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| ---- | | ---- |
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| == Desired Tools == | | == Laser Machines == |
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| == Laser Machines ==
| |
| * '''CO2 Lasers''' — Best for cutting and engraving non-metals (wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, paper, anodized aluminum, and more). | | * '''CO2 Lasers''' — Best for cutting and engraving non-metals (wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, paper, anodized aluminum, and more). |
| ** '''OMTech 80W CO2 Laser''' (Red/Black) — Primary workhorse machine; fully operational. | | ** '''OMTech 80W CO2 Laser''' (Red/Black) — Primary workhorse machine; fully operational. |
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| * '''Diode Laser''' — Entry-level machine; good for light engraving on wood, leather, and some plastics. Lower power than CO2. | | * '''Diode Laser''' — Entry-level machine; good for light engraving on wood, leather, and some plastics. Lower power than CO2. |
|
| |
|
| == Essential Equipment ==
| | ---- |
| * '''Air Compressor''' - For air assist nozzle
| |
| * '''Exhaust/Ventilation System''' - Fume extraction is critical
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| * '''Inline Fan with Ducting'''
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| * '''Fume Filter''' - Activated carbon and HEPA (for use with the Fiber Laser and UV Laser
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| * '''Chiller or Water Cooling System''' - For CO2 tube cooling
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| * '''Air Assist Pump''' - Reduces charring and flare-ups
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| * '''Honeycomb Bed''' - For cut-through work
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| * '''Rotary Attachment''' - For cylindrical objects
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| * '''Autofocus Probe''' - For consistent focus height [NOTE CURRENTLY DISABLED ON RED/BLACK CO2 LASER]
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| | |
| == Tools & Accessories ==
| |
| * '''Focus Gauge / Height Tool''' - located near each machine that requires manual focusing (attached to machine metal with magents)
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| * '''Masking Tape''' - Low-tack for surface protection
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| * '''Transfer Tape''' - For weeding small parts
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| * '''Tweezers and Picks''' - For removing small cutouts
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| * '''Digital Calipers''' - Material thickness measurement
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| * '''Fire Extinguisher''' Next to RED/BLACK CO2 Laser
| |
| | |
| ```
| |
| | |
| == Safety Equipment ==
| |
| * '''Laser Safety Glasses''' — ⚠️ '''Required for Fiber Laser and UV Laser operation''' (if not using the green shield). Never look directly at the Fiber Laser beam without glasses. Tip: you ''can'' safely view your work through your phone camera while engraving.
| |
| * '''Fiber Laser View Blocking Panels''' — Please use the panels located near the machine to protect others in the space from beam exposure.
| |
| * '''Fire Blanket''' — Located on the East Wall next to the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser.
| |
| * '''First Aid Kit''' — Includes burn treatment supplies. Located near the bathroom inside the main makerspace room.
| |
| * '''Gloves''' — Available for handling materials as needed.
| |
| ```
| |
| | |
| == Software & Design ==
| |
| | |
| === ⭐ Recommended Laser Software ===
| |
| {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border: 2px solid #f0a500;"
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| |-
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| ! style="background:#f0a500; color:white; font-size:115%;" | 🏆 LightBurn — Preferred Laser Design Software
| |
| |-
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| | style="padding:10px;" |
| |
| '''LightBurn''' is the industry standard for laser cutting and engraving. It supports GCode, DSP (Ruida, Trocen), and EZCad2-based Galvo lasers (fiber, CO2, UV).
| |
| | |
| '''Not ready to buy yet?''' [https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/download-trial Try LightBurn free for 30 days] — and if you need more time, LightBurn is known to be generous about extending trials a couple of times while you're getting started.
| |
| | |
| {| style="width:100%;"
| |
| |-
| |
| | style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top;" |
| |
| '''LightBurn Core'''<br>
| |
| For GCode controllers — works with our '''CO2 lasers and diode lasers'''<br>
| |
| Permanent commercial license, installs on up to 3 computers (PC or Mac)<br>
| |
| [https://lightburnsoftware.com/products/lightburn-core Get LightBurn Core]
| |
| | style="width:50%; padding:8px; vertical-align:top; background:#fff8e7; border-left: 3px solid #f0a500;" |
| |
| '''LightBurn Pro''' ⭐ — '''GRM Members: 75% off (~$50 instead of $199)'''<br><br>
| |
| Required for our '''Fiber Laser and UV Laser''' (EZCad2 Galvo controllers).<br>
| |
| Also covers everything in Core — CO2 and diode lasers included.<br><br>
| |
| ''If you plan to use any laser at GRM, Pro covers everything.''<br><br>
| |
| '''To get the discount code:'''<br>
| |
| Email [mailto:chris@grandrivermakerspace.org chris@grandrivermakerspace.org] or [mailto:info@grandrivermakerspace.org info@grandrivermakerspace.org], or ask any volunteer or board member in person.<br><br>
| |
| [https://lightburnsoftware.com/products/lightburn-pro Get LightBurn Pro]
| |
| |}
| |
| |}
| |
| | |
| === Vector Design Tools ===
| |
| {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
| |
| |-
| |
| ! Software !! Cost !! Notes !! Link
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''Inkscape''' || Free || Open-source vector design — great for laser prep work || [https://inkscape.org/ inkscape.org]
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''Affinity''' || Free || Professional-grade vector and raster design suite || [https://www.affinity.studio/ affinity.studio]
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''Adobe Illustrator''' || Paid (subscription) || Industry standard vector design || —
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''CorelDRAW''' || Paid (subscription) || Popular in sign/laser cutting industry || —
| |
| |}
| |
| | |
| === Other Laser Control Software ===
| |
| {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
| |
| |-
| |
| ! Software !! Cost !! Best For !! Link
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''LaserGRBL''' || Free || Diode lasers with GRBL controllers || [https://lasergrbl.com/ lasergrbl.com]
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''RDWorks''' || Free || Machines with Ruida controllers (older software) || —
| |
| |}
| |
| ```
| |
|
| |
|
| == Tools We Own == | | == Equipment == |
|
| |
|
| === Laser Machines === | | === Laser Machines === |
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| |- | | |- |
| | '''UV Laser''' || ComMarker Omni X 5W || 5W UV (355nm); bed size varies by lens:<br>• 150mm lens — 150mm x 150mm — everyday workhorse for flat engraving and general work<br>• 70mm lens — 70mm x 70mm — 3D internal glass/crystal engraving and high precision work<br><br>⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine<br><br>'''Software:''' LightBurn Pro required, or use free [https://commarker.com/download-center#download ComMarker Studio] on your own laptop || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g1euMNdNRhcB70FNCqKmt4u7zEXLOLqz/view?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [https://commarker.com/omni-x-uv-laser-engraver Omni X Product Page] | | | '''UV Laser''' || ComMarker Omni X 5W || 5W UV (355nm); bed size varies by lens:<br>• 150mm lens — 150mm x 150mm — everyday workhorse for flat engraving and general work<br>• 70mm lens — 70mm x 70mm — 3D internal glass/crystal engraving and high precision work<br><br>⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine<br><br>'''Software:''' LightBurn Pro required, or use free [https://commarker.com/download-center#download ComMarker Studio] on your own laptop || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g1euMNdNRhcB70FNCqKmt4u7zEXLOLqz/view?usp=sharing User Manual] <br> [https://commarker.com/omni-x-uv-laser-engraver Omni X Product Page] |
| |-
| |
| |} | | |} |
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| ! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Notes !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual | | ! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Notes !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual |
| |- | | |- |
| | '''Fume Extractor''' || Generic portable fume extractor || HEPA filtration || style="background:#fff3cd;" | ⚠️ '''Required when using the Fiber Laser or UV Laser''' until a permanent exhaust system is installed. Unit is located next to those machines. || Yes || — | | | '''Fume Extractor''' || Generic portable fume extractor || HEPA filtration || style="background:#fff3cd;" | ⚠️ '''Required when using the Fiber Laser or UV Laser''' unti |
| |}
| |
| | |
| === Accessories ===
| |
| {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
| |
| |-
| |
| ! Item !! Model !! Compatible Machine(s) !! Notes !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''Rotary Attachment''' || PiBurn Laser Rotary 4.0 || OMTech 80W CO2 Laser || For engraving tumblers and cylindrical objects.<br><br>⚠️ '''Advanced process — not beginner-friendly.''' We recommend attending a [https://www.joingrm.org/events Laser Engraving Tumbler Workshop] or scheduling one-on-one training before your first use.<br><br>[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ehYNczb6NYLjXHBb2dra8S1WoeYBvwKp6AO0va1Fkfs/edit?usp=sharing Rotary Setup & Usage Documentation] || Recommended — see notes || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DL7SxD9XZrba3T2CH2u2n2XFaP3Cma8V/view?usp=sharing Manual]
| |
| |-
| |
| | '''Rotary Attachment''' || ComMarker R5 Multi-Functional Rotary || Omni X UV Laser || For engraving tumblers and cylindrical objects.<br><br>✅ '''New to tumbler engraving? Start here.''' The UV Laser with the R5 Rotary is currently the most beginner-friendly way to laser engrave tumblers at GRM.<br><br>⚠️ '''UV Laser use is still an advanced process''' — we recommend scheduling one-on-one training before your first use.<br><br>[https://support.commarker.com/hc/en-us/articles/49728992565017-ComMarker-R5-Rotary-Introduction R5 Rotary Info & Overview]<br><br>📺 '''Videos:'''<br>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFRzkJSTa5A ComMarker R5 Rotary Overview]<br>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuGCCLo4IAs&t=27s ComMarker R5 In Use]<br><br>📚 [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa34YHbTU0YZb6E1xmNqFBBRkxSfRumUC ComMarker Tutorial Playlist] || Recommended — see notes || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OdU6mAbpMmAkfBHPlW5ch3Jf3mLVQEV4/view?usp=sharing Manual & Assembly Guide]
| |
| |}
| |
| | |
| == 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: ''Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser — E-Stop is located near the LCD panel''
| |
| * Fire extinguisher location: ''Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser''
| |
| * Fire suppression blanket location: ''Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser, on the East Wall''
| |
| * First aid kit location: ''Near the bathroom''
| |
| * Emergency contact: ''Chris Kaminsky — [tel:6168027088 616-802-7088] — [mailto:chris@grandrivermakerspace.org chris@grandrivermakerspace.org]''
| |
| * In case of fire that cannot be controlled, evacuate immediately and call 911
| |
