Equipment/HPC LS3060 Laser Cutter

Logbook

15/09/2010 Operator Russ

• Cut some 1.5mm neoprene fairly successfully - needs high power and it's a bit smelly. (Settings in the book.)
• Circle issue is fixed. It was a problem with the tension on the frontmost X drive belt.
• Did some awesome etching onto black anodised aluminium - 450mm/sec, 90% power.

13/09/2010 Operator: samthetechie

Todo: Test CorelDraw X3 with 20mm circles on paper and compare to test using LaserCutter Software

12/09/2010 Operator: samthetechie

• Setup CorelDraw X3 with LaserCutter Add-on Toolbar.
• Cut Mic On Sign 3mm Perspex.
• Cut MusicMetric Sign 6mm MDF.

Status

Many things were cut on with the Layzor last night. We need to look at our cooling and fume extraction systems before taking on further large cutting tasks as the Laser has been running hotter than recommended and many fumes were inhaled. --Teabot 06:59, 20 August 2010 (UTC)

Further work required

Before the cutter can be made available for general use there are a number of issues that need to be resolved. Furthermore, It is expected that members will be required to attend an induction before being granted access to the cutter - primarily for safety. The TODO list currently includes:

• Set-up shuttle PC with laser cutter software (without chinese malware).
• Modify cooling system to keep the laser temperature within (close to) recommended parameters.
• Create a better fume extraction configuration.
• Obtain electronic version of the manual or write one or more of the following: user manual, training guide.
• Arrange/offer training in laser cutter use.

Model

• HPC LS3060 "plus" laser engraver and cutter.

Specification

Laser:	40W - water cooled CO2 laser.
Working area:	320 x 600mm honeycomb bed (cutting area possibly about 300 x 550mm)
Features:	Air-assist (removes debris from cutting region), red-dot pointer (to show beam location)
Water cooling:	Simple tube cooling circuit connected with (9mm OD, 6mm ID) latex tube. Uses supplied submersible pond pump (2.8m head, 2800L/H flow).

Speed is approximately 3-6mm/sec for ply.

Instructions

*** Please don't touch or fiddle with the laser cutter unless you've had permission from either Russ or Jonty. ***

Please also don't affect the cooling system without consultation, because overheating or too fast cooling can damage the laser.

Safety information

• Never leave the laser cutter unattended - Your material may ignite, and an unchecked fire in the laser cutter could be both dangerous and costly.
• In case of fire - Use only the CO₂ extinguisher positioned by the cutter.
• Never cut PVC or chlorinated plastic - You should always know what material you are cutting, and chlorinated plastics should be avoided because they release chlorine gas when cut.
• Do not try to cut metal in the laser cutter - If you wish to mark the metal, please use "Thermark Laser Engraving Spray / Paste", or use anodised aluminium.

Tips

• Some useful laser info from Adafruit - the settings section in particular gave a good idea of what we can expect.
• More information about the controller card used by the cutter
  • http://www.leetro.com/english/sale/20.html
  • http://www.leetro.com/english/sale/23.html

Consumables

• HPC sheet products - Laser ply, perspex, engraving laminate - where we purchased the cutter.
• The Plastics Shop - mattp purchased the plastic for the first batch of Hackspace key rings from here.