Equipment/HPC LS3060 Laser Cutter

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 laser the 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).

Instructions

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

Tips

Some useful laser info from Adafruit - the settings section in particular gave a good idea of what we can expect.

Consumables

HPC sheet products - Laser ply, perspex, engraving laminate - where we purchased the cutter.