Table of Contents
A0 Laser Cutter - Just Add Sharks Silvertail
Induction Required
This equipment requires an induction prior to use. For your own safety and to avoid damage to the equipment do not attempt to use it until you have been inducted.Crush / Burn Hazard
This equipment is hazardous to the user or those around them, take care during use.
Bristol Hackspace is privileged to have an enormous 1200mm by 900mm 80 Watt laser cutter.
The laser cutter is a fantastic tool that allows you to produce complex shapes from designs made in CAD. It's great for quick production of 2D designs and is one of the easier rapid prototyping machines to understand.
Usage
Basic Guidelines
- Inducted Bristol Hackspace members only.
- Approved materials only. See the full materials list.
- Confirm that the chiller, extraction and air assist are working.
- Do not leave laser cutting unattended.
Failure to follow the guidelines, or other unsafe use may result in your access being revoked and you will not be allowed to use the laser cutter.
Guides
Materials
Commonly Used Materials
- Acrylic (up to ~12mm)
- Plywood (up to ~10mm)
- MDF (up to ~10mm)
- Paper/Card
Documentation
Bristol Hackspace Documents
Suppliers Information
User Manual - This is for the A1 Blacknose but the A0 Silvertail is the same design.
Dimensions for Just Add Sharks Laser Cutters
MPC6515 controller manual - This contains documentation for the laser cutter interface!
LaserCut 5.3 Manual - See section 4, Universal Edition
Maintenance
Files
Maintenance Schedule
Weekly Maintenance Operations
- Visually inspect the three mirrors and lens for dirt or damage - clean only if necessary
- Remove bed, remove waste and clean cutting area
- Check chiller filter - clean if necessary
- Check chiller water level - fill with distilled water if necessary
Monthly Maintenance Operations
- Clean the mirrors and lens
- Check mirror alignment and make adjustments if necessary
- Check the extraction system for damage or dirt build-up
- Oil the linear bearings
- Check the bed is level
- Check chiller hoses for signs of wear
- Check laser tube is free of bubbles
Laser Tube
The laser tube power output will deteriorate with use and need replacing when this falls below acceptable performance.
Calorimeter Tests
- 10/04/2018 - Tube Power 77 Watts