First cut
This video follows the steps of the first cut tutorial.
Preparing the file in Adobe Illustrator
To use the Laser Cutter you need to create or format your image in an Adobe Illustrator file. The entire Adobe Illustrator creative cloud is available to all Chapman students for free. To get it, you can google it or visit this link.
Step 1
When you create your new document, make sure that you select RGB color mode. This ensures that the laser cutter machine is able to read where to cut.
If you've already opened the document, go to File >> Document Color Mode to change to RGB.
Step 2
Once you have a blank RGB document, drag and drop your desired image onto the page.
Step 3
Next, we have to convert the image into a vector. To do this, click object in your menu bar, go to image Trace, then select make
Step 4
On the properties panel, change the preset from [Default] to Shades of Gray. Then below the preset options, select Expand.
Your images must be in grayscale for the laser to know how deep to cut when rastering.
Step 5
Next you need to make a shape for whatever you want to cut out.
The outline must be the color 255 red 0 green and 0 blue.
Step 6
The line you want to cut must also have a stroke weight of 0.001 pt. Otherwise the machine will not cut.
Cut vs Vector Engrave vs Raster Engrave
To cut is when the laser burns all the way through the material, creating separate segments. The RGB color code of your vector line must be (255,0,0), and 0.001 pt stroke weight.
To Vector Engrave is when the laser only burns a small indent in the material following a path or curve, creating a small outline along the vector path. To vector engrave, change the Stroke to full RGB Blue (0,0,255) and the stroke weight to 0.001 pt.
To Raster Engrave is when the laser burns an image into the wood line by line like an inkjet printer with different depths depending on the darkness of the image. Everything in grayscale will be rastered.
Step 7
When your image is finished, save the document as an adobe illustrator file .ai on a usb memory stick. The makerspace has many that you can borrow.
Preparing the machine
Step 1
Go to the Manufacturing Lab, there are computers connected directly to the laser cutter. You will need to sign into your chapman credentials on the computer connected to the laser you want to use.
Picking a laser: there are three laser cutters in our space. Depending on your project and material, you will be better off choosing one over the rest. Please refer to this list to determine which laser is right for you.
Step 2
First ensure that the filtration unit is turned on! This is what evacuates and filters the smoke from the laser.
For the big lasers, press the center button on the silver filtration unit on the side of the laser. For the small laser, push the green button on the silver filtration unit under the table.
Off
On
Step 3
If you're using the right laser with air assist, turn that on now by rotating this handle from left to right.
You can always double check to make sure the air is on by making sure the pressure gauge is reading pressure, as pictured below.
Step 4
Next, turn on the laser cutter.
← For the big lasers, it is on the lower right side of the machine.
For the small laser, it is the power button on the top right of the machine. →
Step 5
Load material into the machine.
Step 6
Use the wooden pegs on the table to pin down the edges of your material that stick out onto the laser bed, if necessary.
This technique is particularly helpful with flexible materials like foam, or materials like leather whose finishes would otherwise be ruined with adhesive from the tape. You do not need to use the pegs to hold heavier material, like wood, unless the wood is not laying flat.
Starting the cut
Step 1
Insert your USB into the computer and open up your illustrator file.
Step 2
Double check that your file is to your liking. Next, go to File>>Print
The printer should be automatically selected but if not, select PLS6.150D as the printer. (For the small laser it is VLS3.60/75)
Step 3
Next, go to the bottom right corner and press the up arrow. Then select the Universal Laser Systems program (red square with a diamond inside).
If you don't see it, search for the program UCP to open it up.
You should see a screen that looks like this.
Step 4
To move your image, select the Relocate View then grab and move your picture.
NOTE: Try to relocate the image so that it minimizes waste on your sheet of material (move close to an edge & use scrap material if possible).
Step 5
The Focus View will turn on a laser pointer so you can locate where the machine will cut on the material.
The laser pointer will only turn on when the door is open.
Step 6
Next, select Settings >> Materials Database
Step 7
Select the correct material that you loaded. For this print I used birch wood from the scrap bin, so I'll look for the 1/8" plywood option under the "DCI Lab Presets".
NOTE: If you do not see your material listed under the DCI Lab Presets, please inform a staff member and they will help guide you through custom settings.
Step 8 (optional)
If you are not using a DCI-Lab preset, you will have to manually select the material thickness. Measure the material you loaded with calipers (these are handheld devices that are stored in small red containers). Make sure the thickness is correct otherwise it can affect the cut.
Step 9
To save the settings, click Apply then click ok to exit.
Step 10
Now you are ready to start the Cut. Make sure the Top is down, then press the Green button to start.
The machine will raster engrave first, then vector engrave, and finally it will cut.
Checking For Errors
When the machine is finished cutting, check to make sure the cut went through completely by holding a finger down on your piece and gently lifting up the material around it. The goal is to keep everything in the same place.
This photo is how a successful cut should look. The piece stays in place and is completely free from the surrounding material. You do not need to lift the material any higher than a few centimeters, as shown here. The more you lift, the more likely you will compromise your second cut if the first one did not go through.
If your piece does not come loose like in the above image, keep reading through Rerunning a Job below.
If your piece does appear to be separate from the material around it, remove your piece and close the lid. Skip to Finished Product.
Rerunning a job
If the piece isn't to your satisfaction after running the job for the first time, you can run the same job once more as long as everything has stayed in the same placement as before.
If you want to engrave your piece deeper, skip everything but the engrave and run the job again.
Note: this also works for vector engraving, but be aware that running a vector engrave multiple times may result in a cut.
If your cut didn't go through the first time, skip everything but the cut and run the job again.
There is no limit to how many times you can rerun a job, but be aware that if your material moves even a millimeter, the cut won't be lined up anymore. Take extra caution when checking your material after running a job if you are worried the cut might not have gone through all of the way.
Finished Product
If your piece has successfully been cut and finished to your satisfaction, switch off the fume extractor, the machine, and the air assist if applicable.
Log off of the computer and eject the USB.
Congratulations on your first completed laser cut piece!!