Laser Cutters
Set-up, Safety, and Use
The Design Department has two laser cutters.
The Design Department has two laser cutters.
These laser cutters must be used with teacher supervision.
These laser cutters must be used with teacher supervision.
Only approved materials may be used in the cutters.
Only approved materials may be used in the cutters.
*Check with a teacher before using any material
*Check with a teacher before using any material
Red Laser (Universal)
Red Laser (Universal)
Cutting Size: 420mm x 800mm
Power: 60 Watts
Materials: Wood, Acrylic, Paper, Card.
Applications: Cut, Etch, and Raster
Blue Laser (Universal)
Blue Laser (Universal)
Cutting Size: 450mm x 600mm
Power: 40 Watts
Materials: Wood, Acrylic, Paper, Card.
Applications: Cut, Etch, and Raster
Workflows
Workflows
There are two workflows for using the laser cutter. Choose the workflow depending on how you have created your file.
There are two workflows for using the laser cutter. Choose the workflow depending on how you have created your file.
Whatever workflow you use, you will need to use Adobe Illustrator to send the file to the cutter. Your file will need to be correctly set up.
Whatever workflow you use, you will need to use Adobe Illustrator to send the file to the cutter. Your file will need to be correctly set up.
Create a DXF file
Create a DXF file
DXF files are how you communicate the shape of your design to the laser cutter.
DXF files are how you communicate the shape of your design to the laser cutter.
Watch the tutorial below to learn how to create a DFX file in Fusion 360. After preparing your DFX file you will need to edit it in Adobe Illustrator (See next tutorial)
Watch the tutorial below to learn how to create a DFX file in Fusion 360. After preparing your DFX file you will need to edit it in Adobe Illustrator (See next tutorial)
3.4 Fusion 360, Create a DFX file for Laser Cutting.mp4Set-up your file in Adobe Illustator
Set-up your file in Adobe Illustator
An Adobe Illustrator file is used to communicate information about the cut to the laser cutter.
An Adobe Illustrator file is used to communicate information about the cut to the laser cutter.
Follow the instructions below to set up your file in Adobe Illustrator.
Follow the instructions below to set up your file in Adobe Illustrator.
Adobe Illustrator Template Files
Adobe Illustrator Template Files
You must use these templates to create your file. Download them to your computer, and open them in Illustrator:
Standard Template, 540mm x 290mm
Laser Cutter Tutorials
Laser Cutter Tutorials
Watch the videos below to follow through the steps for setting up your files and using the cutters
Watch the videos below to follow through the steps for setting up your files and using the cutters
UCP is the software we use to control the laser cutters. Follow the steps below
UCP is the software we use to control the laser cutters. Follow the steps below