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 19: Line 20:
* '''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
* '''Inline Fan with Ducting'''
* '''Fume Filter''' - Activated carbon and HEPA (for use with the Fiber Laser and UV Laser
* '''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 [NOTE CURRENTLY DISABLED ON RED/BLACK CO2 LASER]
 
== Tools & Accessories ==
* '''Focus Gauge / Height Tool''' - located near each machine that requires manual focusing (attached to machine metal with magents)
* '''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
* '''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;"
|-
! 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) || —
|}
```


== Equipment ==
== Tools We Own ==


=== 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''' unti
| '''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 ===
{| 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

Revision as of 11:36, 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 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.

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 (for use with the Fiber Laser and UV Laser
  • 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 [NOTE CURRENTLY DISABLED ON RED/BLACK CO2 LASER]

Tools & Accessories

  • Focus Gauge / Height Tool - located near each machine that requires manual focusing (attached to machine metal with magents)
  • 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
  • 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

🏆 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 & 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

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: 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 — 616-802-7088 — chris@grandrivermakerspace.org
  • In case of fire that cannot be controlled, evacuate immediately and call 911
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