Laser cutting

L A S E R C U T T I N G A DO SPACE CRASH COURSE PRESENTED BY FRANK FU

ABOUT

• Creative possibilities of laser cutting and engraving • Laser cutting and engraving • Materials and objects that can be cut and engraved in the Do Space laser cutter • the difference between cutting, engraving, and marking • how you can reserve the laser cutter for your own projects

PROJECT

About this Workshop

• how to use Adobe Illustrator to prepare graphics and text • how to use the Universal Laser Cutter’s software to define the characteristics of the material you’re going to cut/engrave • how to turn on the vent, adjust the bed, position the material in the cutter, and cut/engrave your project

Creative Possibilities

S A M P L E S P A P E R

Creative Possibilities – Paper and Cardstock

Creative Possibilities – Paper and Cardstock

S A M P L E S W O O D

Creative Possibilities – Wood

Creative Possibilities – Wood

S A M P L E S M E T A L

Creative Possibilities – Glass

Creative Possibilities – Glass

S A M P L E S G L A S S – R O T A R Y

P R O J E C T L E X U S

Creative Possibilities – Three Dimensions

Creative Possibilities – Three Dimensions

Creative Possibilities – Three Dimensions

L A S E R I N T R O D U C T I O N

CUT

Laser Cutter Processes

• Cut up to ¼ inch thick material in one pass • It will not cut metal or stone

ENGRAVE

• Laser Engraving is the removal of material from the top surface down to a specified depth • Engrave paper, cardstock, mat board, wood (avoid plywood), leather, and acrylic (cast acrylic is best)

MARK

Laser Cutter Processes

• This is a shallow engraving process similar to etching. • It’s used for glass or metal (use only non-glare or coated metals (shiny metals such as copper, silver, or mirrors may damage the laser)

SOFTWARE

How Does the Laser Cutter Work?

• Vector software - Adobe Illustrator • You can import other files into Illustrator such as .eps files or Corel Draw files.

• Universal Laser System Software

Graphics for Cutting and Engraving

Vector Graphic

Graphics for Cutting and Engraving

Raster Graphic

Graphics for Cutting and Engraving

Vector Line 5 pt - Engrave Line

D

Space

Vector Line 0.072 pt - Cut Line

Graphics for Cutting and Engraving

.Ai

.bmp

.png

.tiff

Compatible File Formats with Ai

.psd

.jpg

.gif

.svg

.eps

.cdr

Wood

Acrylic

Paper

Leather

Metal

Safe Materials for Laser Cutting

Stone

Fabric

Glass

Materials that DON’T Work in the Laser

PVC

Milk Bottle Plastic

Foamcore

Coated Carbon Fiber

Foam

UnSafe Materials for Laser Cutting

ABS

Fiberglass

PolyStyrene Polypropylene

How to Get Your Hands on the Laser Cutter!

Reserve the laser cutter for up to 2 hours per session, per day

Let’s Start a Project!

P R O J E C T