Laser Cutter/Instructions: Difference between revisions

From London Hackspace Wiki

updated where to log various events (usage vrs maintenance vrs problems)
(updated where to log various events (usage vrs maintenance vrs problems))
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* Monitoring progress
* Monitoring progress
** '''TODO''' What to watch out for
** '''TODO''' What to watch out for
** '''TODO''' What to do in case of problems
** What to do in case of problems
**Note: There are at least 3 different ways of stopping the cutter mid-process. There is the emergency stop button on the cutter, there is the stop button in the software (not recommended), and there is a sensor that detects if the lid is opened. There is also a pause/resume button on the cutter.
*** Note: There are at least 3 different ways of stopping the cutter mid-process. There is the emergency stop button on the cutter, there is the stop button in the software (not recommended), and there is a sensor that detects if the lid is opened. There is also a pause/resume button on the cutter.
**Please be aware that the software stop button has on at least two occasions had the unfortunate effect of moving the laser back to the start position while it was still on, leaving unwanted lines cut into the material.
*** Please be aware that the software stop button has on at least two occasions had the unfortunate effect of moving the laser back to the start position while it was still on, leaving unwanted lines cut into the material.
*** For any fires, or issues where the head has moved outside the cutting area, place an "Out of Order" sign on the machine and contact the [[Mailing List]].
* '''TODO''' What to try if the result is not what you expect
* '''TODO''' What to try if the result is not what you expect
* Log your Laser Cutter use in the [[Equipment/LaserCutter/LogBook|logbook]]


When cutting flammable materials (or non-flammable materials which happen to emit gases which are flammable when cut) or materials with a thin oil/wax film - be prepared for fires or small flames. While not common - it does happen occasionally and should not be cause for panic. When it happens - press the stop button and use a small gentle blast of CO2 fire extinguisher to douse it. There is no need to get very close to the fire - generally the box 'fills' up with the CO2 gas which is heavier than air - esp. when things are not yet hot. Note this in the logbook (both so we can replace the CO2 and because of sooth on the lens).  Don't forget to report any fire in the logbook.
When cutting flammable materials (or non-flammable materials which happen to emit gases which are flammable when cut) or materials with a thin oil/wax film - be prepared for fires or small flames. While not common - it does happen occasionally and should not be cause for panic. When it happens - press the stop button and use a small gentle blast of CO2 fire extinguisher to douse it. There is no need to get very close to the fire - generally the box 'fills' up with the CO2 gas which is heavier than air - esp. when things are not yet hot. Note this in the logbook (both so we can replace the CO2 and because of sooth on the lens).  Don't forget to report any fire to the [[Mailing List]].


In the unlikely event that you cannot contain the fire with CO2 - switch to the powder extinguisher. Do not use water (risk of electrical shock). If you use the real (sealed) extinguisher - post  an incident follow the accident/reporting protocol - to comply with fire, health and safety regulation.
In the unlikely event that you cannot contain the fire with CO2 - switch to the powder extinguisher. Do not use water (risk of electrical shock). If you use the real (sealed) extinguisher - post  an incident follow the accident/reporting protocol - to comply with fire, health and safety regulation.


If you are unfamiliar with fire extinguishers - and why there are many type - then read the instructions on both the CO2 and the ABC extinguisher (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher) as to understand the difference.
If you are unfamiliar with fire extinguishers - and why there are many type - then read the instructions on both the CO2 and the ABC extinguisher (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher) as to understand the difference.
==Logging use==
* Please log your Laser Cutter use in the [http://bit.ly/LaserLogbookForm Lasercutter logbook].
** This is used to track how long the tube lasts, and if the power levels are dropping, etc.
* Any maintenance will be logged in the  [[Equipment/LaserCutter/LogBook|wiki logbook]].


==What to do with Scraps==
==What to do with Scraps==