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From Pumping Station One
Laser Cutter Instructions and Workflow (view source)
Revision as of 22:58, 4 February 2012
, 22:58, 4 February 2012no edit summary
The laser has two modes: raster and vector. Raster (aka: “multi-pass cut”) etches an image via multiple passes over an area, whereas vector (aka “single-pass cut”) makes a single pass over the material, cutting where the reference image has indicated. The host computer sees the laser cutter as just a regular printer and thus it can print from any program. We suggest you print from a vector-capable program such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Corel Draw, AutoCAD, etc.
The laser has two modes: raster and vector. Raster (aka: “multi-pass cut”) etches an image via multiple passes over an area, whereas vector (aka “single-pass cut”) makes a single pass over the material, cutting where the reference image has indicated. The host computer sees the laser cutter as just a regular printer and thus it can print from any program. We suggest you print from a vector-capable program such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Corel Draw, AutoCAD, etc.
'''
'''
1. File Prep'''
1. File Prep'''
a. All files to use (for cutting or engraving) should be vector (.ai, .svg, .eps, .pdf).
a. All files to use (for cutting or engraving) should be vector (.ai, .svg, .eps, .pdf).
xiv. Set the proper orientation, rotation, placement, etc.
xiv. Set the proper orientation, rotation, placement, etc.
xv. Do not click “Print” until the laser is on.
xv. Do not click “Print” until the laser is on.
'''3. Cutting and Engraving with the Laser'''
'''3. Cutting and Engraving with the Laser'''
a. Confirm the ventilation system is running (the orange fan in the garage on the wall). An easy way to check is just to touch the large exhaust tube, as it will be vibrating if the exhaust fan is on.
a. Confirm the ventilation system is running (the orange fan in the garage on the wall). An easy way to check is just to touch the large exhaust tube, as it will be vibrating if the exhaust fan is on.
k. Turn on the air assist (blue knob inline with tubing to the right of the cutter). The air compressor in the garage needs to be on and regulator positioned to 20-30PSI (no more). Air assist will audibly hiss.
k. Turn on the air assist (blue knob inline with tubing to the right of the cutter). The air compressor in the garage needs to be on and regulator positioned to 20-30PSI (no more). Air assist will audibly hiss.
l. You’re ready to cut or engrave. Press “Go” and watch the light show.
l. You’re ready to cut or engrave. Press “Go” and watch the light show.
'''
'''
4. Cleaning/Finishing Up'''
4. Cleaning/Finishing Up'''
iv. Open the front panel on the cutter, flip out the levers on the black tray, slide the tray out of the cutter, and empty it into the garbage.
iv. Open the front panel on the cutter, flip out the levers on the black tray, slide the tray out of the cutter, and empty it into the garbage.
v. Return the tray to the cutter, flip the levers back into the locked position, close the door and you’re done.
v. Return the tray to the cutter, flip the levers back into the locked position, close the door and you’re done.
'''HAPPY LAZZORING!'''
'''HAPPY LAZZORING!'''
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'''The “Hot Wire” test to check plastics for chlorine (from the London Hackerspace):'''
'''The “Hot Wire” test to check plastics for chlorine (from the London Hackerspace):'''
