Equipment/HPC LS3060 Laser Cutter

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Revision as of 09:37, 30 April 2013 by Koruvax (talk | contribs)
Laser Cutter
Laser-cutter-installed.jpg
Status better than it was (but still not operational, more soon)
Update Changed at Thu May 2 19:18:10 BST 2013 by ms7821
Training requirement See Training section
Origin Pledged
Location Ground floor
Maintainers Solexious

[[image::Laser-cutter-installed.jpgbetter than it was (but still not operational, more soon)[[training::See Training section]]PledgedGround floor[[maintainers::Solexious]]

Please don't use the laser cutter unless you have been trained.

We have a HPC LS3060 laser engraver and cutter. Trained users can use it for the very reasonable rate of £5 per hour.

Laser-cut-key-rings.jpg

Training

You must not use the laser cutter without being trained. The laser cutter is unlikely to hurt you, but you can easily hurt it without training. Training is given most Tuesdays at about 8pm, feel free to ask for help on the Mailing List. There's a Training Roster available - watch the mailing list for announcements.

Safety information

  • Don't touch the cooling system without asking first: overheating or rapid cooling can damage the laser.
  • Never leave the laser cutter unattended while cutting: your material may ignite, and an unchecked fire in the laser cutter could be both dangerous and costly. We've also seen mirrors go out of alignment and cut into the cables.
  • In case of fire: use the CO2 extinguisher by the laser cutter first. Do not use the powder extinguisher unless you feel that you can't control the fire. Put it in the logbook: tiny flames while cutting are normal; anything more must be reported.
  • 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. Guidelines for how to test materials.
  • You can't cut metal in the laser cutter: if you wish to mark the metal, please use Thermark/Cermark, or use anodised aluminium.

Using the laser cutter

  1. Make sure you're familiar with the operating instructions.
  2. Look up the parameters for the material you're using.
  3. Log your use to help with the upkeep of the lasercutter. (Records can be viewed here.)
  4. Pay for your usage - the cost is £5 per hour, which is just enough to cover our maintenance costs.

Resources

Consumables

  • Plastic Online
  • 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.
  • Hamar Acrylic Cuts to size, and is ~10mins walk from the space. Order by phone and it should be cut and ready to collect on arrival.
    • Price guide 320x600x4mm (laser bed size) clear acrylic = £8.
  • Acrylic-Online - Elliot has bought some Palglas from here. They cut to size - delivery £8.00. Price guide (incl. VAT):
    • 320x600x4mm (laser bed size) clear acrylic (Palglas) = £5.12
  • Hobart Laserables - wide range of materials: MDF, Birch, Acrylic (clear and coloured), Rubber, Laminates, Anodised metal. Prices seem competitive. Nigle has ordered from here. Shipping is £12.
  • Fred Aldous – online craft supplies, free delivery on orders > £30. Polypropylene sheets amongst other things. Alex P has ordered from here.
  • 4D ModelShop is not too far from the space, and is open Saturdays. They offer laser cutting too, and hence seem to have a lot of suitable materials.

Manuals

More information

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