Laser cutting and etching: Difference between revisions

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== Desired Tools ==
== Laser Machines ==


== 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.
Line 20: Line 19:
* '''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
== Equipment ==
* '''Inline Fan with Ducting'''
 
* '''Fume Filter''' - Activated carbon and HEPA (for use with the Fiber Laser and UV Laser
=== Laser Machines ===
* '''Chiller or Water Cooling System''' - For CO2 tube cooling
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
* '''Air Assist Pump''' - Reduces charring and flare-ups
|-
* '''Honeycomb Bed''' - For cut-through work
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual & Resources
* '''Rotary Attachment''' - For cylindrical objects
|-
* '''Autofocus Probe''' - For consistent focus height [NOTE CURRENTLY DISABLED ON RED/BLACK CO2 LASER]
| '''CO2 Laser (80W)''' || OMTech 80W || 80W, 28" x 20" (500mm x 700mm) bed; autofocus currently disabled (pending repair) || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hcKJSHRzTdpwq4P3jTkVqSOEjJwofwf0/view?usp=sharing User Manual]
|-
| '''CO2 Laser (130W)''' || 130W CO2 Laser || 130W, 4ft x 3ft (1219mm x 914mm) bed; autofocus status unknown<br><br>⚠️ ''Currently awaiting electrical hookup — not yet operational'' || Yes — Mandatory || —
|-
| '''MOPA Fiber Laser''' || Noua 50W MOPA || 50W; bed size varies by lens:<br>• 254mm lens — 160mm x 160mm (6.3" x 6.3")<br>• 420mm lens — 400mm x 400mm (15.7" x 15.7")<br><br>⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine<br><br>'''Software:''' LightBurn Pro required (EZCad2 Galvo controller) || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z7smpXW62TyvsM2q3v3bwZJoHiO8nEaH/view?usp=sharing Generic User Manual] <br> [https://www.noualaser.com/products/us-stock-mopa-marking-machine?variant=46018405073110 Noua 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]
|}
 
'''Software note:''' All machines are compatible with LightBurn. The ComMarker Omni X also supports [https://commarker.com/download-center#download ComMarker Studio] — free to download and use on your own laptop.


== Tools & Accessories ==
=== Support Equipment ===
* '''Focus Gauge / Height Tool''' - located near each machine that requires manual focusing (attached to machine metal with magents)
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
* '''Masking Tape''' - Low-tack for surface protection
|-
* '''Transfer Tape''' - For weeding small parts
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Notes !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual
* '''Tweezers and Picks''' - For removing small cutouts
|-
* '''Digital Calipers''' - Material thickness measurement
| '''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 || —
* '''Fire Extinguisher''' Next to RED/BLACK CO2 Laser
|}
 
=== 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]
|}


```
=== Tools & Accessories ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Item !! Notes
|-
| '''Focus Gauge / Height Tool''' || Located near each machine that requires manual focusing (attached to machine with magnets)
|-
| '''Masking Tape''' || Low-tack; for surface protection during engraving
|-
| '''Transfer Tape''' || For weeding small parts after cutting
|-
| '''Tweezers and Picks''' || For removing small cutouts from the bed
|-
| '''Digital Calipers''' || For measuring material thickness before setting focus height
|-
| '''Fire Extinguisher''' || Located to the left of the Red/Black 80W 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 ==
== Software & Design ==
Line 77: Line 105:
[https://lightburnsoftware.com/products/lightburn-pro Get LightBurn Pro]
[https://lightburnsoftware.com/products/lightburn-pro Get LightBurn Pro]
|}
|}
|}
=== LightBurn Tutorial Videos ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Video !! Description !! Link
|-
| '''LightBurn Tutorial for Beginners: Everything You NEED to Know''' || A comprehensive beginner walkthrough — great first watch before your first session || [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OueWAVqXbZc 📺 Watch] — Make or Break Shop
|-
| '''Getting Started with LightBurn: Setup & 1st Project''' || Official LightBurn tutorial covering setup and your first project || [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3RDzOrlCTM 📺 Watch] — LightBurn Official
|-
| '''LightBurn Software Tutorials (Full Playlist)''' || Comprehensive series covering a wide range of LightBurn topics || [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEpJMPws1sw8208otF-mboIT0aGOB6vDr 📚 Watch Playlist] — The Louisiana Hobby Guy
|}
|}


Line 101: Line 141:
|-
|-
| '''RDWorks''' || Free || Machines with Ruida controllers (older software) || —
| '''RDWorks''' || Free || Machines with Ruida controllers (older software) || —
|}
```
== Tools We Own ==
=== Laser Machines ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Item !! Model !! Specifications !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual & Resources
|-
| '''CO2 Laser (80W)''' || OMTech 80W || 80W, 28" x 20" (500mm x 700mm) bed; autofocus currently disabled (pending repair) || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hcKJSHRzTdpwq4P3jTkVqSOEjJwofwf0/view?usp=sharing User Manual]
|-
| '''CO2 Laser (130W)''' || 130W CO2 Laser || 130W, 4ft x 3ft (1219mm x 914mm) bed; autofocus status unknown<br><br>⚠️ ''Currently awaiting electrical hookup — not yet operational'' || Yes — Mandatory || —
|-
| '''MOPA Fiber Laser''' || Noua 50W MOPA || 50W; bed size varies by lens:<br>• 254mm lens — 160mm x 160mm (6.3" x 6.3")<br>• 420mm lens — 400mm x 400mm (15.7" x 15.7")<br><br>⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine<br><br>'''Software:''' LightBurn Pro required (EZCad2 Galvo controller) || Yes — Mandatory || [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z7smpXW62TyvsM2q3v3bwZJoHiO8nEaH/view?usp=sharing Generic User Manual] <br> [https://www.noualaser.com/products/us-stock-mopa-marking-machine?variant=46018405073110 Noua 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]
|-
|}
|}


'''Software note:''' All machines are compatible with LightBurn. The ComMarker Omni X also supports [https://commarker.com/download-center#download ComMarker Studio] — free to download and use on your own laptop.
----


=== Support Equipment ===
== Safety & Usage ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! 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 || —
|}


=== Accessories ===
=== Safety Equipment ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
* '''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.
! Item !! Model !! Compatible Machine(s) !! Notes !! Safety Training Required !! Owner's Manual
* '''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.
| '''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]
* '''Gloves''' — Available for handling materials as needed.
|-
| '''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 ===
=== General Safety Rules ===
Line 150: Line 161:
* Know the location of the emergency stop button
* Know the location of the emergency stop button


=== Material Safety - APPROVED Materials ===
=== 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


{| class="wikitable"
=== Material Safety — Approved Materials ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
|-
! Material !! Cut !! Engrave !! Notes
! Material !! Cut !! Engrave !! Notes
Line 181: Line 202:
|}
|}


=== Material Safety - PROHIBITED Materials ===
=== Material Safety — Prohibited Materials ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Material !! Reason
! Material !! Reason
|-
|-
| '''PVC / Vinyl''' || '''Releases chlorine gas - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS'''
| style="background:#ffe4e4;" | '''PVC / Vinyl''' || style="background:#ffe4e4;" | '''Releases chlorine gas — EXTREMELY DANGEROUS'''
|-
|-
| ABS Plastic || Toxic fumes, melts poorly
| '''ABS Plastic''' || Toxic fumes, melts poorly
|-
|-
| Polycarbonate (Lexan) || Discolors, catches fire easily
| '''Polycarbonate (Lexan)''' || Discolors, catches fire easily
|-
|-
| HDPE / Polypropylene || Melts, doesn't cut cleanly
| '''HDPE / Polypropylene''' || Melts, doesn't cut cleanly
|-
|-
| Polystyrene / Styrofoam || Catches fire, toxic fumes
| '''Polystyrene / Styrofoam''' || Catches fire, toxic fumes
|-
|-
| Fiberglass || Toxic fumes
| '''Fiberglass''' || Toxic fumes
|-
|-
| Carbon Fiber || Toxic fumes, fire risk
| '''Carbon Fiber''' || Toxic fumes, fire risk
|-
|-
| Chrome-tanned Leather || Contains chromium - toxic
| '''Chrome-tanned Leather''' || Contains chromium — toxic when lasered
|-
|-
| Coated/Treated Wood || Unknown chemicals, toxic fumes
| '''Coated / Treated Wood''' || Unknown chemicals, toxic fumes
|-
|-
| Anything with unknown composition || Always verify material first
| '''Any material of unknown composition''' || Always verify material before lasering
|}
|}


=== Fire Safety ===
=== Fire Safety ===
* Keep a fire extinguisher (CO2 or ABC) within arm's reach
* Keep a fire extinguisher (CO2 or ABC) within arm's reach
* Fire blanket should be available
* Fire blanket is located on the East Wall next to the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser
* If fire occurs: STOP laser, keep lid closed if small, use extinguisher if needed
* If fire occurs: STOP laser, keep lid closed if small flame, use extinguisher if needed
* Never use water on electrical fires
* 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 Procedures ===
* Emergency stop button location: ''Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser — E-Stop is located near the LCD panel''
* '''Emergency stop button:''' Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser — E-Stop located near the LCD panel
* Fire extinguisher location: ''Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser''
* '''Fire extinguisher:''' Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser
* Fire suppression blanket location: ''Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser, on the East Wall''
* '''Fire suppression blanket:''' Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser, on the East Wall
* First aid kit location: ''Near the bathroom''
* '''First aid kit:''' Near the bathroom inside the main makerspace room
* Emergency contact: ''Chris Kaminsky — [tel:6168027088 616-802-7088] — [mailto:chris@grandrivermakerspace.org chris@grandrivermakerspace.org]''
* '''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
* '''In case of uncontrolled fire:''' Evacuate immediately and call 911

Revision as of 11:42, 8 May 2026

Laser Cutting & Engraving Area

⚠️ LASER SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED WHEN MACHINE IS OPERATING ⚠️

⚠️ NEVER LEAVE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️

Laser Machines

  • 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.
    • 130W CO2 Laser — Larger 4ft x 3ft bed; currently awaiting electrical hookup.
  • Noua 50W MOPA Fiber Laser — For metal marking, engraving, and color marking on stainless steel, titanium, brass, and copper. Also works on ceramics and stone. ⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine.
  • ComMarker Omni X 5W UV Laser — Ideal for engraving plastics, glass, and coated metals without heat damage. Great entry point for tumbler engraving with the R5 Rotary attachment. ⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine.
  • Diode Laser — Entry-level machine; good for light engraving on wood, leather, and some plastics. Lower power than CO2.

Equipment

Laser Machines

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual & Resources
CO2 Laser (80W) OMTech 80W 80W, 28" x 20" (500mm x 700mm) bed; autofocus currently disabled (pending repair) Yes — Mandatory User Manual
CO2 Laser (130W) 130W CO2 Laser 130W, 4ft x 3ft (1219mm x 914mm) bed; autofocus status unknown

⚠️ Currently awaiting electrical hookup — not yet operational		 Yes — Mandatory —
MOPA Fiber Laser Noua 50W MOPA 50W; bed size varies by lens:
• 254mm lens — 160mm x 160mm (6.3" x 6.3")
• 420mm lens — 400mm x 400mm (15.7" x 15.7")

⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine

Software: LightBurn Pro required (EZCad2 Galvo controller)		 Yes — Mandatory Generic User Manual
Noua Product Page
UV Laser ComMarker Omni X 5W 5W UV (355nm); bed size varies by lens:
• 150mm lens — 150mm x 150mm — everyday workhorse for flat engraving and general work
• 70mm lens — 70mm x 70mm — 3D internal glass/crystal engraving and high precision work

⚠️ Use portable fume extractor near machine

Software: LightBurn Pro required, or use free ComMarker Studio on your own laptop		 Yes — Mandatory User Manual
Omni X Product Page

Software note: All machines are compatible with LightBurn. The ComMarker Omni X also supports ComMarker Studio — free to download and use on your own laptop.

Support Equipment

Item Model Specifications Notes Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Fume Extractor Generic portable fume extractor HEPA filtration ⚠️ Required when using the Fiber Laser or UV Laser until a permanent exhaust system is installed. Unit is located next to those machines. Yes —

Accessories

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.

⚠️ Advanced process — not beginner-friendly. We recommend attending a Laser Engraving Tumbler Workshop or scheduling one-on-one training before your first use.

Rotary Setup & Usage Documentation		 Recommended — see notes Manual
Rotary Attachment ComMarker R5 Multi-Functional Rotary Omni X UV Laser For engraving tumblers and cylindrical objects.

✅ 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.

⚠️ UV Laser use is still an advanced process — we recommend scheduling one-on-one training before your first use.

R5 Rotary Info & Overview

📺 Videos:
ComMarker R5 Rotary Overview
ComMarker R5 In Use

📚 ComMarker Tutorial Playlist		 Recommended — see notes Manual & Assembly Guide

Tools & Accessories

Item Notes
Focus Gauge / Height Tool Located near each machine that requires manual focusing (attached to machine with magnets)
Masking Tape Low-tack; for surface protection during engraving
Transfer Tape For weeding small parts after cutting
Tweezers and Picks For removing small cutouts from the bed
Digital Calipers For measuring material thickness before setting focus height
Fire Extinguisher Located to the left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser

Software & Design

🏆 LightBurn — Preferred Laser Design Software

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? 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.

LightBurn Core
For GCode controllers — works with our CO2 lasers and diode lasers
Permanent commercial license, installs on up to 3 computers (PC or Mac)
Get LightBurn Core

LightBurn Pro ⭐ — GRM Members: 75% off (~$50 instead of $199)

Required for our Fiber Laser and UV Laser (EZCad2 Galvo controllers).
Also covers everything in Core — CO2 and diode lasers included.

If you plan to use any laser at GRM, Pro covers everything.

To get the discount code:
Email chris@grandrivermakerspace.org or info@grandrivermakerspace.org, or ask any volunteer or board member in person.

Get LightBurn Pro

LightBurn Tutorial Videos

Video Description Link
LightBurn Tutorial for Beginners: Everything You NEED to Know A comprehensive beginner walkthrough — great first watch before your first session 📺 Watch — Make or Break Shop
Getting Started with LightBurn: Setup & 1st Project Official LightBurn tutorial covering setup and your first project 📺 Watch — LightBurn Official
LightBurn Software Tutorials (Full Playlist) Comprehensive series covering a wide range of LightBurn topics 📚 Watch Playlist — The Louisiana Hobby Guy

Vector Design Tools

Software Cost Notes Link
Inkscape Free Open-source vector design — great for laser prep work inkscape.org
Affinity Free Professional-grade vector and raster design suite affinity.studio
Adobe Illustrator Paid (subscription) Industry standard vector design —
CorelDRAW Paid (subscription) Popular in sign/laser cutting industry —

Other Laser Control Software

Software Cost Best For Link
LaserGRBL Free Diode lasers with GRBL controllers lasergrbl.com
RDWorks Free Machines with Ruida controllers (older software) —

Safety & Usage

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.

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

Operating Procedures

  1. Complete mandatory training before use
  2. Sign in on the log sheet
  3. Verify ventilation is running
  4. Check material against approved list
  5. Set appropriate power/speed settings
  6. Stay present during entire operation
  7. Allow material to cool before removing
  8. Clean bed and remove scraps
  9. Sign out on log sheet

Material Safety — Approved Materials

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

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 when lasered
Coated / Treated Wood Unknown chemicals, toxic fumes
Any material of unknown composition Always verify material before lasering

Fire Safety

  • Keep a fire extinguisher (CO2 or ABC) within arm's reach
  • Fire blanket is located on the East Wall next to the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser
  • If fire occurs: STOP laser, keep lid closed if small flame, use extinguisher if needed
  • Never use water on electrical fires

Emergency Procedures

  • Emergency stop button: Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser — E-Stop located near the LCD panel
  • Fire extinguisher: Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser
  • Fire suppression blanket: Left of the Red/Black 80W CO2 Laser, on the East Wall
  • First aid kit: Near the bathroom inside the main makerspace room
  • Emergency contact: Chris Kaminsky — 616-802-7088 — chris@grandrivermakerspace.org
  • In case of uncontrolled fire: Evacuate immediately and call 911
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