Laser Cutting: Difference between revisions

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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 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
Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information, guides, and templates below. {{Note
| inline = 0
| inline = 0
| type = warn
| type = warn
| text = Laser cutting requires a General Makerspace Induction. Use of the Emblaser 2 laser cutters requires a Laser Cutting Badge.
| text = Laser cutting requires a Makerspace Induction.
}}
}}
 
Prepare your files for laser cutting using the information and guides below.


== Equipment Specifications ==
== Laser cutting equipment ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Type
!Type
Line 18: Line 15:
!Location
!Location
|-
|-
|Trotec SP500
|Trotec SP500[[File:Trotec sp 500 image.jpg|thumb]]
|1
|1
|1245 mm x 710 mm
|1245 mm x 710 mm
Line 24: Line 21:
|418 Makerspace
|418 Makerspace
|-
|-
|Darkly Labs Emblaser 2
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx[[File:Speedy 400.jpg|thumb]]
|10
|500mm x 300mm
|Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3mm)
|418 Makerspace
|-
|Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
|1
|1
|1000 x 610mm
|1000 x 610mm
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials.
|202 Digital Modelling
|202 Digital Modelling
|}
|}{{Note
{{Note
| inline = 1
| inline = 1
| type = info
| type = info
| text = <strong>Trotec SP500 and Speedy 400</strong> This equipment is strictly operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut.<br><br>
| text = This equipment is operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut.
 
<strong>Emblaser 2 </strong>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 ==
{{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>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 ===
=== Materials that can be cut and/or engraved ===
Both the Makerspace and Digital Modelling Workshop stock plywood and strawboard for laser cutting. 
In the '''Makerspace''', you can only process materials supplied by the workshop:
 
The Makerspace laser cutters cut '''supplied materials only:'''
 
* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Plywood 3mm and 6mm thick, up to 1200 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size
* Strawboard 1mm and 2mm thick, up to 900 x 600mm in size
Line 56: Line 46:
You cannot bring in other materials to cut on the Makerspace laser cutters.  
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:
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
* Cast acrylic
Line 63: Line 53:
* Leather
* Leather
* Card and paper
* Card and paper
* Polyethylene
* Polypropylene
* Acetate
* Acetate


And can engrave (but not cut) some others, such as:
Some materials can be engraved only, including:


* Glass and ceramics
* Glass and ceramics
* Solid wood
* Solid wood
{{Note
* Some metals
| inline = 0
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.
| 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 ===
=== 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.
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.  


== 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]]


=== Vector files ===
=== Vector files only ===


* Vector files are the only format the laser cutter will recognise for cutting and vector engraving
==== What is a vector file? ====
* 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
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.  
* 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:


==== Trotec (SP500 and Speedy 400 Flexx) ====
==== Software that can create vector files ====
Cut: <span style="color:rgb(255,0,0);font-weight:bold;">RGB red</span>, hairline thickness
You can create vector files with software that you might already use, such as:


Vector engraving: <span style="color:rgb(0,255,0);font-weight:bold;">RGB green</span>, hairline thickness
* AutoCAD
* [[Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino)|Rhinoceros 3D ("Rhino")]]
* Adobe Illustrator
* CorelDraw
* Inkscape


Raster engraving: <span style="font-weight:bold;">RGB black</span> or <span style="color:rgb(75,75,75);font-weight:bold;">greyscale</span>; a solid fill engrave should be black fill, while you can use greyscale to create different tonal values or depths
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.


==== Emblaser 2 ====
==== Identifying a vector file ====
Cut: <span style="color:rgb(255,0,0);font-weight:bold;">RGB red</span>, hairline thickness
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 engraving: <span style="color:rgb(0,255,0);font-weight:bold;">RGB green</span>, hairline thickness
[[File:Vector_vs_Raster.jpg|alt=vector vs raster visualisation.|frameless|300x300px]]


Solid fill raster engraving: <span style="color:rgb(0,0,255);font-weight:bold;">RGB blue</span>, hairline thickness
=== 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.


Tonal value/gradient: <span style="color:rgb(75,75,75);font-weight:bold;">Greyscale</span>
<span style="background-color: #FF0000">RGB red</span>: cut


=== File size and format ===
<span style="background-color: #00FF00">RGB green</span>: vector engraving (“etching”)


* Files must be saved in PDF format
<span style="background-color: #000000;color: #FFFFFF";>RGB black/greyscale</span>: raster engraving
* 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
[[File:Types-of-engraving.jpg|alt=Engraving types.|frame|The various types of vector colours used to created different cuts on plywood.|none]]


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


==== AutoCAD ====
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.
[[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]] 
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.  


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


==== Rhino 3d ====
Work must be nested to make your cutting times and material use efficient.  
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|RHINO > FILE SET UP GUIDE > PDF]]


[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|RHINO > TEMPLATES > 3DM]]
=== File size and format ===
Export each sheet of material as a '''separate''' PDF at your material size (e.g. 900 x 600mm).  


=== Examples ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
![[File:Laserdemo trotec.png|alt=Artwork prepared for Trotec laser cutters, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale). In green is an icon showing a laser beam, and the year 2023. The text "LASER" is in solid black. There is a greyscale gradient at the top, and a red rectangular outline with curved corners.|frameless]]
|-
|Artwork prepared for Trotec laser cutters, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale)
|-
|[[File:Lasercut logo.jpg|alt=Laser-cut and engraved piece of ply based on example artwork. The ply is rectangular with rounded corners, with a shaded gradient at the top. It has an engraved line drawing of a laser beam, with the words "2023 LASER" engraved below.|center|frameless]]
|-
|Laser cutting and engraving styles produced by the above image
|}


== Software-specific guides and templates ==


==== Fusion 360 ====
=== AutoCAD ===
[[:File:LASER CUTTING DOC AUTO CAD Jan 2025.pdf|AutoCAD File setup guide (PDF)]]


[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD TORTEC SP500.zip|AutoCAD Laser cutting template Trotec SP500 (dwg)]] 


[[Media:TEMPLATE AutoCAD EMBLASER 2.zip|AutoCAD Laser cutting template Emblaser 2 (dwg)]]


==== Illustrator ====
=== Rhinoceros 3d ===
[[Media:LASER CUTTING DOC DRAFT RHINO 001.zip|Rhino File setup guide (pdf)]]


== Setting up files ==
[[Media:Rhino Laser Cutter Template.zip|Rhino Laser cutting templates (3dm)]]
[[File:Fushion 360 Components.png|thumb|An example of components within Fushion 360.|164x164px]]


=== Autodesk Fusion 360 ===
=== 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.
[[Media:Fusion 360 document.pdf|Fusion360 Laser cutting guide (PDF)]]


==== Laser Cutting Setup ====
=== Stacked Slices in Slicer for Fusion 360 ===
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.
[[Media:26-03-03-Guide-StackedSlicesSlicerforFusion360-V1.pdf|Guide: Laser-Cut Stacked Slice Model Using Slicer for Fusion 360]]


==== Example of component-based modelling ====
=== Illustrator ===
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:
Coming soon<gallery>
</gallery>


# Selecting the top-level component
== External Links ==
# Creating a new sketch
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
# 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]]
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]
[[Category:Digital Modelling]]

Latest revision as of 18:34, 13 March 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.

Laser cutting equipment

Type Quantity Dimensions Materials Location
Trotec SP500
 1 1245 mm x 710 mm Strawboard (1 and 2mm), plywood (3 and 6mm) 418 Makerspace
Trotec Speedy 400 Flexx
 1 1000 x 610mm Strawboard, plywood, acrylic, mylar, fabrics, and other materials. 202 Digital Modelling
This equipment is operated only by technical staff. Students must be present at the workshop to have their work cut.

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

    • 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.

    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.

    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 and material use efficient.

    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 Trotec laser cutters, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale). In green is an icon showing a laser beam, and the year 2023. The text "LASER" is in solid black. There is a greyscale gradient at the top, and a red rectangular outline with curved corners.
    Artwork prepared for Trotec laser cutters, including cutting (red), vector engraving (green), and raster engraving (black/greyscale)
    Laser-cut and engraved piece of ply based on example artwork. The ply is rectangular with rounded corners, with a shaded gradient at the top. It has an engraved line drawing of a laser beam, with the words "2023 LASER" engraved below.
    Laser cutting and engraving styles produced by the above image

    Software-specific guides and templates

    AutoCAD

    AutoCAD File setup guide (PDF)

    AutoCAD Laser cutting template Trotec SP500 (dwg)

    AutoCAD Laser cutting template Emblaser 2 (dwg)

    Rhinoceros 3d

    Rhino File setup guide (pdf)

    Rhino Laser cutting templates (3dm)

    Fusion 360

    Fusion360 Laser cutting guide (PDF)

    Stacked Slices in Slicer for Fusion 360

    Guide: Laser-Cut Stacked Slice Model Using Slicer for Fusion 360

    Illustrator

    Coming soon

    External Links

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

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