Laser Cutter induction notes

These are the induction notes for the Laser Cutter. Ask the members after each section if they have understood and if they have any questions so far.

Explain the hazards to anyone nearby and the mitigations:

• Class 4 laser. Safety interlock in lid that must not be bypassed.
• Risk of fire.
  • Do not leave the laser cutter unattended.
  • Point out location of fire extinguisher.
  • Emergency stop on the laser cutter.
• Hazardous fumes. Let the extractor work for at least 10 seconds before opening the door.

Explain the hazards to the equipment itself:

• Only cut approved materials. Especially don't cut PVC, or other chlorinated materials. Incorrect materials may damage the lenses and/or the laser tube.

Show which parts of the equipment should be checked before use:

• Check the extractor is working
• Check the chiller is on and below 21C

Operation of the equipment is done in 2 stages detailed in the sections below.

Demonstrate the process of using the PC software.

1. Switch on computer & Log in with password from your induction.
2. Open LASERCUT53 (from taskbar) and enter password again.
3. Import your DXF File (File > Import) & Check dimensionality using the 'size' button (10th down on left toolbar).
4. Set your power and speed settings using the 'layer' pane in the top-right.
5. Unite the lines (Tools > Unite Lines).
6. Set the 'knife origin' position relative to your drawing (5th button from right on top toolbar), then switch back to normal 'pick' mode (6th button from left on top toolbar).

Demonstrate the usage of the laser cutter. Pick a random member to go through the process too.

1. Turn on isolator on the wall to power up the laser. Check chiller and extractor start up, and that the laser datums (moves to the back right corner).
2. Put your material in the laser bed.
3. Download file to laser ('Download' button in bottom right, then 'Del all', then 'Download current').
4. On laser controller move head to desired origin position (press 'ESC', use arrow keys, then press return key).
5. Lock in origin (press return key to bring up “set logic org”, then press return again).
6. Set your bed heights (press 'Z', then use arrow keys, then press 'Z' again).
7. Check cut bounding box (press 'test').
8. Press 'start' to make your cut.
9. After the cut, WAIT at least 10 seconds for the smoke to clear before opening the lid or powering down.

Demonstrate the steps required to put the equipment back into a standard, safe, and tidy configuration:

• Remove and take home any laser skeletons.
• Clean up and bin any small pieces.
• Power down the laser by turning the isolator on the wall.

Various information available on the Wiki:

• Recommended software and how to export.
• Allowed material list.
• How to use the Lasercut software.