Trotec Laser

Function:

To cut and engrave a variety of materials using a high power laser. To cut, the laser follows a path called a vector using a power and speed appropriate to cut through that material. To engrave, the laser head travels back and forth rapidly to burn in a pattern such a a picture or text. This works like a desktop laser printer, only much slower. While the laser head moves rapidly, it could take several minutes to engrave a piece, depending on how large it is.

Advantages:

• Extremely accurate cuts can be made. "Digital Joinery" can be cut and immediately assembled with no further processing.

• A variety of materials can be cut and engraved, including wood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, coated metals, fabric, and some leather.

• Because there is no physical contact between the laser and the wood, there is no risk of kickback.

• Safety interlocks prevent the laser from working when the cover is open. It is nearly impossible to be injured by the laser beam.

Disadvantages:

• Parts have a smoky smell that needs to be sanded out or sealed in.

• Part size is limited to 40" x 24".

• Technical knowledge is needed to create designs and toolpaths.

• Daily maintenance is required to keep the optics clean and functioning normally.

• The machine itself is very expensive. The teacher will be a nervous wreck every time you use this.

Safety Concerns:

• Ask permission each and every time you use this tool!

• Only one person may use this machine at a time! Do not attempt to "help" somebody in any way. Two people on the machine often leads to confusion, resulting in damage to material or machines, or personal injury.

• The extraction fan must be turned on during operation. This tool creates a lot of smoke!

• Do not look directly into the laser light. When the cover is closed, it will protect you from laser radiation.

• The covers must be closed during operation. The machine will not work if the covers are open.

• Only cut approved materials. If you are not sure about a material, ask the teacher. Approved materials include:

  • Paper

  • Cardboard

  • Fabric

  • Solid wood

  • Plywood

• Some materials produce toxic gasses and should not be cut. This includes galvanized metal, some leathers, and ABS plastics.

Settings

Design Settings

• Engraving: Any text or graphic sent to the laser will be engraved. Look for a list of power and speed settings for each material by the laser cutter.

• Cutting:

  • Fill: None

  • Line Color: Red #FF0000. (This means full red, zero green and zero blue).

  • Line Weight: Less than 0.25 points. I prefer 0.2 points just to be safe. To find points, look for the unit settings. This list usually includes inches, cm, pixels, and points.

Operation:

CAD

1. Create a design using Inkscape or other drawing program.

2. Set all cut lines to:

   • No fill

   • Line color red #FF0000

   • Line weight 0.2 points

3. Save on thumb drive using .SVG format.

4. Make note of any fonts that you use. You may need to install fonts on the laser's computer.

CAM

1. Open your SVG design file on the laser computer.

2. Print your file. (Yes... you simply print it!)

   • In the print window, open the "Properties" tab and check the document size.

3. That's it!

CNC

1. Turn on the extraction fan.

2. Take off the dust cover. Fold it and put it on a shelf away from dust and such.

3. Turn on the laser by turning the key to on and then to start like you're starting a car.

4. Open the Job Control software.

5. If you see the "connect" button, click it to connect the computer to the laser.

6. Place your material on the machine bed and close the lid.

7. Use the arrow keys to center the laser in the middle of your material.

8. Press and release the two AF buttons to initiate the autofocus procedure. Watch the machine! If it's about to crash, press the emergency stop button immediately!

9. Locate the laser at the top left corner of your material. Be sure to leave a margin.

10. In the Job Manager, drag your job into the job space and locate it on the laser crosshairs.

11. Check the power settings for engraving and cutting.

12. Right-click the drawing and select "Vector Ordering". Click the "Overwrite" tab.

13. Click the play button and watch carefully. If the machine is about to crash, press the emergency stop button.

14. When the job is done, wait a few seconds for the smoke to clear.

15. Carefully remove your material and any scraps.

16. It's okay to leave the extraction fan running. Leave the machine on if more people want to use it.

Additional Information:

• If the emergency stop button is pressed, location information will be lost and you'll need to start over with a new piece of materials.

• Be sure the wheels are locked. When the machine is running, it tends to sway from side to side if it's not locked down!