Laser cutter (Trotec Speedy 300) ID:107
Type | Trotec |
Make/Model | Speedy 300 |
Serial number | S3-4699 |
Original owner | Protospace |
Loan status | Owned by Protospace |
Arrival date | December 2016 |
Location | Bay 108, near the door to the front rooms |
Functional status | Working |
Usage permissions | Members & Friends Only |
Certification | Must complete Laser Certification and Trotec Certification |
Wiki-ID | 107 |
Label | 1.0" 1.5" 2.0" |
Quick Specs
- Working bed size: 730mm x 430mm (28 3/4" x 17" ish)
- Engraving resolution: 1000DPI
- Kerf: 0.1mm
- Supported file formats: Anything that can be "printed" to JobControl with the appropriate vectors, fills and line formatting. Trotec's excellent tutorials and our training courses are done in CorelDRAW, so the computer attached to our laser provides a licensed copy. Other popular software includes Inkscape, Autodesk AutoCAD and Adobe Illustrator, generating files such as DXF, CDR, SVG, AI, PDF, etc.
- Maximum material thickness: generally 1/2", with thicker materials possible using multiple passes, resulting in poor edge finish due to kerf.
Usage and Billing Policies
This tool is not free. |
Documentation
It is imperative to complete a chlorine test on materials before working with them in any laser cutter. |
Per training and usage agreement, the lens and mirror must be checked and cleaned:
|
References
Google Drive: Trotec documentation resources
JobControl 11.2 Operation Manual
Tips and tricks
Engraving can be done with image files (PNG et al) including photo engraves, or with vector fills, including masking with white.
Please try any new, strange, or unknown materials in the Rabbit first, and closely watch them for flame or dense black smoke. The lens is very exposed on the Trotec and thick smokey materials, like woods full of resin or glue, rubber, or some plastics, can very quickly damage the machine and potentially the lungs of everyone in the space. Start with low power tests and work your way up.
Power and speed settings
This section to be filled, or removed. Refer to materials database.
Troubleshooting
CorelDRAW won't launch (shows logo and immediately quits, doesn't get to login screen)
In Windows, navigate to C:\Users\Your.Username\AppData\Roaming\ (replace "Your.Username" with the name used to logon to the machine; note that the "AppData" folder is hidden, and will need to be manually typed into the address bar). Rename the "Corel" folder to "Corel.bak" and attempt to launch CorelDRAW. This process will displace your tool presets, window positions, recent files list, palettes, etc.
Lines are not picked up by JobControl
See color chart on this page, verify your palette. Check line thickness, it should be "hairline" or very small, 0.2px seemed to work in Inkscape.
JobControl shows a 0:00 estimate, even with valid lines/colors
With short cuts {{Vague|How short? <15sec definitely, test more and fill in|date=April 2022}} , sometimes the estimated time shown will be 0:00 after updating job time estimate. If the color is being picked up by JobControl and the lines appear correct in preview, just try it - scrap material is helpful here.
Printing to JobControl shows a blank job
Move your work to another part of the page, check Print Preview and CorelDRAW's Preflight tab.
JobControl says that "job will not fit on plate"
When printing, venture into the Trotec Engraver printer settings and ensure that both "Take from application" and "Minimize to jobsize" are enabled. Then, ensure that your job actually fits onto a page that'll fit on the Trotec bed. Watch for stragglers, points of vectors, errant pastes or lines. Check the Print Preview and CorelDRAW's Preflight tab. Move your work to another part of the page. If all else fails, return to the Trotec Engraver printer settings and manually set the jobsize to equal the Trotec bed size.
Job appears to print successfully, but doesn't show in JobControl's list
Disable DPI filter below list, "clear all" ??
History
Aug/Sept 2020 - replacement and repair of Y motor
June 30th 2019 - first aftermarket replacement lens installed
June 12th 2019 - eggcrate DIY worktable installed
December 2016 - purchased, new