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