View source for Laser cutting and etching

= Laser Cutting & Engraving Area =

'''⚠️ LASER SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED WHEN MACHINE IS OPERATING ⚠️'''

'''⚠️ NEVER LEAVE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️'''

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== Desired Tools ==

== Laser Machines ==
* '''CO2 Laser Cutter''' - 40W-150W, for cutting and engraving non-metals
* '''Fiber Laser''' - For metal marking and engraving
* '''Diode Laser''' - Entry-level engraving, lower power
* '''Galvo Laser''' - High-speed marking applications

== Essential Equipment ==
* '''Air Compressor''' - For air assist nozzle
* '''Exhaust/Ventilation System''' - Fume extraction is critical
* '''Inline Fan with Ducting'''
* '''Fume Filter''' - Activated carbon and HEPA
* '''Chiller or Water Cooling System''' - For CO2 tube cooling
* '''Air Assist Pump''' - Reduces charring and flare-ups
* '''Honeycomb Bed''' - For cut-through work
* '''Rotary Attachment''' - For cylindrical objects
* '''Autofocus Probe''' - For consistent focus height

== Tools & Accessories ==
* '''Focus Gauge / Height Tool'''
* '''Lens Cleaning Kit''' - Lens cleaner, swabs, microfiber
* '''Spare Lenses and Mirrors'''
* '''Alignment Tools''' - For mirror calibration
* '''Masking Tape''' - Low-tack for surface protection
* '''Transfer Tape''' - For weeding small parts
* '''Tweezers and Picks''' - For removing small cutouts
* '''Digital Calipers''' - Material thickness measurement
* '''Scraper / Spatula''' - For removing stuck pieces
* '''Fire Extinguisher''' (Class ABC)

== Safety Equipment ==
* '''Laser Safety Glasses''' - Wavelength-specific (10600nm for CO2)
* '''Fire Blanket'''
* '''Smoke/Fire Detector'''
* '''First Aid Kit''' - Including burn treatment
* '''Respirator''' - For material handling
* '''Gloves''' - For handling materials

== Software & Design ==
* '''LightBurn''' - Industry standard laser software
* '''LaserGRBL''' - Free alternative for diode lasers
* '''RDWorks''' - For Ruida controllers
* '''Adobe Illustrator / Inkscape''' - Vector design
* '''CorelDRAW'''

== Tools We Own ==

=== Laser Machines ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual
|-
| ''Example: CO2 Laser'' || ''Epilog Fusion Pro 32'' || ''60W, 32"x20" bed, autofocus'' || ''Yes - Mandatory'' || ''[https://example.com/manual Link]''
|-
| ''Example: Fiber Laser'' || ''OMTech 30W'' || ''30W, 110x110mm work area'' || ''Yes - Mandatory'' || ''[https://example.com/manual Link]''
|-
| || || || ||
|}

=== Support Equipment ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual
|-
| ''Example: Fume Extractor'' || ''BOFA AD350'' || ''350 CFM, HEPA + carbon'' || ''Yes'' || ''[https://example.com/manual Link]''
|-
| ''Example: Chiller'' || ''CW-5200'' || ''6L capacity, 1400W cooling'' || ''Yes'' || ''[https://example.com/manual Link]''
|-
| || || || ||
|}

=== Accessories ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual
|-
| ''Example: Rotary Attachment'' || ''Epilog Rotary'' || ''Compatible with Fusion Pro'' || ''Yes'' || ''[https://example.com/manual Link]''
|-
| || || || ||
|}

== Safety & Usage Information ==

=== General Safety Rules ===
* '''NEVER leave the laser unattended while operating'''
* '''Always wear appropriate laser safety glasses'''
* Ensure exhaust/ventilation is running before starting
* Keep fire extinguisher within reach
* Know the location of the emergency stop button

=== Material Safety - APPROVED Materials ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Material !! Cut !! Engrave !! Notes
|-
| Wood / Plywood || Yes || Yes || Use air assist, watch for resin flare-ups
|-
| MDF || Yes || Yes || Heavy smoke, ensure good ventilation
|-
| Acrylic (Cast) || Yes || Yes || Best results, clean cuts
|-
| Acrylic (Extruded) || Yes || Caution || Tends to melt, less crisp engraving
|-
| Paper / Cardboard || Yes || Yes || Low power, fire risk
|-
| Leather (Veg-tanned) || Yes || Yes || NOT chrome-tanned
|-
| Cotton / Natural Fabrics || Yes || Yes || Low power, watch for ignition
|-
| Cork || Yes || Yes || Low power
|-
| Rubber (Laser-safe) || Yes || Yes || Only use laser-rated rubber
|-
| Anodized Aluminum || No || Yes || Engraving only
|-
| Glass || No || Yes || Engrave only, with care
|-
| Slate / Stone || No || Yes || Engrave only
|}

=== Material Safety - PROHIBITED Materials ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Material !! Reason
|-
| '''PVC / Vinyl''' || '''Releases chlorine gas - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS'''
|-
| ABS Plastic || Toxic fumes, melts poorly
|-
| Polycarbonate (Lexan) || Discolors, catches fire easily
|-
| HDPE / Polypropylene || Melts, doesn't cut cleanly
|-
| Polystyrene / Styrofoam || Catches fire, toxic fumes
|-
| Fiberglass || Toxic fumes
|-
| Carbon Fiber || Toxic fumes, fire risk
|-
| Chrome-tanned Leather || Contains chromium - toxic
|-
| Coated/Treated Wood || Unknown chemicals, toxic fumes
|-
| Anything with unknown composition || Always verify material first
|}

=== Fire Safety ===
* Keep a fire extinguisher (CO2 or ABC) within arm's reach
* Fire blanket should be available
* If fire occurs: STOP laser, keep lid closed if small, use extinguisher if needed
* Never use water on electrical fires

=== Operating Procedures ===
# Complete mandatory training before use
# Sign in on the log sheet
# Verify ventilation is running
# Check material against approved list
# Set appropriate power/speed settings
# Stay present during entire operation
# Allow material to cool before removing
# Clean bed and remove scraps
# Sign out on log sheet

=== Emergency Procedures ===
* Emergency stop button location: ''[TO BE FILLED IN]''
* Fire extinguisher location: ''[TO BE FILLED IN]''
* First aid kit location: ''[TO BE FILLED IN]''
* Emergency contact: ''[TO BE FILLED IN]''
* In case of fire that cannot be controlled, evacuate and call 911