Difference between revisions of "Epilog Laser Cutter"

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{{Under Construction}}
 
{{Under Construction}}
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== The Basics ==
  
 
The laser cutter is a 60 watt CO2 laser which can cut and engrave.
 
The laser cutter is a 60 watt CO2 laser which can cut and engrave.
  
−
Before using the laser cutter who must pass a beginner class for using the laser cutter.
+
It can be used with raster and vector type images.
 +
 
 +
There's a range of software that can be used with the laser cutter.
 +
 
 +
Here's an example short list of software that can be used.
 +
 
 +
For raster images:
 +
* Gimp
 +
* Photoshop
 +
 
 +
For vector images:
 +
* DraftSight
 +
* AutoCAD
 +
* Adobe Illustrator
 +
* Inkscape (free software)
 +
 
 +
The laser is used with different software as if it's a printer. Different results can be accomplished by adjusting the speed and power of the laser.
 +
 
 +
== Using the Laser Cutter ==
 +
 
 +
In order to use the laser cutter, you must be a member of FamiLAB. You must also be certified to use the laser cutter. Becoming certified involves taking a Beginner Laser Class.
 +
 
 +
The Beginner Laser Class is held every other Saturday. Check the [https://familab.org/calendar/ FamiLAB Calendar] for when it's scheduled.
  
−
In order to use the laser after taking the class you must be a member of FamiLAB.
 
  
 
[[File:Epilog-laser-cutter-01-sm.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Epilog 60-watt Laser Cutter.]]
 
[[File:Epilog-laser-cutter-01-sm.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Epilog 60-watt Laser Cutter.]]
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|-
 
|-
 
| Brass || style="text-align: center;" | * ||
 
| Brass || style="text-align: center;" | * ||
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|-
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| Carbon Fiber || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<-- || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<--
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Ceramic || style="text-align: center;" | Yes ||
 
| Ceramic || style="text-align: center;" | Yes ||
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| Fabric || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes  
 
| Fabric || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes  
 
|-
 
|-
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| Fiberglass || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes  
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| Fiberglass || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<-- || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<--
 +
|-
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| Foam (most formulations) || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Glass || style="text-align: center;" | Yes ||
 
| Glass || style="text-align: center;" | Yes ||
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| Matte Board || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
 
| Matte Board || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
 
|-
 
|-
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| MDF Board || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<-- ||
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| MDF Board || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<-- || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<--
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Melamine || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
 
| Melamine || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
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| Pressboard || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
 
| Pressboard || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
 
|-
 
|-
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| PVC || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<-- ||
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| Printed Circuit Boards || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<-- || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<--
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|-
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| PVC || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<-- || style="text-align: center;" | -->No!<--
 
|-
 
|-
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| Rubber || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
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| Rubber (most formulations) || style="text-align: center;" | Yes || style="text-align: center;" | Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Stainless Steel || style="text-align: center;" | * ||
 
| Stainless Steel || style="text-align: center;" | * ||
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* CO2 lasers will mark bare metals when coated with a metal marking solution.
 
* CO2 lasers will mark bare metals when coated with a metal marking solution.
  
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'''Under NO condition should the laser be used with PVC. The reason is the PVC will let off chlorine gas which will kill you.'''
+
'''Under NO condition should the laser be used with PVC. It will damage the laser and void the warranty. Additionally, the PVC will let off chlorine gas which will kill you.'''
  
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Information for the table was obtained from Epilog Laser's website:
+
Most of the information for the table was obtained from Epilog Laser's website:
  
 
Source: https://www.epiloglaser.com/how-it-works/laser-material-compatibility.htm
 
Source: https://www.epiloglaser.com/how-it-works/laser-material-compatibility.htm

Revision as of 05:53, 29 June 2016

WAIT!
This page is currently under construction, please avoid full page edits while this notice is in place. Sectional edits are safe but whole page edits could create conflicts between revisions.

The Basics

The laser cutter is a 60 watt CO2 laser which can cut and engrave.

It can be used with raster and vector type images.

There's a range of software that can be used with the laser cutter.

Here's an example short list of software that can be used.

For raster images:

  • Gimp
  • Photoshop

For vector images:

  • DraftSight
  • AutoCAD
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Inkscape (free software)

The laser is used with different software as if it's a printer. Different results can be accomplished by adjusting the speed and power of the laser.

Using the Laser Cutter

In order to use the laser cutter, you must be a member of FamiLAB. You must also be certified to use the laser cutter. Becoming certified involves taking a Beginner Laser Class.

The Beginner Laser Class is held every other Saturday. Check the FamiLAB Calendar for when it's scheduled.


Epilog 60-watt Laser Cutter.














Material Compatibility for the Laser Cutter/Engraver

Materials that are safe or not safe to use on the laser cutter/engraver.

If the material isn't listed here contact someone on the "Point of Contact" list and ask.

Material Engrave Cut
Acrylic Yes Yes
Anodized Aluminum Yes
Bare Metals *
Brass *
Carbon Fiber -->No!<-- -->No!<--
Ceramic Yes
Cloth Yes Yes
Coated Metals Yes
Corian Yes Yes
Cork Yes Yes
Delrin Yes Yes
Fabric Yes Yes
Fiberglass -->No!<-- -->No!<--
Foam (most formulations) Yes Yes
Glass Yes
Leather Yes Yes
Marble Yes
Matte Board Yes Yes
MDF Board -->No!<-- -->No!<--
Melamine Yes Yes
Mylar Yes Yes
Painted Metals Yes
Paper Yes Yes
Plastic Yes Yes
Pressboard Yes Yes
Printed Circuit Boards -->No!<-- -->No!<--
PVC -->No!<-- -->No!<--
Rubber (most formulations) Yes Yes
Stainless Steel *
Tile Yes
Titanium *
Wood Yes Yes
Wood Veneer Yes Yes
  • CO2 lasers will mark bare metals when coated with a metal marking solution.

Under NO condition should the laser be used with PVC. It will damage the laser and void the warranty. Additionally, the PVC will let off chlorine gas which will kill you.

Most of the information for the table was obtained from Epilog Laser's website:

Source: https://www.epiloglaser.com/how-it-works/laser-material-compatibility.htm

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