CO2 laser

Greyfin A2 Laser Cutter

Useful tools #

• http://www.makercase.com/ (Exports in SVG)
• http://makeabox.io/ (Exports in PDF)
• http://boxdesigner.connectionlab.org/ (Exports in PDF)
• https://github.com/paulh-rnd/TabbedBoxMaker (InkScape Extension)

Things to note #

Members must have an induction to use this machine

Time on the laser cutter is charged

DO NOT HACK!!!

Training #

Setting up safety #

• Use of Laser safe materials ONLY
• Explain parts of the machine
• Is everything on?
  • Chiller should always be on
    • Both fans need to be on just before start button is pressed
• Things to be aware of
  • z-axis
    • emergency stop – make sure they use it
      • control panel – know who is using it

Control Panel #

• The importance of Esc
• Start/Pause
• Stop
• Datum
• Test area
• Laser

Introduction to LaserCut software #

• Starting – Download
• Explain file types (DXF, ECP)
• Workspace
• Origin – Blue dot
• Drag – blue line is normal
• Selected items is always red
  ** Contrasts to layer colour
  ** Unite lines
  *** Tolerance
• Import DXF
• Layers
  ** Moving items to layers
  ** Move up/down
  ** Setting power, speed, type for Cut and Engrave
  *** 65% soft maximum

Setting up your XYZ axes #

• Moving the head
• Focusing the bed

Cutting & Engraving #

• Calculate – show problems
• Immediate
  ** On = Relative
  ** Off = Absolute
• Download
  ** Del All – always!
  ** Download current – puts stuff on cutter
• Control Panel – Start!

Shutting down #

• Removing items and rubbish from bed
• Closing up
• Hitting sign out
• Shut down the computer

This induction training is based off the Nottingham Hackspace induction training