Laser cutting and etching

Laser Cutting & Engraving Area

⚠️ LASER SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED WHEN MACHINE IS OPERATING ⚠️

⚠️ NEVER LEAVE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️

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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. 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide →
  • 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.

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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 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide
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 📄 Full Machine Wiki Guide
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

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Software & Design

⭐ Recommended Laser Software

🏆 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)	—

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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

🔴 CO2 Lasers (80W & 130W)

Material	Cut	Engrave	Notes
Wood / Plywood	Yes	Yes	Use air assist; watch for resin flare-ups
MDF	Yes	Yes	Heavy smoke — ensure ventilation is running
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 — monitor closely
Leather (Veg-tanned)	Yes	Yes	NOT chrome-tanned leather
Cotton / Natural Fabrics	Yes	Yes	Low power; watch for ignition
Cork	Yes	Yes	Low power
Rubber (Laser-safe only)	Yes	Yes	Only use laser-rated rubber
Anodized Aluminum	No	Yes	Engraving only; bare aluminum requires fiber
Glass	No	Yes	Engrave only; use with care
Slate / Stone	No	Yes	Engrave only
Coated/Painted Metals	No	Yes	Laser removes coating to mark surface

🔵 Diode Laser

Material	Cut	Engrave	Notes
Wood / Plywood	Yes (thin)	Yes	Works well on light woods; slower than CO2
Leather (Veg-tanned)	Yes (thin)	Yes	NOT chrome-tanned leather
Paper / Cardboard	Yes	Yes	Low power; fire risk
Acrylic (Dark/Black only)	Limited	Yes	Clear/white acrylic does not absorb diode wavelength well
Anodized Aluminum	No	Yes	Engraving only
Cotton / Natural Fabrics	Yes (light)	Yes	Low power; watch for ignition

🟠 MOPA Fiber Laser (Noua 50W)

Material	Mark/Engrave	Notes
Stainless Steel	Yes	Excellent results; color marking possible
Titanium	Yes	Vivid color marking
Brass	Yes	Marking and engraving
Copper	Yes	Marking; higher power needed
Aluminum (bare)	Yes	Marking and engraving
Anodized Aluminum	Yes	Deep engraving through anodize layer
Gold / Silver	Yes	Jewelry marking
Ceramics	Yes	Surface marking
Stone / Slate	Yes	Surface marking
Coated/Painted Metals	Yes	Removes coating to expose metal

Note: The Fiber Laser is for metals and hard surfaces only. Do not attempt to use on wood, acrylic, fabric, or other organic materials.

🟣 UV Laser (ComMarker Omni X 5W)

Material	Mark/Engrave	Notes
Plastics (most types)	Yes	Excellent — marks without burning or melting
Glass	Yes	Clean surface marking
Coated/Painted Metals	Yes	Removes coating cleanly
Anodized Aluminum	Yes	Good results
Stainless Steel	Yes	Surface marking (lower contrast than fiber)
Ceramics	Yes	Surface marking
Wood	Yes	Light engraving; less ideal than CO2
Leather	Yes	Light marking
PCBs / Electronic Components	Yes	UV is well-suited for sensitive components

Note: The UV Laser excels at materials that are heat-sensitive or difficult to mark with CO2 or fiber. It is lower power (5W) — not suitable for cutting.

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