Laser cutting and etching

Laser Cutting & Engraving Area

⚠️ LASER SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED WHEN MACHINE IS OPERATING ⚠️

⚠️ NEVER LEAVE LASER UNATTENDED WHILE RUNNING ⚠️

---

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 - Industry standard laser software
• LaserGRBL - Free alternative for diode lasers
• RDWorks - For Ruida controllers
• Adobe Illustrator / Inkscape - Vector design
• CorelDRAW

Tools We Own

Laser Machines

Item	Model	Specifications	Safety Training Required	Owner's Manual
Example: CO2 Laser	Epilog Fusion Pro 32	60W, 32"x20" bed, autofocus	Yes - Mandatory	Link
Example: Fiber Laser	OMTech 30W	30W, 110x110mm work area	Yes - Mandatory	Link

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