Laser cutting and etching: Difference between revisions

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* '''Gloves''' - For handling materials
* '''Gloves''' - For handling materials


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== Software & Design ==
== Software & Design ==
* '''LightBurn''' - Industry standard laser software
 
* '''LaserGRBL''' - Free alternative for diode lasers
=== ⭐ Recommended Laser Software ===
* '''RDWorks''' - For Ruida controllers
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; border: 2px solid #f0a500;"
* '''Adobe Illustrator / Inkscape''' - Vector design
|-
* '''CorelDRAW'''
! style="background:#f0a500; color:white; font-size:115%;" | 🏆 LightBurn — Preferred Laser Design Software
|-
| 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 ==
== Tools We Own ==

Revision as of 10:41, 8 May 2026

Laser Cutting & Engraving Area

⚠️ LASER SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED WHEN MACHINE IS OPERATING ⚠️

⚠️ NEVER LEAVE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️

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 — 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

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) —

```

Tools We Own

Laser Machines

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
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; awaiting electrical hookup Yes - Mandatory Link
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 Yes - Mandatory Generic User Manual
Noua Website
UV Laser ComMarker Omni X 5W 5W UV (355nm); bed size varies by lens: 150mm lens (150mm x 150mm) — general engraving workhorse; 70mm lens (70mm x 70mm) — 3D internal glass/crystal engraving and high power density work Yes - Mandatory User Manual
Omni X Website

Support Equipment

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Fume Extractor BOFA AD350 350 CFM, HEPA + carbon Yes Link
Example: Chiller CW-5200 6L capacity, 1400W cooling Yes Link

Accessories

Item Model Specifications Safety Training Required Owner's Manual
Example: Rotary Attachment Epilog Rotary Compatible with Fusion Pro Yes 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

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
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

  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

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
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