Laser Cutter (CAM) Manual-snippet
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Contents |
Keywords
Laser Cutter, LaserCAM, Manual, Plexiglass
Description
Katherine Kuchenbecker and Professor Okamura have created a useful guide for the laser cutter machine located in the Wyman Park Building.
Link
This in-depth tutorial is located here: http://www.me.jhu.edu/LaserCutter.pdf
If you would like to become trained in order to use the machine please contact:
Mike Johnson <rjohns94@jhu.edu>
Report any problems with the laser cutter immediately to Bob Blakely at bob@poseidon.me.jhu.edu.
Follow the instructions on the wall: turn on all fans/vents.
Please feel free to add to this wiki:
- Setup files
- Test files
- Tips and Tricks
- If the acrylic is missing the backing (only need to bottom) use a piece of paper under the stock material to prevent burns in the acrylic.
- Parameters
- The layer thickness needs to be non zero (ie 0.05mm for all layers). This is often the change incorporated into the plot style (ie laser1.ctb).
- There is a difference between cast and extruded acrylic in terms of engraving... look it up.
- Common settings:
- 12mm clear acrylic: power 100, speed 1.0, ppi 1000 (1 pass)
- 6mm clear acrylic: power 100, speed 4.5, ppi 1000 (1 pass)
- 4mm red acrylic: power 80, speed 4.8, ppi 1000 (1 pass)
- Slower speeds are preffered (<3) for better mechanical stability.
- Engraving
- Power 40, speed 5 ppi 500 (1000 takes too long) - 3mm depth. The lens becomes dirty due to dust, please clean it.
- Power 7.2 speed 5.5, ppi 1000, for line etching (mm or less deep on red acrylic)
- An alternative is to use TXTEXP to convert autocad text to vector outlines, or even easier is to use the simple line font, or swiss blk outline font.
Autocad Layout
- 1. Create your drawing in whatever units you wish. (unitless actually)
- 2. Click on layout1
- 3. Specify the device "XR660"
- 4. Printable area: Size should custom landscape & 'the units should be your desired drawing units'.
- 5. Plot scale 1:1
- 6. Plot area: Layout
- 7. Enlarge the viewport rectangle so it is larger then paper limits (drag).
- 8. Double click inside of this viewport and type in: 'Z' enter '1XP'. Then double click anywhere out of the viewport. ( the other way to enter and leave paper space is by clicking on the PAPER or MODEL button in the bottom status bar)
- 9. Before printing in plotter setup use laser1 plot style.
Note:The parts might be hot when you take them out.
McMaster-Carr has a good selection of stock materials, and typically they deliver the next day.
Acrylic comes in various colors and sizes. You will also need an acrylic solvent to bond parts.
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