (cotton, felt, hemp)</div> || Cuts easily || NO plastic coated or impregnated cloth!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Corian</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cork</div> || Cuts nicely, the quality of the cut depends on the thickness and quality of the cork. Engineered cork has a lot of glue in it, may not cut nicely. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coroplast (corrugated plastic)</div> || Difficult to cut through cleanly, due to the ribs. Multiple passes are usually needed. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Delrin</div> || Comes in a number of shore strengths (hardness), the harder tends to work better. Great for gears! ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Glass</div> || Has a sandblasted look, green glass works best || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Leather, suede</div> || Leather is very hard to cut, can be if thinner than a belt thickness ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">MDF, engineered woods</div> || May experience a higher amount of charring when cut ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Magnetic sheet</div> || Cuts easily ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Marble</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Matte Board</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Melamine</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Mylar</div> || Works well if it's thin. Thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curl || Gold coated mylar will not work
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Paper, card stock</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Plywood, composite woods</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Pressboard</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">NON-CHLORINE Rubber</div> || '''DO NOT CUT''' unless the rubber compound has been tested || '''Beware chlorine-containing rubber!''' If you're not sure, assume you've got chlorinated rubber, and don't cut it.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Tile</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood</div> || Avoid oily/resinous woods || FIRE - Cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods can catch fire.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood Veneer</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Anodized Aluminum</div> || Vaporizes the anodized layer away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Bare Metals</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Brass</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coated Metals</div> || || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Painted Metals</div> || Vaporizes the paint away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Stainless Steel</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Titanium</div> || ||
|}

=== Banned materials ===
These materials should '''never''' be processed in the laser cutter.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! DANGER !! WARNING
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)</div> || Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt || ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. It also does not engrave well (again, tends to melt).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Chlorinated plastics (PVC/Poly Vinyl Chloride, vinyl/pleather/artificial leather)</div> || Emits pure chlorine gas when cut! || '''Don't ever cut this material''' as it will ruin the optics, cause the metal of the machine to corrode, and ruin the motion control system. Bubbles yellow, smokes alot, STINKS!!!!!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Coated Carbon Fiber</div> || Emits noxious fumes || A mix of two materials. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut, with some fraying - but not when coated
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Fiberglass</div> || Emits fumes || It's a mix of two materials that cant' be cut. Glass (etch, no cut) and epoxy resin (fumes)
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Galvanized metal</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Zinc fumes are poisonous. Galvanized metal should never be super heated (so don't weld on it either).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Metal</div> || || [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting#Power_consumption Power needed for LASER to cut metal]
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Milk bottles/HDPE</div> || Catches fire and melts || It melts, gets gooey. DON'T. Someone has to clean the hex worktable.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Mirrored surfaces</div> || Will not cut, reflects laser beam || Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam, damaging the cutter's interior components. Some mirrored materials can be placed reflective-side down and cut.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Polycarbonate/Lexan</div> || Cut very poorly, disbackground-color, catch fire || Polycarbonate is often found as flat, sheet material. The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation! This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyPropylene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyStyrene, it melts, catches fire, and the melted drops continue to burn and turn into rock-hard drips and pebbles.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyStyrene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyPropylene. It catches fire, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. '''This is the #1 material that causes laser fires!!!'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Pressure treated wood</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Should never be burned -- not in your fireplace, and definitely not in our LASER
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Printed circuit board (FR4 and other material types)</div> || ||
|}

=== Other resources ===
* [http://makezine.com/2011/09/22/identifying-unknown-plastics/ Identifying Unknown Plastics by Make Magazine]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilstein_test Beilstein test]
* [https://vimeo.com/1615418 Polymer Identification (video) by Burnination]
* [http://www.chymist.com/Polymer%20Identification.pdf Polymer Identification (PDF) by David A. Katz]
* [http://www.nclark.net/Density_Column.pdf Density Column Using Recyclable Plastics]

== Laser Cutter Certified Users ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Certification Date
|-
| [[User:Amy Dorsch|Amy Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Aaron Rivers|Aaron Rivers]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Anna Lenhart-Murray|Anna Lenhart-Murray]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Audrey Barba|Audrey Barba]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Bob Jackson|Bob Jackson]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Bonnie Thurman|Bonnie Thurman]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Brad Cooley|Brad Cooley]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Brian Hertz|Brian Hertz]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Brock Milford|Brock Milford]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Bryan Barr|Bryan Barr]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Cat Barba-Abay|Cat Barba-Abay]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Charles Griesel|Charles Griesel]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Charlie Fair|Charlie Fair]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Chris Batcheller|Chris Batcheller]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Chris Lofland|Chris Lofland]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Chris Strait|Chris Strait]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Christy Bennett|Christy Bennett]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Christian Kindel|Christian Kindel]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Cindy Conrad|Cindy Conrad]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Cory Kertz|Cory Kertz]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Coty Sandfort|Coty Sandfort]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Curt Gridley|Curt Gridley]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dana Danaver|Dana Danaver]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Daniel Towle|Daniel Towle]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:David Springs|David Springs]] || 2015-09-19
|-
| [[User:Dean Day|Dean Day]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Douglas Stice|Douglas Stice]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Doug Wilson|Doug Wilson]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Dustin Richey|Dustin Richey]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Ed Hutson|Ed Hutson]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Eric Sommer|Eric Sommer]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Ernest Sharp|Ernest Sharp]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Gayle Thomas|Gayle Thomas]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Geoffrey Kisch|Geoffrey Kisch]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:H. Robert Shultz|H. Robert Shultz]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Helen Haskin|Helen Haskin]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Henry Gridley|Henry Gridley]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Ivan Quiroz|Ivan Quiroz]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:James A Seymour|James Seymour]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:James Classen|James Classen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:James Dorsch|James Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:James Lancaster|James Lancaster]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:James Tennant|James Tennant]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Jeremiah Loder|Jeremiah Loder]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Jerry Carpenter|Jerry Carpenter]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Jerry Shubert|Jerry Shubert]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Jesse Lee|Jesse Lee]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Jim Hammer|Jim Hammer]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Joe Groom|Joe Groom]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Joe Lobdell|Joe Lobdell]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Joel Ewy|Joel Ewy]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:jralexan1|John Alexander]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:John Harrison|John Harrison]] || 2015-10-30
|-
| [[User:Jonny Fosnight|Jonny Fosnight]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Joseph Woolridge|Joseph Woolridge]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Judah Hansen|Judah Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Julie Chen|Julie Chen]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Karyn Bell-Simon|Karyn Bell-Simon]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Keith Rowley|Keith Rowley]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Kenton Hansen|Kenton Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Kevin Elledge|Kevin Elledge]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Kim Lujan|Kim Lujan]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kyle McCormick|Kyle McCormick]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Larry Frank|Larry Frank]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Logan Pajunen|Logan Pajunen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Marc Lujan|Marc Lujan]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Marcus Mosley|Marcus Mosley]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Esau|Mark Esau]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Reuter|Mark Reuter]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Marty Boyzuck|Marty Boyzuck]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Matthew Pewewardy|Matthew Pewewardy]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Melanie Jenney|Melanie Jenney]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Melissa Soutiere|Melissa Soutiere]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Michael Grudowski|Michael Grudowski]] || 2016-05-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Barushok|Mike Barushok]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Doolittle|Mike Doolittle]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Mike Hutton|Mike Hutton]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Mike McKown|Mike McKown]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Mitzi Trout|Mitzi Trout]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Nathan Huff|Nathan Huff]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Paul Poirier|Paul Poirier]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Paul Wilson|Paul Wilson]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Rick Boyd|Rick Boyd]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Sam Jossie|Sam Jossie]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Samuel McConnell|Samuel McConnell]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Samuel Schurter|Samuel Schurter]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Shawn Achenbach|Shawn Achenbach]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Skyler Lovelace|Skyler Lovelace]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Stephan Reckers|Stephan Reckers]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Steve Owens|Steve Owens]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Steve Saner|Steve Saner]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Stuart Smith|Stuart Smith]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Tammy Arnott|Tammy Arnott]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Terry Weatherson|Terry Weatherson]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Thomas Bloom|Thomas Bloom]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Tyler Ball|Tyler Ball]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Weston Vice|Weston Vice]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:William Davisson|William Davisson]] || 2015-12-18
|-
|}

Laser Cutter

2016-04-30T21:20:36Z

Jralexan1: /* Laser Cutter Certified Users */

[[Category:FabLab Equipment]]

{{Infobox lasercutter
|machineName = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Laser engraving/cutting machine
|image = Laser_cutter.jpg
|caption = Rabbit Laser Cutter
|bedSize = 1200 x 900 mm (47.2 x 35.4 inches)
|laserPower = 80W
|laserType = Sealed CO2 laser tube
|bedHeight = ~10 inches
|cutSpeed = 36,000 mm/min
|engraveSpeed = 60,000 mm/min
|engraveResolution = 1000 DPI
|manual =
|website = http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_RL1290.html
|websiteText = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Product Page
}}

== About ==
The Laser cutter allows users to take designs created on a computer and cut and/or engrave using many diferent materials. Laser cutting is a great way to rapidly prototype projects. Interfacing with the laser cutter is performed with [[Media:LaserCut_v5.3.zip|LaserCut v5.3]].

The laser cutter does require regular cleaning and alignment. This is to be performed by trained volunteers only.

For tips and information about creating designs for the laser cutter, visit [[Designing for the laser cutter]]

== Machine access policy ==
Use of the Laser Cutter requires attendance in a certification workshop hosted by one of the approved instructors. Workshops are posted on the [http://makeict.org/calendar calendar].

== Usage ==
=== Safety ===
Laser cutters pose a fire hazard. A high intensity beam of laser light can produce extremely high temperatures as it comes into contact with the materials it is engraving, marking, or cutting. When using the laser cutter, remember:
# You may only use the laser cutter if you have been officially certified according to the machine access policy
# '''Never''' leave the laser cutter unattended while it was powered on (even if it is not firing)
# '''Never''' cut materials that you don't know are safe
# '''Never''' override laser cutter safeties and switches
# Know what to do if a fire happens
## Hint: Hit the big, red, emergency stop button. This will shutdown the laser and the air supply.
## A Carbon Dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) fire extinguisher is located next to the laser cutter

Before starting the laser cutter:
# Check the coolant window in the back of the chiller before starting any project.

After starting the laser cutter:
# Before cutting make sure the air compressor and the fan motor are on
# Refer to the cutting manual for appropriate engraving and speed and power settings for varied materials
# Beware of flammable materials while using the machines.

=== Workflow ===
# Create design or import<br/>If importing, unite lines (under Tools menu)
# Separate layers if necessary (by changing their colors)
# Set layer modes
# Set layer [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit speeds/powers]
# Set origin (under Laser menu)
# Download
## Delete all
## Download current
# Load media into cutter
# Focus laser (in center of media)
# Move laser to origin
# Run box / test
# Close lid and start
# (when done) Home the head
# Remove media and clear debris
# Power off

== Materials ==
Cutting a bad material in the laser cutter can be dangerous. Only approved materials should be cut, and banned materials should never be placed in or even around the laser cutter. Cutting an unknown material risks bodily harm and damage to equipment/facilities.

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit For speed and power settings with different materials, please look at and contribute to this shared spreadsheet.]

=== Approved materials ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Notes !! Warnings
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Acrylic (aka Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)</div> || Cuts well, leaves a smooth polished edge. Higher powers can leave smoke/scorch marks along edges. Some people remove paper/plastic protection sheets before cutting. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cardboard</div> || Cuts well, can catch fire || FIRE hazard!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Ceramic</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cloth (cotton, felt, hemp)</div> || Cuts easily || NO plastic coated or impregnated cloth!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Corian</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cork</div> || Cuts nicely, the quality of the cut depends on the thickness and quality of the cork. Engineered cork has a lot of glue in it, may not cut nicely. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coroplast (corrugated plastic)</div> || Difficult to cut through cleanly, due to the ribs. Multiple passes are usually needed. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Delrin</div> || Comes in a number of shore strengths (hardness), the harder tends to work better. Great for gears! ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Glass</div> || Has a sandblasted look, green glass works best || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Leather, suede</div> || Leather is very hard to cut, can be if thinner than a belt thickness ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">MDF, engineered woods</div> || May experience a higher amount of charring when cut ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Magnetic sheet</div> || Cuts easily ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Marble</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Matte Board</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Melamine</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Mylar</div> || Works well if it's thin. Thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curl || Gold coated mylar will not work
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Paper, card stock</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Plywood, composite woods</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Pressboard</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">NON-CHLORINE Rubber</div> || '''DO NOT CUT''' unless the rubber compound has been tested || '''Beware chlorine-containing rubber!''' If you're not sure, assume you've got chlorinated rubber, and don't cut it.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Tile</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood</div> || Avoid oily/resinous woods || FIRE - Cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods can catch fire.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood Veneer</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Anodized Aluminum</div> || Vaporizes the anodized layer away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Bare Metals</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Brass</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coated Metals</div> || || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Painted Metals</div> || Vaporizes the paint away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Stainless Steel</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Titanium</div> || ||
|}

=== Banned materials ===
These materials should '''never''' be processed in the laser cutter.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! DANGER !! WARNING
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)</div> || Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt || ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. It also does not engrave well (again, tends to melt).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Chlorinated plastics (PVC/Poly Vinyl Chloride, vinyl/pleather/artificial leather)</div> || Emits pure chlorine gas when cut! || '''Don't ever cut this material''' as it will ruin the optics, cause the metal of the machine to corrode, and ruin the motion control system. Bubbles yellow, smokes alot, STINKS!!!!!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Coated Carbon Fiber</div> || Emits noxious fumes || A mix of two materials. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut, with some fraying - but not when coated
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Fiberglass</div> || Emits fumes || It's a mix of two materials that cant' be cut. Glass (etch, no cut) and epoxy resin (fumes)
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Galvanized metal</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Zinc fumes are poisonous. Galvanized metal should never be super heated (so don't weld on it either).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Metal</div> || || [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting#Power_consumption Power needed for LASER to cut metal]
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Milk bottles/HDPE</div> || Catches fire and melts || It melts, gets gooey. DON'T. Someone has to clean the hex worktable.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Mirrored surfaces</div> || Will not cut, reflects laser beam || Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam, damaging the cutter's interior components. Some mirrored materials can be placed reflective-side down and cut.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Polycarbonate/Lexan</div> || Cut very poorly, disbackground-color, catch fire || Polycarbonate is often found as flat, sheet material. The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation! This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyPropylene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyStyrene, it melts, catches fire, and the melted drops continue to burn and turn into rock-hard drips and pebbles.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyStyrene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyPropylene. It catches fire, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. '''This is the #1 material that causes laser fires!!!'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Pressure treated wood</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Should never be burned -- not in your fireplace, and definitely not in our LASER
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Printed circuit board (FR4 and other material types)</div> || ||
|}

=== Other resources ===
* [http://makezine.com/2011/09/22/identifying-unknown-plastics/ Identifying Unknown Plastics by Make Magazine]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilstein_test Beilstein test]
* [https://vimeo.com/1615418 Polymer Identification (video) by Burnination]
* [http://www.chymist.com/Polymer%20Identification.pdf Polymer Identification (PDF) by David A. Katz]
* [http://www.nclark.net/Density_Column.pdf Density Column Using Recyclable Plastics]

== Laser Cutter Certified Users ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Certification Date
|-
| [[User:Amy Dorsch|Amy Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Aaron Rivers|Aaron Rivers]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Anna Lenhart-Murray|Anna Lenhart-Murray]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Audrey Barba|Audrey Barba]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Bob Jackson|Bob Jackson]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Bonnie Thurman|Bonnie Thurman]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Brad Cooley|Brad Cooley]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Brian Hertz|Brian Hertz]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Brock Milford|Brock Milford]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Bryan Barr|Bryan Barr]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Cat Barba-Abay|Cat Barba-Abay]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Charles Griesel|Charles Griesel]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Charlie Fair|Charlie Fair]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Chris Batcheller|Chris Batcheller]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Chris Lofland|Chris Lofland]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Christy Bennett|Christy Bennett]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Christian Kindel|Christian Kindel]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Cindy Conrad|Cindy Conrad]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Cory Kertz|Cory Kertz]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Coty Sandfort|Coty Sandfort]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Curt Gridley|Curt Gridley]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dana Danaver|Dana Danaver]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Daniel Towle|Daniel Towle]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:David Springs|David Springs]] || 2015-09-19
|-
| [[User:Dean Day|Dean Day]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Douglas Stice|Douglas Stice]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Doug Wilson|Doug Wilson]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Dustin Richey|Dustin Richey]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Eric Sommer|Eric Sommer]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Ernest Sharp|Ernest Sharp]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Geoffrey Kisch|Geoffrey Kisch]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:H. Robert Shultz|H. Robert Shultz]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Helen Haskin|Helen Haskin]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Ivan Quiroz|Ivan Quiroz]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:James A Seymour|James Seymour]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:James Classen|James Classen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:James Dorsch|James Dorsch]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:James Lancaster|James Lancaster]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Jeremiah Loder|Jeremiah Loder]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Jerry Carpenter|Jerry Carpenter]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Jerry Shubert|Jerry Shubert]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Jesse Lee|Jesse Lee]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Jim Hammer|Jim Hammer]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Joe Groom|Joe Groom]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Joe Lobdell|Joe Lobdell]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Joel Ewy|Joel Ewy]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:jralexan1|John Alexander]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:John Harrison|John Harrison]] || 2015-10-30
|-
| [[User:Jonny Fosnight|Jonny Fosnight]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Joseph Woolridge|Joseph Woolridge]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Judah Hansen|Judah Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Karyn Bell-Simon|Karyn Bell-Simon]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Keith Rowley|Keith Rowley]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Kenton Hansen|Kenton Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Kevin Elledge|Kevin Elledge]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Kim Lujan|Kim Lujan]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Larry Frank|Larry Frank]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Logan Pajunen|Logan Pajunen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Marc Lujan|Marc Lujan]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Marcus Mosley|Marcus Mosley]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Esau|Mark Esau]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Marty Boyzuck|Marty Boyzuck]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Matthew Pewewardy|Matthew Pewewardy]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Melanie Jenney|Melanie Jenney]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Melissa Soutiere|Melissa Soutiere]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Mike Barushok|Mike Barushok]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Doolittle|Mike Doolittle]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Mike Hutton|Mike Hutton]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Mike McKown|Mike McKown]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Mitzi Trout|Mitzi Trout]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Nathan Huff|Nathan Huff]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Paul Poirier|Paul Poirier]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Paul Wilson|Paul Wilson]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Rick Boyd|Rick Boyd]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Sam Jossie|Sam Jossie]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Samuel McConnell|Samuel McConnell]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Samuel Schurter|Samuel Schurter]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Shawn Achenbach|Shawn Achenbach]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Skyler Lovelace|Skyler Lovelace]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Stephan Reckers|Stephan Reckers]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Steve Owens|Steve Owens]] || 2016-04-30
|-
| [[User:Steve Saner|Steve Saner]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Stuart Smith|Stuart Smith]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Tammy Arnott|Tammy Arnott]] || 2016-02-27
|-
| [[User:Terry Weatherson|Terry Weatherson]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Thomas Bloom|Thomas Bloom]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Tyler Ball|Tyler Ball]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Weston Vice|Weston Vice]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:William Davisson|William Davisson]] || 2015-12-18
|-
|}

User:John Alexander

2016-04-28T17:23:17Z

Jralexan1: Created page with "Burning/melting stuff to make new/cool/pretty things"

Burning/melting stuff to make new/cool/pretty things

User:Jralexan1

2016-04-28T17:22:22Z

Jralexan1: Created page with "Burning/melting stuff to make pretty/new/cool things"

Burning/melting stuff to make pretty/new/cool things

FabLab Area

2016-04-28T17:18:18Z

Jralexan1: /* Equipment List */

== General Information ==
MakeICT's FabLab is an open 300 sq ft area dedicated to fabrication and rapid prototyping. Members can test ideas and concepts before moving on to more expensive materials or processes, or simply enjoy the creative process of making.

[[User:Christian Kindel|Christian Kindel]] is the Benevolent Dictator over the FabLab.

== Machine Access Policy ==
* Use of the [[3D printers]] and the [[Foam Cutter]] require peer certification. Visit the [[3D Printing]] and [[Foam Cutter]] pages for details and a list of approved users.
* Use of the [[Laser Cutter]] requires attendance in a certification workshop hosted by one of the approved instructors. Visit the [[Laser Cutter]] page for details and a list of approved users.

==FabLab Area Safety==
# Do not use any machine you are not trained on and comfortable using. If at any time you are unsure of what you are doing, stop immediately and [http://makeict.org/forum ask for help].
# Do not use any machine that is not in good working order. Stop, unplug and leave a note on the machine and notify the FabLab BD.
# Never assume a tool is properly adjusted; always check the tool prior to use.
# Never modify or hack any equipment.
# If something is wrong, leave a note in an obvious place on the troubled equipment and post a note on the [http://makeict.org/forum forum].

== Equipment List ==
<onlyinclude>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Picture
! What
! Manufacturer
! Model
! Status
! Expert
! Resources
|-
| [[File:Rostock_Max_V2.jpeg|200px]]
| [[3D Printer]]
| SeeMeCNC
| Rostock Max v2
| Operational
| [[User:Bryan Barr|Bryan Barr]]
|
MakeICT resources
* [[Rostock Max V2]]
External resources
* [https://www.matterhackers.com/store/printer-accessories/mattercontrol-touch MatterControl Touch]
* [http://wiki.mattercontrol.com/Overview Wiki overview]
|-
| [[File:Reprap Mendel Prusa.jpg|200px]]
| [[3D Printer]]
| [[User:James Lancaster|James Lancaster]]
| RepRap Prusa Mendel
| Operational
| [[User:James Lancaster|James Lancaster]]
|
MakeICT resources
* [[RepRap Prusa Mendel]]
External resources
* [http://reprap.org/wiki/Prusa_Mendel_(iteration_2) RepRap.org source]
|-
| [[File:Ultimaker II.jpeg|200px]]
| [[3D Printer]]
| Ultimaker
| Ultimaker 2
| Operational
|
* [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]]
* [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]]
|
MakeICT resources
* [[Ultimaker 2]]
External resources
* [https://ultimaker.com/en/support/ultimaker-3d-printers/ultimaker-2 Overview]
* [https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-2#specifications Specs]
* [http://support.3dverkstan.se/article/23-a-visual-ultimaker-troubleshooting-guide Troubleshooting]
|-
| [[File:Foam-Cutter.jpg|200px]]
| [[Foam Cutter]]
| [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]]
|
| Operational
|
* [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]]
* [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]]
|
* [[Foam Cutting Machine]]
|-
| [[File:Laser_cutter.jpg|200px]]
| [[Laser Cutter]]
| Rabbit Laser
| QX1290
| Operational
|
* [[User:Mike Doolittle|Mike Doolittle]]
* [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]]
* [[User:John Alexander|John Alexander]]
|
MakeICT resources
* [[Laser Cutter]]
External resources
* [http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/ManualsTutorials.html Manuals]
* [http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_RL1290.html QX1290 Specs]
|}
</onlyinclude>

Laser Cutter

2016-04-10T23:11:52Z

Jralexan1: /* Laser Cutter Certified Users */

[[Category:FabLab Equipment]]

{{Infobox lasercutter
|machineName = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Laser engraving/cutting machine
|image = Laser_cutter.jpg
|caption = Rabbit Laser Cutter
|bedSize = 1200 x 900 mm (47.2 x 35.4 inches)
|laserPower = 80W
|laserType = Sealed CO2 laser tube
|bedHeight = ~10 inches
|cutSpeed = 36,000 mm/min
|engraveSpeed = 60,000 mm/min
|engraveResolution = 1000 DPI
|manual =
|website = http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_RL1290.html
|websiteText = Rabbit RL-80-1290 Product Page
}}

== About ==
The Laser cutter allows users to take designs created on a computer and cut and/or engrave using many diferent materials. Laser cutting is a great way to rapidly prototype projects. Interfacing with the laser cutter is performed with [[Media:LaserCut_v5.3.zip|LaserCut v5.3]].

The laser cutter does require regular cleaning and alignment. This is to be performed by trained volunteers only.

For tips and information about creating designs for the laser cutter, visit [[Designing for the laser cutter]]

== Machine access policy ==
Use of the Laser Cutter requires attendance in a certification workshop hosted by one of the approved instructors. Workshops are posted on the [http://makeict.org/calendar calendar].

== Usage ==
=== Safety ===
Laser cutters pose a fire hazard. A high intensity beam of laser light can produce extremely high temperatures as it comes into contact with the materials it is engraving, marking, or cutting. When using the laser cutter, remember:
# You may only use the laser cutter if you have been officially certified according to the machine access policy
# '''Never''' leave the laser cutter unattended while it was powered on (even if it is not firing)
# '''Never''' cut materials that you don't know are safe
# '''Never''' override laser cutter safeties and switches
# Know what to do if a fire happens
## Hint: Hit the big, red, emergency stop button. This will shutdown the laser and the air supply.
## A Carbon Dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) fire extinguisher is located next to the laser cutter

Before starting the laser cutter:
# Check the coolant window in the back of the chiller before starting any project.

After starting the laser cutter:
# Before cutting make sure the air compressor and the fan motor are on
# Refer to the cutting manual for appropriate engraving and speed and power settings for varied materials
# Beware of flammable materials while using the machines.

=== Workflow ===
# Create design or import<br/>If importing, unite lines (under Tools menu)
# Separate layers if necessary (by changing their colors)
# Set layer modes
# Set layer [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit speeds/powers]
# Set origin (under Laser menu)
# Download
## Delete all
## Download current
# Load media into cutter
# Focus laser (in center of media)
# Move laser to origin
# Run box / test
# Close lid and start
# (when done) Home the head
# Remove media and clear debris
# Power off

== Materials ==
Cutting a bad material in the laser cutter can be dangerous. Only approved materials should be cut, and banned materials should never be placed in or even around the laser cutter. Cutting an unknown material risks bodily harm and damage to equipment/facilities.

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hcqsFkV4aHuBDUGRR3EMf2EvZ3JzLvBElitJjpwiENA/edit For speed and power settings with different materials, please look at and contribute to this shared spreadsheet.]

=== Approved materials ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Notes !! Warnings
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Acrylic (aka Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)</div> || Cuts well, leaves a smooth polished edge. Higher powers can leave smoke/scorch marks along edges. Some people remove paper/plastic protection sheets before cutting. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cardboard</div> || Cuts well, can catch fire || FIRE hazard!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Ceramic</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cloth (cotton, felt, hemp)</div> || Cuts easily || NO plastic coated or impregnated cloth!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Corian</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Cork</div> || Cuts nicely, the quality of the cut depends on the thickness and quality of the cork. Engineered cork has a lot of glue in it, may not cut nicely. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coroplast (corrugated plastic)</div> || Difficult to cut through cleanly, due to the ribs. Multiple passes are usually needed. ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Delrin</div> || Comes in a number of shore strengths (hardness), the harder tends to work better. Great for gears! ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Glass</div> || Has a sandblasted look, green glass works best || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Leather, suede</div> || Leather is very hard to cut, can be if thinner than a belt thickness ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">MDF, engineered woods</div> || May experience a higher amount of charring when cut ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Magnetic sheet</div> || Cuts easily ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Marble</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Matte Board</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Melamine</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Mylar</div> || Works well if it's thin. Thick mylar has a tendency to warp, bubble, and curl || Gold coated mylar will not work
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Paper, card stock</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Plywood, composite woods</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Pressboard</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">NON-CHLORINE Rubber</div> || '''DO NOT CUT''' unless the rubber compound has been tested || '''Beware chlorine-containing rubber!''' If you're not sure, assume you've got chlorinated rubber, and don't cut it.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Tile</div> || || '''Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood</div> || Avoid oily/resinous woods || FIRE - Cutting oily woods, or very resinous woods can catch fire.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Wood Veneer</div> || Contain glue, and may not cut as well as solid wood ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Anodized Aluminum</div> || Vaporizes the anodized layer away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Bare Metals</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Brass</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Coated Metals</div> || || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Painted Metals</div> || Vaporizes the paint away ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Stainless Steel</div> || ||
|-
| <div style="background-color:#008000; color:#fff;">Titanium</div> || ||
|}

=== Banned materials ===
These materials should '''never''' be processed in the laser cutter.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! DANGER !! WARNING
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)</div> || Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt || ABS does not cut well in a laser cutter. It tends to melt rather than vaporize, and has a higher chance of catching on fire and leaving behind melted gooey deposits on the vector cutting grid. It also does not engrave well (again, tends to melt).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Chlorinated plastics (PVC/Poly Vinyl Chloride, vinyl/pleather/artificial leather)</div> || Emits pure chlorine gas when cut! || '''Don't ever cut this material''' as it will ruin the optics, cause the metal of the machine to corrode, and ruin the motion control system. Bubbles yellow, smokes alot, STINKS!!!!!
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Coated Carbon Fiber</div> || Emits noxious fumes || A mix of two materials. Thin carbon fiber mat can be cut, with some fraying - but not when coated
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Fiberglass</div> || Emits fumes || It's a mix of two materials that cant' be cut. Glass (etch, no cut) and epoxy resin (fumes)
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Galvanized metal</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Zinc fumes are poisonous. Galvanized metal should never be super heated (so don't weld on it either).
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Metal</div> || || [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_cutting#Power_consumption Power needed for LASER to cut metal]
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Milk bottles/HDPE</div> || Catches fire and melts || It melts, gets gooey. DON'T. Someone has to clean the hex worktable.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Mirrored surfaces</div> || Will not cut, reflects laser beam || Mirror surfaces can reflect the laser beam, damaging the cutter's interior components. Some mirrored materials can be placed reflective-side down and cut.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Polycarbonate/Lexan</div> || Cut very poorly, disbackground-color, catch fire || Polycarbonate is often found as flat, sheet material. The window of the laser cutter is made of Polycarbonate because polycarbonate strongly absorbs infrared radiation! This is the frequency of light the laser cutter uses to cut materials, so it is very ineffective at cutting polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a poor choice for laser cutting.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyPropylene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyStyrene, it melts, catches fire, and the melted drops continue to burn and turn into rock-hard drips and pebbles.
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">PolyStyrene Foam</div> || Catches fire || Like PolyPropylene. It catches fire, it melts, and only thin pieces cut. '''This is the #1 material that causes laser fires!!!'''
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Pressure treated wood</div> || Emits dangerous fumes || Should never be burned -- not in your fireplace, and definitely not in our LASER
|-
| <div style="background-color:#D03333; color:#fff;">Printed circuit board (FR4 and other material types)</div> || ||
|}

=== Other resources ===
* [http://makezine.com/2011/09/22/identifying-unknown-plastics/ Identifying Unknown Plastics by Make Magazine]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilstein_test Beilstein test]
* [https://vimeo.com/1615418 Polymer Identification (video) by Burnination]
* [http://www.chymist.com/Polymer%20Identification.pdf Polymer Identification (PDF) by David A. Katz]
* [http://www.nclark.net/Density_Column.pdf Density Column Using Recyclable Plastics]

== Laser Cutter Certified Users ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Name !! Certification Date
|-
| [[User:Anna Lenhart-Murray|Anna Lenhart-Murray]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Audrey Barba|Audrey Barba]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Bonnie Thurman|Bonnie Thurman]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Brock Milford|Brock Milford]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Brad Cooley|Brad Cooley]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Brian Hertz|Brian Hertz]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Bryan Barr|Bryan Barr]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Cat Barba-Abay|Cat Barba-Abay]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Charlie Fair|Charlie Fair]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Charles Griesel|Charles Griesel]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Chris Batcheller|Chris Batcheller]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Christian Kindel|Christian Kindel]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Cindy Conrad|Cindy Conrad]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Cory Kertz|Cory Kertz]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Curt Gridley|Curt Gridley]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dana Danaver|Dana Danaver]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Daniel Towle|Daniel Towle]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:David Springs|David Springs]] ||
|-
| [[User:Dean Day|Dean Day]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Dominic Canare|Dominic Canare]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Doug Wilson|Doug Wilson]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Dustin Richey|Dustin Richey]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Ernest Sharp|Ernest Sharp]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Geoffrey Kisch|Geoffrey Kisch]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Helen Haskin|Helen Haskin]] || 2015-12-16
|-
| [[User:Ivan Quiroz|Ivan Quiroz]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:James Classen|James Classen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:James Lancaster|James Lancaster]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:James A Seymour|James Seymour]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Jeremiah Loder|Jeremiah Loder]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Jerry Carpenter|Jerry Carpenter]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Jerry Shubert|Jerry Shubert]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Jesse Lee|Jesse Lee]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Jim Hammer|Jim Hammer]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Joel Ewy|Joel Ewy]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:John Alexander|John Alexander]] (instructor) || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:John Harrison|John Harrison]] || 2015-10-30
|-
| [[User:Jonny Fosnight|Jonny Fosnight]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Joseph Woolridge|Joseph Woolridge]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Judah Hansen|Judah Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Karyn Bell-Simon|Karyn Bell-Simon]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Kenton Hansen|Kenton Hansen]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Kevin Elledge|Kevin Elledge]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Kim Lujan|Kim Lujan]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Kip Landwehr|Kip Landwehr]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Larry Frank|Larry Frank]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Logan Pajunen|Logan Pajunen]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Marcus Mosley|Marcus Mosley]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Mark Esau|Mark Esau]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Matthew Pewewardy|Matthew Pewewardy]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Melanie Jenney|Melanie Jenney]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Melissa Soutiere|Melissa Soutiere]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Mike Barushok|Mike Barushok]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Mike Doolittle|Mike Doolittle]] (instructor) || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Mike Hutton|Mike Hutton]] || 2015-11-11
|-
| [[User:Mitzi Trout|Mitzi Trout]] || 2015-12-18
|-
| [[User:Paul Poirier|Paul Poirier]] || 2016-03-28
|-
| [[User:Paul Wilson|Paul Wilson]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Rick Boyd|Rick Boyd]] || 2015-12-20
|-
| [[User:Stephen Reckers|Stephen Reckers]] || 2015-11-16
|-
| [[User:Samuel McConnell|Samuel McConnell]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Samuel Schurter|Samuel Schurter]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:Skyler Lovelace|Skyler Lovelace]] || 2015-12-02
|-
| [[User:Steve Saner|Steve Saner]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Stuart Smith|Stuart Smith]] || 2015-12-14
|-
| [[User:Terry Weatherson|Terry Weatherson]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Thomas Bloom|Thomas Bloom]] || 2015-12-12
|-
| [[User:Tom McGuire|Tom McGuire]] || 2015-08-07
|-
| [[User:Tyler Ball|Tyler Ball]] || 2016-01-16
|-
| [[User:Weston Vice|Weston Vice]] || 2015-12-05
|-
| [[User:William Davisson|William Davisson]] || 2015-12-18
|-
|}