Using the Laser Cutter

From Makerspace Nanaimo
Revision as of 13:54, 11 February 2019 by Chrisgerlinsky (talk | contribs) (clean up 'Preparing the file for download to the machine')
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NOTE: This page is in a very ROUGH DRAFT state.


Preparing the file for download to the machine

  1. Start RDWorksV8 on the laser PC.
  2. Import your file (.dxf or .ai usually).
  3. Verify the dimensions of your imported design in RDWorks.
  4. Select paths and assign them to layers by selecting different colors for them.
  5. For each layer (color) assign the cut/scan parameters.
    • Double-click on the layer to bring up the 'Layer Parameter' Window.
    1. Enter the parameters for your material - Processing Mode: Cut/Scan, Min Power/Max Power, Scan Mode: X_swing, Interval.
      or,
    2. Select 'Parameter library' and choose a material from the list to load the preset parameters.
      • If selecting Scan, check 'Scan Mode' and set it to X_swing to have the laser etch when moving in both directions.
  6. For each layer, check that 'Output' is set to 'Yes' and 'Hide' is set to 'No'.
  7. Be aware of the order of layers, typically you want to do the vector engrave and scanning before cuts, to ensure the material doesn't shift due to the cut.
    • Select 'Cut optimize' and check 'Order of layer', so that the machine will process the layers in the order set in RDWorks.
  8. Click the 'Preview' icon to get an estimate of job length and see result with scanned objects.
    • The time estimate should be taken with a grain of salt - in some cases, RDWorks grossly underestimates the actual time required.
    • The 'Preview' screen will show areas set for raster scanning as being shaded.
    • Click 'Simulation' to see the order of cuts on screen.
  9. Save your file in RDWorks - NOTE: Use 'Save As' to save your file, there is a bug in RDWorks with the 'Save' option.
    • Sometimes the 'Save' option in RDWorks will use the wrong filename and save over another file. Using 'Save As' works properly.

Sending the job to the laser cutter

  • in 'laser work' at bottom left, click 'start' to run the laser cutter.
    • if there is a problem, press 'stop'
    • you can also press 'stop' from the control panel on the laser cutter
  • use the emergency stop button in case of a problem that you can't stop otherwise
  • ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON THE MACHINE WHILE IT IS CUTTING - a fire can start at any time and it takes only seconds for the machien to be damaged, it is NOT PERMISSIBLE to leave the machine while the laser is operating.
    • Leaving the laser cutter running unattended will get you banned from using the laser cutter.
  • ALWAYS OPERATE THE LASER SAFELY - ensure the lid of the machine is closed, the chiller is operating, the exhaust fan is operating, and the air assist pump is operating. (they should all come on together when the machine is powered up)
  • BE SURE TO ONLY USE LASER-SAFE MATERIALS - a lot of materials contain chemicals that are dangerous and can permanently damage the laser cutter if they are cut or engraved in the machine.
    • Ask the laser team about the material you want to use to be sure.
    • get laser-safe materials from IPP

Running the machine

  • check that lens assembly is clear and will be able to home and move around the entire platform area
  • turn on the machine & chiller
    • machine will automatically home x/y then return to its last origin
    • keyfob access to start the machine
  • check that everything is powered on:
    • water chiller
    • exhaust fan
    • air assist pump (this doesn't run until it's needed?)
  • lower bed using control pad on machine
  • insert material on bed
    • use thin magnets to hold material down if necessary
      • ! be aware of whether the lens assembly will run into the magnets
  • move lens assembly above your material (ensure autofocus probe is above material) and select 'autofocus' from control pad menu
    • be nervous as the machine looks like its going to crash your material into the laser head, but it shoudl stop at the last moment
      • ! be prepared to hit emergency stop if something goes wrong and the material touches the lens assembly!
  • download your file to the machine using rdworks on the laser PC (see 'preparing the file and downloading to the machine')
  • open your file
  • set your origin (top-left corner)
  • turn on laser
  • hit 'start'
  • watch the machine during the process - do not leave it for even a moment, it is a fire hazard!
  • after it's done, switch off the laser
  • move the lens assembly out of the way of your material
    • you may also want to lower the platform before removing your material, to keep from banging into the lens assembly
  • let the fumes clear from inside the laser cutter for a moment
  • remove your material from the machine
  • write down your name and job info (parameters etc) on the log sheet
    • take a picture too
  • if there were any problems or hiccups, let the laser team know: laser@makerspacenanaimo.org
    • if there was a problem, also leave a note at the machine in case someone else uses it before the laser team responds

Focusing the laser

  • Autofocus
    • be aware of where the autofocus probe is! if its off the edge of the material you can jam the lens assembly into your material!
      • this requires the front panel to be opened and the bed to be manually lowered
      • do NOT turn on the machine again while the lens assembly is touching the material
  • Manual focus
    • there should be a 'focus block' that is exactly the distance the laser head needs to be from the work material
  • NOTE - any time the machine is started (or restarted), it will home on the X/Y axis (but will not adjust Z)
    • if there is anything touching or in the way of the lens assembly, it will crash when performing the automatic home sequence!
    • ALWAYS be aware of where the lens assembly is going to move, before turning on the machine
    • turn on the machine before putting your material in - after homing sequence, the lens will move to its last set origin - you might not know where that is

Rotary axis for engraving round things

  • NOTE - the machine must be powered down for the rotary axis to be plugged into the system
  • rotary axis replaces 'y' axis
  • # of steps per rotation (this should be set already)
  • focusing (autofocus should work? or maybe prefer manual focus if its something fragile)

Notes about using the laser

  • do not change any machine parameters. set your cut and scan power levels and speeds. contact laser team for help with anything else.
  • do not change any parameters in 'user' tab of RDworks
    • setting some of these parameters incorrectly can cause damage to the machine

You should:

  • download rdworks and install on your own computer to perform the import and layer assignment, etc, at home
    • sometimes it has trouble importing files, so this can save you a lot of time and headache sitting at the laser cutter
  • also download the rdworkslab manual (pdf)
  • Watch 'rdworks learning lab' series on sarbar multimedia youtube channel

Laser work flow

  • rdworks is used to control the laser cutter - it must be able to import your design
    • import file formats - .ai or .dxf recommended
    • rdworks has limited editing capabilities
  • other vector editing tools can be used:
    • inkscape for svg/dxf edit and saving (free)
    • other tools available - most of them aren't free
  • online sources for patterns - a lot of patterns exist that can be downloaded then imported into rdworks.
    • some downloaded files may need to be converted or edited with another tool (ie: inkscape) before rdworks can import the data

Inkscape basics

  • object vs path vs stroke
    • height/width and position in inkscape are based on the stroke width. if you use them for measurements, then change objects to paths, the paths will have slightly different dimensions (due to being narrower by the stroke width)
  • colors are how you set layers (rdworks ignores layers, just uses colors)
    • use the basic set of colors as used in rdworks so you can select and assign vectors to the same layers
    • you can use other colors if you want (and can create more than 20). but why would you want to.

Creating a file in Onkscape

  • adding text
  • drawing shapes (outline)
  • adding an image (photo)
  • outline to cut

Laser job form

  • Date:
  • Name:
  • Material:
  • Thickness:
  • Cut
    • Speed
    • Power
  • Scan
    • Speed
    • Power
    • Interval setting for raster/scan
  • Vector engrave
    • Speed
    • Power
  • Filename:
  • Source of design:
  • Photos:
  • Notes: