https://www.wiki-grandrivermakerspace.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Laser_cutting_and_etching
Laser cutting and etching - Revision history
2026-04-06T00:00:26Z
Revision history for this page on the wiki
MediaWiki 1.44.5
https://www.wiki-grandrivermakerspace.org/index.php?title=Laser_cutting_and_etching&diff=15&oldid=prev
Mfarver at 17:57, 1 April 2026
2026-04-01T17:57:41Z
<p></p>
<a href="https://www.wiki-grandrivermakerspace.org/index.php?title=Laser_cutting_and_etching&diff=15&oldid=12">Show changes</a>
Mfarver
https://www.wiki-grandrivermakerspace.org/index.php?title=Laser_cutting_and_etching&diff=12&oldid=prev
Mfarver: Made list of recommended tools by AI.
2026-04-01T15:44:57Z
<p>Made list of recommended tools by AI.</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>= Desired tools for Laser Cutting & Engraving Area =<br />
<br />
== Laser Machines ==<br />
* '''CO2 Laser Cutter''' - 40W-150W, for cutting and engraving non-metals<br />
* '''Fiber Laser''' - For metal marking and engraving<br />
* '''Diode Laser''' - Entry-level engraving, lower power<br />
* '''Galvo Laser''' - High-speed marking applications<br />
<br />
== Essential Equipment ==<br />
* '''Air Compressor''' - For air assist nozzle<br />
* '''Exhaust/Ventilation System''' - Fume extraction is critical<br />
* '''Inline Fan with Ducting'''<br />
* '''Fume Filter''' - Activated carbon and HEPA<br />
* '''Chiller or Water Cooling System''' - For CO2 tube cooling<br />
* '''Air Assist Pump''' - Reduces charring and flare-ups<br />
* '''Honeycomb Bed''' - For cut-through work<br />
* '''Rotary Attachment''' - For cylindrical objects<br />
* '''Autofocus Probe''' - For consistent focus height<br />
<br />
== Tools & Accessories ==<br />
* '''Focus Gauge / Height Tool'''<br />
* '''Lens Cleaning Kit''' - Lens cleaner, swabs, microfiber<br />
* '''Spare Lenses and Mirrors'''<br />
* '''Alignment Tools''' - For mirror calibration<br />
* '''Masking Tape''' - Low-tack for surface protection<br />
* '''Transfer Tape''' - For weeding small parts<br />
* '''Tweezers and Picks''' - For removing small cutouts<br />
* '''Digital Calipers''' - Material thickness measurement<br />
* '''Scraper / Spatula''' - For removing stuck pieces<br />
* '''Fire Extinguisher''' (Class ABC)<br />
<br />
== Safety Equipment ==<br />
* '''Laser Safety Glasses''' - Wavelength-specific (10600nm for CO2)<br />
* '''Fire Blanket'''<br />
* '''Smoke/Fire Detector'''<br />
* '''First Aid Kit''' - Including burn treatment<br />
* '''Respirator''' - For material handling<br />
* '''Gloves''' - For handling materials<br />
<br />
== Software & Design ==<br />
* '''LightBurn''' - Industry standard laser software<br />
* '''LaserGRBL''' - Free alternative for diode lasers<br />
* '''RDWorks''' - For Ruida controllers<br />
* '''Adobe Illustrator / Inkscape''' - Vector design<br />
* '''CorelDRAW'''<br />
<br />
== Materials - Safe to Cut & Engrave ==<br />
<br />
=== Wood & Wood Products ===<br />
* '''Plywood''' - Baltic birch, craft plywood (1/8", 1/4")<br />
* '''MDF''' - Medium density fiberboard<br />
* '''Hardwoods''' - Maple, cherry, walnut, oak (thin stock)<br />
* '''Softwoods''' - Pine, cedar, basswood<br />
* '''Bamboo'''<br />
* '''Cork''' - Sheets and rolls<br />
<br />
=== Acrylic & Plastics ===<br />
* '''Cast Acrylic''' - Excellent engraving, clean cuts<br />
* '''Extruded Acrylic''' - Budget option, less crisp engraving<br />
* '''Delrin / Acetal''' - For mechanical parts<br />
* '''Mylar''' - Thin film for stencils<br />
* '''PETG''' - With caution, lower power<br />
<br />
=== Paper & Fabric ===<br />
* '''Cardstock''' - Various weights<br />
* '''Cardboard''' - Single and corrugated<br />
* '''Chipboard'''<br />
* '''Leather''' - Vegetable-tanned (NOT chrome-tanned)<br />
* '''Felt'''<br />
* '''Cotton and Denim''' - Natural fibers<br />
* '''Canvas'''<br />
<br />
=== Other Materials ===<br />
* '''Rubber''' - Laser-safe stamp rubber<br />
* '''Anodized Aluminum''' - Engraving only<br />
* '''Coated Metals''' - CerMark/Thermark treated<br />
* '''Glass''' - Engraving only, with care<br />
* '''Ceramic Tile''' - Engraving only<br />
* '''Slate''' - Natural stone tiles<br />
* '''Marble''' - Engraving only<br />
<br />
== Materials - DO NOT CUT (Toxic/Dangerous) ==<br />
* '''PVC / Vinyl''' - Releases chlorine gas<br />
* '''ABS Plastic''' - Toxic fumes, melts poorly<br />
* '''Polycarbonate (Lexan)''' - Discolors, catches fire<br />
* '''HDPE / Milk Jug Plastic''' - Melts, doesn't cut<br />
* '''Polystyrene / Styrofoam''' - Fire hazard<br />
* '''Fiberglass''' - Toxic fumes<br />
* '''Carbon Fiber''' - Toxic, fire risk<br />
* '''Chrome-tanned Leather''' - Contains chromium<br />
* '''Coated/Treated Woods''' - Pressure treated, painted<br />
<br />
== Consumables & Supplies ==<br />
* '''Masking Materials''' - Paper, vinyl, liquid mask<br />
* '''Spray Adhesive''' - Temporary hold for thin materials<br />
* '''Wood Finish / Sealers''' - For finished products<br />
* '''Acrylic Polish''' - Flame polishing or Novus<br />
* '''Cleaning Supplies''' - IPA, lens cleaner<br />
* '''Blue Painter's Tape'''<br />
<br />
== Organization & Storage ==<br />
* '''Material Racks''' - Vertical sheet storage<br />
* '''Scrap Bins''' - Sorted by material type<br />
* '''Small Parts Organizers'''<br />
* '''Sample Board''' - Material settings reference<br />
* '''Job Folders''' - For customer files<br />
<br />
== Nice to Have ==<br />
* '''Camera System''' - For alignment and positioning<br />
* '''Pass-through Doors''' - For oversized materials<br />
* '''Multiple Bed Heights''' - Interchangeable beds<br />
* '''Compressed Air System''' - Shop-wide air<br />
* '''Material Database''' - Tested cut/engrave settings<br />
* '''Spray Booth''' - For finishing cut pieces</div>
Mfarver