Laser Cutting
The RDL has two laser cutters, which are devices that use CO₂ lasers to remove material from a flat surface. This can be used mainly to cut or etch parts in 2D. The workpiece, usually acrylic, thin plywood, or medium-density fiberboard, is placed on the cutting bed. A gantry moves the CO₂ laser print head in the X and Y axes, and the laser either cuts or etches the workpiece, depending on the cut speed, laser focus, and laser intensity. Laser cutting is typically pretty fast, with jobs ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. E4 students use the laser cutter for etching the outline of the hammer handle on their wood blank. Note that not every material can be cut on the laser cutter; make sure you check first and follow all safety procedures.
Learn more about our laser cutters
Epilog Mini 24
The Epilog Mini (model 8000) is our general purpose CO₂ laser cutter. Featuring a 24"x12" print bed and up to 1200 dpi resolution, most students that enter the shop will use this machine at least once. It is able to cut through thinner workpieces, but for thicker pieces it can only etch the surface. The shop has recently transitioned from EngraveLab to Adobe Illustrator for running the laser cutter. Read the tutorial. When using the laser cutter, precautions must be taken, such as checking the material and turning on all ventilation systems.
Materials:
Acrylic
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
Wood / plywood
Paper
Some metal materials - ask Drew
Note that materials such as polycarbonate, PVC, and highly reflective materials CANNOT be cut on this machine.
Before using the laser cutter, read the Tutorial.
Full Spectrum Laser PS48
The Full Spectrum Laser Pro-Series 48 is our larger laser cutter, featuring a 48"x36" cutting bed with pass through extensions so that even longer parts can be engraved. This printer also features a rotary fixture that allows engraving of round surfaces. Our printer has the max spec 150 watt laser tube upgrade as well as all four focal lenses for different cutting depths and fine detail engraving. More information on this printer coming soon
Materials:
Same as Epilog Mini