DBE Makers - User contributions [en]

File:Fusion 360 document.pdf

2024-07-10T03:46:42Z

Daniel.McMurray: Daniel.McMurray uploaded a new version of File:Fusion 360 document.pdf

Laser Cutting

2024-07-08T04:50:25Z

Daniel.McMurray:

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Lasers ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|thumb]]
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2[[File:Emblaser 2.png|thumb]]
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx[[File:Speedy 400.jpg|thumb]]
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

=== Rhino 3d ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

<gallery>
</gallery>

== External Links ==
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-08T04:49:08Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Lasers ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|thumb]]
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2[[File:Emblaser 2.png|thumb]]
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx[[File:Speedy 400.jpg|thumb]]
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

=== Rhino 3d ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

<gallery>
</gallery>

== External Links ==
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-08T04:48:05Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|thumb]]
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2[[File:Emblaser 2.png|thumb]]
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx[[File:Speedy 400.jpg|thumb]]
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

=== Rhino 3d ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

<gallery>
</gallery>

== External Links ==
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-08T04:43:32Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

=== Rhino 3d ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

<gallery>
</gallery>

== External Links ==
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-08T04:42:33Z

Daniel.McMurray: /* How to set up your files > Software + Templates */

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

==== Rhino 3d ====
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

<gallery>
</gallery>External Links
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-08T01:21:02Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

==== Rhino 3d ====
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

<gallery>
</gallery>
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-08T01:17:12Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

[[File:Types-of-engraving.jpg|alt=Engraving types.|frameless|807x807px]]

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

==== Rhino 3d ====
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

<gallery>
</gallery>
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-05T07:50:23Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

[[File:Types-of-engraving.jpg|alt=Engraving types.|frameless|807x807px]]

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

==== Rhino 3d ====
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

== Setting up files ==
[[File:Fushion 360 Components.png|thumb|An example of components within Fushion 360.|164x164px]]

=== Autodesk Fusion 360 ===
Autodesk Fusion 360 combines CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB into a single, integrated cloud software platform. It includes all the tools that you need to go from design to manufacturing, seamlessly.

==== Laser Cutting Setup ====
The golden rule in Fusion is that you make sections of your models as components. This approach involves organising different sections of a model as separate components, each containing essential data such as sketch information, bodies, and origin planes. This concept can be likened to layers in software applications like AutoCAD or Photoshop.

==== Example of component-based modelling ====
Let's say you want to laser cut a 3mm Polar ply box with connecting finger joints. Using the inspect menu, you can select "Display Component Colors" to visually seen each component with a distinct colour ID. To prepare the design for laser cutting:

# Selecting the top-level component
# Creating a new sketch
# Draw a rectangle using the create menu or simply hit the [R] key
# Select Center Point rectangle
# Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
# Hit enter and then finish sketch
# Ensure the plane is at the bottom of your model.
# Select Arrange in Modify menu with all the components selected, or select them individually afterward.
# Make sure all components are selected and appear in Arrange options.
# Finally, select envelope on the plane to arrange the objects flat.

<gallery>
File:Fushion 360 Inspect options.png|How to display component colors using the inspect menu.
File:5. Defining the size.png|Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
</gallery>
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-05T07:49:26Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

[[File:Types-of-engraving.jpg|alt=Engraving types.|frameless|807x807px]]

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

==== Rhino 3d ====
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.zip|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

== Setting up files ==
[[File:Fushion 360 Components.png|thumb|An example of components within Fushion 360.|164x164px]]

=== Autodesk Fusion 360 ===
Autodesk Fusion 360 combines CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB into a single, integrated cloud software platform. It includes all the tools that you need to go from design to manufacturing, seamlessly.

==== Laser Cutting Setup ====
The golden rule in Fusion is that you make sections of your models as components. This approach involves organising different sections of a model as separate components, each containing essential data such as sketch information, bodies, and origin planes. This concept can be likened to layers in software applications like AutoCAD or Photoshop.

==== Example of component-based modelling ====
Let's say you want to laser cut a 3mm Polar ply box with connecting finger joints. Using the inspect menu, you can select "Display Component Colors" to visually seen each component with a distinct colour ID. To prepare the design for laser cutting:

# Selecting the top-level component
# Creating a new sketch
# Draw a rectangle using the create menu or simply hit the [R] key
# Select Center Point rectangle
# Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
# Hit enter and then finish sketch
# Ensure the plane is at the bottom of your model.
# Select Arrange in Modify menu with all the components selected, or select them individually afterward.
# Make sure all components are selected and appear in Arrange options.
# Finally, select envelope on the plane to arrange the objects flat.

<gallery>
File:Fushion 360 Inspect options.png|How to display component colors using the inspect menu.
File:5. Defining the size.png|Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
</gallery>
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-05T07:48:13Z

Daniel.McMurray:

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

[[File:Types-of-engraving.jpg|alt=Engraving types.|frameless|807x807px]]

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

==== Rhino 3d ====
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]]

=== Illustrator ===

== Setting up files ==
[[File:Fushion 360 Components.png|thumb|An example of components within Fushion 360.|164x164px]]

=== Autodesk Fusion 360 ===
Autodesk Fusion 360 combines CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB into a single, integrated cloud software platform. It includes all the tools that you need to go from design to manufacturing, seamlessly.

==== Laser Cutting Setup ====
The golden rule in Fusion is that you make sections of your models as components. This approach involves organising different sections of a model as separate components, each containing essential data such as sketch information, bodies, and origin planes. This concept can be likened to layers in software applications like AutoCAD or Photoshop.

==== Example of component-based modelling ====
Let's say you want to laser cut a 3mm Polar ply box with connecting finger joints. Using the inspect menu, you can select "Display Component Colors" to visually seen each component with a distinct colour ID. To prepare the design for laser cutting:

# Selecting the top-level component
# Creating a new sketch
# Draw a rectangle using the create menu or simply hit the [R] key
# Select Center Point rectangle
# Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
# Hit enter and then finish sketch
# Ensure the plane is at the bottom of your model.
# Select Arrange in Modify menu with all the components selected, or select them individually afterward.
# Make sure all components are selected and appear in Arrange options.
# Finally, select envelope on the plane to arrange the objects flat.

<gallery>
File:Fushion 360 Inspect options.png|How to display component colors using the inspect menu.
File:5. Defining the size.png|Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
</gallery>
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

Laser Cutting

2024-07-05T06:22:15Z

Daniel.McMurray: /* Fusion 360 */

Laser cutters use high-power laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 12 laser cutters in total; 2 are technician-operated large format laser cutters, and 10 small-format laser cutters that students can operated once trained.

{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
}}

Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.

== Equipment Specifications ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Quantity
!Dimensions
!Materials
!Location
|-
|Trotec SP500
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|frameless]][[File:Speedy 400.jpg|frameless|310x310px]][[File:Emblaser_2.png|alt=|frameless|310x310px]]{{Note
| inline = 1
| type = info
| text = Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400 This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut. 

Emblaser 2 This equipment can be operated by students who have completed a laser cutting badge. Students must watch the equipment for the entire process.
}}

== Materials ==

=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting.

The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''

* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size

You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

The Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx in the Digital Modelling Workshop can cut a wider range of materials, including:

* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Acetate

And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:

* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
{{Note
| inline = 0
| type = error
| text = The following materials cannot be cut or engraved: <ul><li>Polycarbonate</li><li>PVC (vinyl)</li><li>Anything containing chlorine</li><li>Metals</li><li>MDF</li><li>Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)</li><ul>
}}

=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to a pay a consumables fee, which covers the costs of some or all of your materials. If your material costs are not covered by a consumables fee, you will need to pay for supplied laser cutting materials at cost price.

== File Preparation ==
=== Vector files Only ===
* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
* A vector file is made up of shapes and lines that do not lose resolution or quality when they are scaled; they use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines
* You can create vector files using programs such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, Rhino 3D, and AutoCAD, as well as free software like Inkscape.
* Vector files need to be created in a vector program - not just imported or pasted.
=== Line and shape properties ===
There are slight differences between line colours when preparing files for Trotec (large format) laser cutters and Emblaser (small format) laser cutters. Use the following settings:

=== Vector Vs Raster ===
The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics are as follows. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to define shapes and lines, while raster graphics are made up of individual colored pixels arranged in a grid. Therefore, vector graphics can be Infinitely scaled without losing fidelity.

[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]

=== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Raster engraving: RGB black or greyscale; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths

=== Emblaser 2 ===
Cut: RGB red, hairline thickness

Vector engraving: RGB green, hairline thickness

Solid fill raster engraving: RGB blue, hairline thickness

Tonal value/gradient: Greyscale

[[File:Types-of-engraving.jpg|alt=Engraving types.|frameless|807x807px]]

=== File size and format ===

* Files must be saved in PDF format
* Your PDF must be the size of your material sheet (e.g. 900 x 600mm for strawboard)
* Save each sheet as a separate PDF file

== How to set up your files > Software + Templates ==

=== AutoCAD ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|AUTOCAD > FILE SET UP GUIDE >]] [[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD.zip|PDF]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > TROTEC SP500 > DWG]]

[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AUTOCAD > TEMPLATE > EMBLASER2 > DWG]]

==== Rhino 3d ====
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]

[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]

=== Fusion 360 ===
[https://www.dbemakers.com/File:Fusion_360_document.pdf Fusion 360 laser Cutting Guide]

=== Illustrator ===

== Setting up files ==
[[File:Fushion 360 Components.png|thumb|An example of components within Fushion 360.|164x164px]]

=== Autodesk Fusion 360 ===
Autodesk Fusion 360 combines CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB into a single, integrated cloud software platform. It includes all the tools that you need to go from design to manufacturing, seamlessly.

==== Laser Cutting Setup ====
The golden rule in Fusion is that you make sections of your models as components. This approach involves organising different sections of a model as separate components, each containing essential data such as sketch information, bodies, and origin planes. This concept can be likened to layers in software applications like AutoCAD or Photoshop.

==== Example of component-based modelling ====
Let's say you want to laser cut a 3mm Polar ply box with connecting finger joints. Using the inspect menu, you can select "Display Component Colors" to visually seen each component with a distinct colour ID. To prepare the design for laser cutting:

# Selecting the top-level component
# Creating a new sketch
# Draw a rectangle using the create menu or simply hit the [R] key
# Select Center Point rectangle
# Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
# Hit enter and then finish sketch
# Ensure the plane is at the bottom of your model.
# Select Arrange in Modify menu with all the components selected, or select them individually afterward.
# Make sure all components are selected and appear in Arrange options.
# Finally, select envelope on the plane to arrange the objects flat.

<gallery>
File:Fushion 360 Inspect options.png|How to display component colors using the inspect menu.
File:5. Defining the size.png|Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
</gallery>
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]

File:Fusion 360 document.pdf

2024-07-05T06:17:28Z

Daniel.McMurray: