80 watt laser engraver

super rough notes, don't even look at me pls

gotchas

• ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT WATER PUMP IS RUNNING, it is turned on by plugging in extra cord that comes out of water cooler
• cutting order is often strange, don't freak out if it looks like it skipped a section, it will come back
• engraving and cutting can be put in same file, when you get them into lasercut select cuts and push them to a later layer (select line, select layer colour)
• think about cut order, if it matters push cuts to different layers, e.g. shark with eye cut out, cut out eye first then shark, otherwise shark could fall away or move before the eye has been cut
• put exhaust fan outside, plug it in and cover up the gap in the bay door

Process notes

• google sketchup -> dxf via http://www.guitar-list.com/files/skp_to_dxf.rbz
• take file to laser laptop
• open dxf in autocad save as 2004 dxf
• import in lasercut5.1
• download button
• download current
• do setup tests for function, focus,
• use test to setup test piece
• verify cut/engrave speed and power settings
• use test to setup work piece
• cut

cut guidelines

materialxthickness

acrylic

2mm speed 5-10 power 100

6mm speed ? power ?

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Importance of focusing/lens choice http://www.thefabricator.com/article/lasercutting/the-importance-of-focal-positions-in-laser-cutting Focus on the surface, under the surface, or on the bottom surface.

Powering up the machine

With very few exceptions, the same order of operations should always be maintained for safe proper operation. Failing to enable a portion of the cooling system will damage the laser.

1. Open cutting area and remove any objects from the working bed.
2. Plug in circulation pump to a 110v circuit. (currently does not power on with chiller),
3. Power on 120-240 voltage converter (box on trolley with green light-up switch).
   • Verify that power is applied to the chiller and air pump. These are 220v appliances and need to be plugged directly into the voltage converter.
4. Set up ventilation fan outdoors, leave unplugged but switch unit on.
   • During colder temperatures only run exhaust while cutting is taking place.
5. Activate power to laser cutter from switch on back of unit.
6. Deactivate E-stop with a twisting motion, and power on laser with key switch on front panel.

The laser is now active and ready to accept instructions from the laptop.

Using the machine

regurgitate the above here

Shutting down the machine

Following the same steps in reverse order will help ensure the machine is left in a safe mode.

1. Activate E-stop to render the work-area safe.
2. Clean out remnants from the cutting area.
3. Turn off power from the key switch, this will turn off the work-light.
4. Deactivate/put away exhaust fan
5. Power down voltage converter (green switch)
6. Unplug circulation pump
7. Turn off power to back of unit