Epilog Laser Cutter
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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 a short list example 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.
The class normally includes two parts. The first part is a presentation focused on safety and precautions using the laser cutter. The second part is a hands on example of how to use the laser cutter. Each person will be able to use the laser cutter using Adobe Illustrator.
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 material compatibility list was obtained from Epilog Laser's website:
Source: https://www.epiloglaser.com/how-it-works/laser-material-compatibility.htm
