L A S E R C U T T I N G A DO SPACE CRASH COURSE PRESENTED BY FRANK FU
ABOUT
• Creative possibilities of laser cutting and engraving • Laser cutting and engraving • Materials and objects that can be cut and engraved in the Do Space laser cutter • the difference between cutting, engraving, and marking • how you can reserve the laser cutter for your own projects
PROJECT
About this Workshop
• how to use Adobe Illustrator to prepare graphics and text • how to use the Universal Laser Cutter’s software to define the characteristics of the material you’re going to cut/engrave • how to turn on the vent, adjust the bed, position the material in the cutter, and cut/engrave your project
Creative Possibilities
S A M P L E S P A P E R
Creative Possibilities – Paper and Cardstock
Creative Possibilities – Paper and Cardstock
S A M P L E S W O O D
Creative Possibilities – Wood
Creative Possibilities – Wood
S A M P L E S M E T A L
Creative Possibilities – Glass
Creative Possibilities – Glass
S A M P L E S G L A S S – R O T A R Y
P R O J E C T L E X U S
Creative Possibilities – Three Dimensions
Creative Possibilities – Three Dimensions
Creative Possibilities – Three Dimensions
L A S E R I N T R O D U C T I O N
CUT
Laser Cutter Processes
• Cut up to ¼ inch thick material in one pass • It will not cut metal or stone
ENGRAVE
• Laser Engraving is the removal of material from the top surface down to a specified depth • Engrave paper, cardstock, mat board, wood (avoid plywood), leather, and acrylic (cast acrylic is best)
MARK
Laser Cutter Processes
• This is a shallow engraving process similar to etching. • It’s used for glass or metal (use only non-glare or coated metals (shiny metals such as copper, silver, or mirrors may damage the laser)
SOFTWARE
How Does the Laser Cutter Work?
• Vector software - Adobe Illustrator • You can import other files into Illustrator such as .eps files or Corel Draw files. • Universal Laser System Software
Graphics for Cutting and Engraving
Vector Graphic
Graphics for Cutting and Engraving
Raster Graphic
Graphics for Cutting and Engraving
Vector Line 5 pt - Engrave Line
D
Space
Vector Line 0.072 pt - Cut Line
Graphics for Cutting and Engraving
.Ai
.bmp
.png
.tiff
Compatible File Formats with Ai
.psd
.jpg
.gif
.svg
.eps
.cdr
Wood
Acrylic
Paper
Leather
Metal
Safe Materials for Laser Cutting
Stone
Fabric
Glass
Materials that DON’T Work in the Laser
PVC
Milk Bottle Plastic
Foamcore
Coated Carbon Fiber
Foam
UnSafe Materials for Laser Cutting
ABS
Fiberglass
PolyStyrene Polypropylene
How to Get Your Hands on the Laser Cutter!
Reserve the laser cutter for up to 2 hours per session, per day
Let’s Start a Project!
P R O J E C T