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[[File:Emblaser 2.png|alt=Emblaser 2 laser cutter.|thumb|The Emblaser 2 small format laser cutter. ]]
Laser cutters use high-powered laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 2 technician-operated large format laser cutters. There are also small-format, lower-speed laser cutters that students can work directly with a technician to use if desired.  
Laser cutters use high-power laser system which allows for precise and fast processing of projects. It is still important to carefully check any files with the technical team to ensure a complete understanding of the timeframes of any work.


The Makerspace has Emblaser 2, small desktop laser cutter for small projects and the Trotec SP500 large format laser cutter.  
Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information, guides, and templates below. {{Note
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a Makerspace Induction.
This equipment is operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut.
}} 


== Specifications ==
== Laser cutting equipment ==
{| class="wikitable"
Choose your laser cutter based on your material and size. More details on [[Laser Cutting#Materials|materials are below]].
!Type
 
!Quantity
=== Trotec SP500 ===
!Dimensions
Maximum material size: 1245 x 710mm
!Materials
 
!Risk Assessment
Materials: Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)
|-
 
|SP 500
Location: DBE Makerspace, building 418
|1
 
|1245 mm x 710 mm
=== Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx ===
|Strawboard, Plywood
Maximum material size: 1000 x 610mm
|None, but induction required.
 
|-
Materials: Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, polypropylene, fabrics, and other materials
|Emblaser 2
 
|10
Location: Digital Modelling Workshop, building 202
|500mm x 300mm
== Materials ==
|Strawboard, Plywood
{{Note
|None, but induction required.
| 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>Some 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 ===
In the '''DBE''' '''Makerspace''', you can only process materials supplied by the workshop:
 
Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick
 
* 1200 x 600mm
* 900 x 600mm
* 300 x 600mm
 
Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick
 
* 900 x 680mm
{{Note
{{Note
| inline = 1
| inline = 1
| type = info
| type = warn
| text = <strong>SP 500</strong> This equipment is strictly operated only by the technical team. Students can assist in the process, but the use of the machine can only be done by a technician.<br><br>
| text = You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.
}}


<strong>Emblaser 2 </strong>This equipment is watched over by the user for the entirety of the printing process. In the event of an emergency, please signal to the nearest technician.
=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
}}
In the '''Digital Modelling Workshop''', you can use supplied plywood, strawboard, or acrylic in limited colours, up to 900 x 600mm in size. You can also bring other material that is not stocked, such as:
 
* Cast acrylic
* Wood (thin veneers, plywood, balsa)
* Fabric (natural or acrylic based)
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Polypropylene
* Acetate
 
Some materials can be engraved only, including:
 
* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
* Some metals
Please discuss using any materials that are not supplied with a technician before bringing them to the workshop. We can recommend suppliers and ensure that you are making an appropriate choice for your project.
 
=== Material costs ===
Some units require you to pay a consumables fee, which covers the cost 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 as you use them.
 
Check in the relevant spaces for priceing.  


== File Preparation ==
== File Preparation ==
[[File:Vector vs Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|left|thumb|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.|300x300px]]


=== 1. Ensure you are using vector files ===
=== Vector files only ===
 
==== What is a vector file? ====
A vector graphic file contains a vector image rather than a raster/bitmap image. Vector graphics are constructed of shapes, lines, and points, which do not lose resolution or quality when scaled – think of text in a PDF.


* Vector files need to be DRAWN in the vector program rather than just imported or pasted in there. Also opening a vector file in a raster file program, such as Photoshop, will convert it to a raster image.
==== Software that can create vector files ====
=== 2. Ensure correct use of colours ===
You can create vector files with software that you might already use, such as:
To process any file, it is required that the PDF only have the following colours:


* Cut = <span style="color:red">Pure RGB Red (HEX #FF0000 / RGB (255, 0, 0))</span>
* AutoCAD
* Vector engrave = <span style="color:green">Pure RGB Green (HEX #00FF00 / RGB (0, 255, 0))</span>
* [[Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino)|Rhinoceros 3D ("Rhino")]]
* Raster engrave = <span style="color:blue">RGB Blue (HEX #0000FF / RGB (0, 0, 255))</span>
* Adobe Illustrator
=== 3. Save as PDF ===
* CorelDraw
* PDF format is the only file received in the Makerspace to process any laser cutting job. It is lightweight and avoids the importing of unnecessary information such as CAD. Ensure that you have made your file as a PDF.
* Inkscape


=== 4. Use correct naming structure ===
Many tutorials for this software are available online. You may also be able to get help using these programs from your tutor or from LinkedIn Learning.
* StudentID_MaterialThickness_MaterialSize.PDF
[[File:Types-of-engraving.jpg|alt=Engraving types.|frame|The various types of vector colours used to created different cuts on plywood.|none]]


== Setting up files ==
==== Identifying a vector file ====
[[File:Fushion 360 Components.png|thumb|An example of components within Fushion 360.|164x164px]]
Vectors need to be made in your vector program, not just copied and pasted in or imported. If you save your work as a raster format (e.g. psd, jpg, or bmp) it will be rasterized and cannot be converted back into a vector file. If you zoom in on your vector file, you will be able to identify that it does not lose resolution, whereas a raster file will become pixelated or blurry:


=== Autodesk Fusion 360 ===
<div class="res-img">[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|center]]</div>
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 ====
=== Size and colour scheme ===
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.
Your document/artboard/sheet size should match your material size. Leave a 5mm minimum margin from the edge of your material to your objects.  


==== Example of component-based modelling ====
<span style="background-color: #FF0000">RGB red</span>: cut
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
<span style="background-color: #00FF00">RGB green</span>: vector engraving (“etching”)
# Creating a new sketch
 
# Draw a rectangle using the create menu or simply hit the [R] key
<span style="background-color: #000000;color: #FFFFFF";>RGB black/greyscale</span>: raster engraving
# Select Center Point rectangle
 
# Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
Raster engraving is used to fill areas, either with a single depth/tonality using black or to create gradients, tone, or images, using greyscale.All other colours will be ignored.
# Hit enter and then finish sketch
 
# Ensure the plane is at the bottom of your model.
Cut lines and vector engraving must be lines of the smallest default stroke width possible in your software (e.g. “hairline” or “0.01”), with no fill.
# 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.
The laser will see '''every''' line in your file, including those hidden under others. For this reason, you need to '''remove any doubled lines''' in your file. Double cut lines can cause damage to your work, material, and the laser cutter.
# Finally, select envelope on the plane to arrange the objects flat.
 
=== Nesting ===
Make sure to keep at least 5mm from the edge of your material, and at least 1mm between shapes. This allows latent heat to disperse from your material, preventing charring and the risk of fires.
 
Work must be nested to make your cutting times efficient, and reduces material waste.
<div class="res-img">[[File:Nested laser cut.png|Example of work that has been nested vs not nested|center]]</div>
 
=== File size and format ===
Export each sheet of material as a '''separate''' PDF at your material size (e.g. 900 x 600mm).  
 
=== Examples ===
<div class="res-img">[[File:26-09-23-SampleCardArtworkV1.png|center|Artwork prepared for laser cutting, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale)]]</div>
Artwork prepared for laser cutting, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale).
 
<div class="res-img">[[File:26-09-22-SampleCardPhotoV1.jpg|center|Laser cutting and engraving processes produced by the artwork above on 3mm plywood]]</div>
Laser cutting and engraving processes produced by the artwork above on 3mm plywood.
 
== Software-specific guides and templates ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!AutoCAD
!Rhinoceros 3d
!Illustrator
!Slicer for Fusion360
|-
|<div class="res-img">[[File:Autocad-logo.png|none|thumb|180x180px|[[Laser Cutting/AutoCAD|AutoCAD File Setup]]</div>]]
|<div class="res-img">[[File:Rhino Logo.jpg|none|thumb|180x180px|[[Laser Cutting/Rhino|Rhino File Setup]]</div>]]
|<div class="res-img">[[File:Illustrator Logo.jpg|none|thumb|180x180px|[[Laser Cutting/Illustrator|Illustrator File Setup]]</div>]]
|<div class="res-img">[[File:Slicer for fusion logo.jpg|none|thumb|180x180px|[[Laser Cutting/Slicer for Fusion360|Stacked Slice Model Guide]]</div>]]
|}


<gallery>
== External Links ==
File:Fushion 360 Inspect options.png|How to display component colors using the inspect menu.
Guide: [https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/laser-cutting/laser-cutting/creating-a-montage-model Creating a Contour Model] by Melbourne School of Design's Fab Lab
File:5. Defining the size.png|Step 5: Define your size, switching between height and width with [Tab➡] key
[[Category:Digital Modelling]]
</gallery>
[[Category:Laser cutting]]
[[Category:Fabrication]]

Latest revision as of 09:45, 23 September 2026

Laser cutters use high-powered laser systems which allow for precise and fast cutting of materials. DBE has 2 technician-operated large format laser cutters. There are also small-format, lower-speed laser cutters that students can work directly with a technician to use if desired.

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

Laser cutting requires a Makerspace Induction. This equipment is operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut.

Laser cutting equipment

Choose your laser cutter based on your material and size. More details on materials are below.

Trotec SP500

Maximum material size: 1245 x 710mm

Materials: Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm)

Location: DBE Makerspace, building 418

Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx

Maximum material size: 1000 x 610mm

Materials: Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, polypropylene, fabrics, and other materials

Location: Digital Modelling Workshop, building 202

Materials

The following materials cannot be cut or engraved:
  • Polycarbonate
  • PVC (vinyl)
  • Anything containing chlorine
  • Some metals
  • MDF
  • Any materials without a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)

    Materials that can be cut and/or engraved

    In the DBE Makerspace, you can only process materials supplied by the workshop:

    Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick

    • 1200 x 600mm
    • 900 x 600mm
    • 300 x 600mm

    Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick

    • 900 x 680mm
    You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.

    Materials that can be cut and/or engraved

    In the Digital Modelling Workshop, you can use supplied plywood, strawboard, or acrylic in limited colours, up to 900 x 600mm in size. You can also bring other material that is not stocked, such as:

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

    Some materials can be engraved only, including:

    • Glass and ceramics
    • Solid wood
    • Some metals

    Please discuss using any materials that are not supplied with a technician before bringing them to the workshop. We can recommend suppliers and ensure that you are making an appropriate choice for your project.

    Material costs

    Some units require you to pay a consumables fee, which covers the cost 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 as you use them.

    Check in the relevant spaces for priceing.

    File Preparation

    Vector files only

    What is a vector file?

    A vector graphic file contains a vector image rather than a raster/bitmap image. Vector graphics are constructed of shapes, lines, and points, which do not lose resolution or quality when scaled – think of text in a PDF.

    Software that can create vector files

    You can create vector files with software that you might already use, such as:

    Many tutorials for this software are available online. You may also be able to get help using these programs from your tutor or from LinkedIn Learning.

    Identifying a vector file

    Vectors need to be made in your vector program, not just copied and pasted in or imported. If you save your work as a raster format (e.g. psd, jpg, or bmp) it will be rasterized and cannot be converted back into a vector file. If you zoom in on your vector file, you will be able to identify that it does not lose resolution, whereas a raster file will become pixelated or blurry:

    vector vs raster visualisation.

    Size and colour scheme

    Your document/artboard/sheet size should match your material size. Leave a 5mm minimum margin from the edge of your material to your objects.

    RGB red: cut

    RGB green: vector engraving (“etching”)

    RGB black/greyscale: raster engraving

    Raster engraving is used to fill areas, either with a single depth/tonality using black or to create gradients, tone, or images, using greyscale.All other colours will be ignored.

    Cut lines and vector engraving must be lines of the smallest default stroke width possible in your software (e.g. “hairline” or “0.01”), with no fill.

    The laser will see every line in your file, including those hidden under others. For this reason, you need to remove any doubled lines in your file. Double cut lines can cause damage to your work, material, and the laser cutter.

    Nesting

    Make sure to keep at least 5mm from the edge of your material, and at least 1mm between shapes. This allows latent heat to disperse from your material, preventing charring and the risk of fires.

    Work must be nested to make your cutting times efficient, and reduces material waste.

    Example of work that has been nested vs not nested
    Example of work that has been nested vs not nested

    File size and format

    Export each sheet of material as a separate PDF at your material size (e.g. 900 x 600mm).

    Examples

    Artwork prepared for laser cutting, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale)
    Artwork prepared for laser cutting, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale)

    Artwork prepared for laser cutting, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale).

    Laser cutting and engraving processes produced by the artwork above on 3mm plywood
    Laser cutting and engraving processes produced by the artwork above on 3mm plywood

    Laser cutting and engraving processes produced by the artwork above on 3mm plywood.

    Software-specific guides and templates

    AutoCAD Rhinoceros 3d Illustrator Slicer for Fusion360
    AutoCAD File Setup
    Rhino File Setup
    Illustrator File Setup
    Stacked Slice Model Guide

    External Links

    Guide: Creating a Contour Model by Melbourne School of Design's Fab Lab

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