Laser Cutter - Revision history

Scorpia: Fix image formatting

2026-01-07T21:52:00Z

Fix image formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:52, 7 January 2026
Line 97:		Line 97:
	[[File:Laser rotary.jpg\|none\|thumb\|Rotary attachment]]		[[File:Laser rotary.jpg\|none\|thumb\|Rotary attachment]]

	# The rotary axis can be placed anywhere inside the machine, within reach of the cable there are three pins on the bottom of the assembly which should be placed touching the slots on the laser bed which will hold it in place and keep it rougthly aligned although you may need to fine tune the alignment to get it fully square. [[File:Laser rotary on laser.jpg\|frameless]][[File:Laser rotary pin left.jpg\|frameless]][[File:Laser rotary pin right.jpg\|frameless]]		# The rotary axis can be placed anywhere inside the machine, within reach of the cable there are three pins on the bottom of the assembly which should be placed touching the slots on the laser bed which will hold it in place and keep it rougthly aligned although you may need to fine tune the alignment to get it fully square.
	# The rotary axis plugs in into a port on the inside of the machine in the near right hand side, near the control panel. Once it is connected you will need to rerun the zero the axies command from the menu. [[File:Laser rotary connector.jpg\|frameless]]		[[File:Laser rotary on laser.jpg\|frameless]][[File:Laser rotary pin left.jpg\|frameless]][[File:Laser rotary pin right.jpg\|frameless]]
			# The rotary axis plugs in into a port on the inside of the machine in the near right hand side, near the control panel. Once it is connected you will need to rerun the zero the axies command from the menu.
			[[File:Laser rotary connector.jpg\|frameless]]
	# use the leaver arm on the adjustable end to set the lenth of the rotary so your item fits niceley, then use the adjustment dial on the movable end to get the surface level (use a spirit level for this).		# use the leaver arm on the adjustable end to set the lenth of the rotary so your item fits niceley, then use the adjustment dial on the movable end to get the surface level (use a spirit level for this).
	# use the normal distance tool to set the height of the laser above the workpiece.		# use the normal distance tool to set the height of the laser above the workpiece.
	# position the laser to the origin of where you want to cut/engrave (this should be on the centerline of your workpiece) [[File:Laser rotary setup.jpg\|frameless]]		# position the laser to the origin of where you want to cut/engrave (this should be on the centerline of your workpiece)
			[[File:Laser rotary setup.jpg\|frameless]]
	# Load your cutting file into the software and make any pre adjustments. when you are happy with the size you will need to adjust the scale of the Y axsis to 195% (this is in the top bar and you should unlock the x-y scales so only the Y axsis is adjusted		# Load your cutting file into the software and make any pre adjustments. when you are happy with the size you will need to adjust the scale of the Y axsis to 195% (this is in the top bar and you should unlock the x-y scales so only the Y axsis is adjusted
	# In the rotary settings (shown by a dot with ircular arrows you need to select the option "mirror the ourput to rotary"		# In the rotary settings (shown by a dot with ircular arrows you need to select the option "mirror the ourput to rotary"

Scorpia: Added documentation for rotary axis

2026-01-07T21:50:09Z

Added documentation for rotary axis

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:50, 7 January 2026
Line 95:		Line 95:
	The machine has a rotary tool which can be used for engraving round ojects such as glass bottles, glasses, or metal drink bottles.		The machine has a rotary tool which can be used for engraving round ojects such as glass bottles, glasses, or metal drink bottles.
	This is stored on the laser shelves but requires soume setup to use correctly.		This is stored on the laser shelves but requires soume setup to use correctly.
			[[File:Laser rotary.jpg\|none\|thumb\|Rotary attachment]]

	# The rotary axis can be placed anywhere inside the machine, within reach of the cable there are three pins on the bottom of the assembly which should be placed touching the slots on the laser bed which will hold it in place and keep it rougthly aligned although you may need to fine tune the alignment to get it fully square.		# The rotary axis can be placed anywhere inside the machine, within reach of the cable there are three pins on the bottom of the assembly which should be placed touching the slots on the laser bed which will hold it in place and keep it rougthly aligned although you may need to fine tune the alignment to get it fully square. [[File:Laser rotary on laser.jpg\|frameless]][[File:Laser rotary pin left.jpg\|frameless]][[File:Laser rotary pin right.jpg\|frameless]]
	# The rotary axis plugs in into a port on the inside of the machine in the near right hand side, near the control panel. Once it is connected you will need to rerun the zero the axies command from the menu.		# The rotary axis plugs in into a port on the inside of the machine in the near right hand side, near the control panel. Once it is connected you will need to rerun the zero the axies command from the menu. [[File:Laser rotary connector.jpg\|frameless]]
	# use the leaver arm on the adjustable end to set the lenth of the rotary so your item fits niceley, then use the adjustment dial on the movable end to get the surface level (use a spirit level for this).		# use the leaver arm on the adjustable end to set the lenth of the rotary so your item fits niceley, then use the adjustment dial on the movable end to get the surface level (use a spirit level for this).
	# use the normal distance tool to set the height of the laser above the workpiece.		# use the normal distance tool to set the height of the laser above the workpiece.
	# position the laser to the origin of where you want to cut/engrave (this should be on the centerline of your workpiece)		# position the laser to the origin of where you want to cut/engrave (this should be on the centerline of your workpiece) [[File:Laser rotary setup.jpg\|frameless]]
	# Load your cutting file into the software and make any pre adjustments. when you are happy with the size you will need to adjust the scale of the Y axsis to 195% (this is in the top bar and you should unlock the x-y scales so only the Y axsis is adjusted		# Load your cutting file into the software and make any pre adjustments. when you are happy with the size you will need to adjust the scale of the Y axsis to 195% (this is in the top bar and you should unlock the x-y scales so only the Y axsis is adjusted
	# In the rotary settings (shown by a dot with ircular arrows you need to select the option "mirror the ourput to rotary"		# In the rotary settings (shown by a dot with ircular arrows you need to select the option "mirror the ourput to rotary"

Scorpia: Add inital rotary instructions

2026-01-07T21:30:56Z

Add inital rotary instructions

@@ Line 47: / Line 47: @@
 === Engraving ===
 Acrylic plastic, wood, slate, and glass can be engraved.  Anodized aluminium can be engraved; other metals need to be coated with laser engraving spray or plaster/ipa mix (talk to Holly!).
 === Note ===
@@ Line 86: / Line 90: @@
 |Lightburn (Most vector and image types supported)
 |}
 == Training ==

Scorpia: Split model and manufacturer and remove out of date text that it is new

2026-01-07T20:27:27Z

Split model and manufacturer and remove out of date text that it is new

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:27, 7 January 2026
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	{{Infobox tool		{{Infobox tool
	\| type = Rapid Prototyping		\| type = Rapid Prototyping
	\| manufacturer = ~~Unknown~~		\| manufacturer = HPC
	\| model = ~~HPC~~ 1290		\| model = laserscript 1290
	\|induction_link=https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/}}		\|induction_link=https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/}}
	~~So Make It finally has one of the most important machines a makerspace needs; a laser cutter.~~

	'''It can only be used by members who have [https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/ completed the official laser training.]'''		'''It can only be used by members who have [https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/ completed the official laser training.]'''

Scorpia: Fill in model number

2026-01-07T20:23:44Z

Fill in model number

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:23, 7 January 2026
Line 3:		Line 3:
	\| type = Rapid Prototyping		\| type = Rapid Prototyping
	\| manufacturer = Unknown		\| manufacturer = Unknown
	\| model = ~~Unknown~~		\| model = HPC 1290
	\|induction_link=https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/}}		\|induction_link=https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/}}
	So Make It finally has one of the most important machines a makerspace needs; a laser cutter.		So Make It finally has one of the most important machines a makerspace needs; a laser cutter.

Scorpia: Replace page title headings with standard headings

2026-01-07T20:22:26Z

Replace page title headings with standard headings

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:22, 7 January 2026
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	Organisation and acquiring and commissioning the laser was done on [https://trello.com/b/0gzSlAqb/laser-cutter our trello board] and much more information can be found there. A report on the purchase of the machine can be viewed [https://github.com/somakeit/laser-cutter/blob/master/Laser%20Cutter%20Review.docx?raw=true here] on our github repo.		Organisation and acquiring and commissioning the laser was done on [https://trello.com/b/0gzSlAqb/laser-cutter our trello board] and much more information can be found there. A report on the purchase of the machine can be viewed [https://github.com/somakeit/laser-cutter/blob/master/Laser%20Cutter%20Review.docx?raw=true here] on our github repo.
	=Safety=
			== Safety ==
	'''There is a [https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/ laser cutter risk assessment] which should be read and understood by all laser operators.'''		'''There is a [https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/ laser cutter risk assessment] which should be read and understood by all laser operators.'''
	==Significant safety points to note==
			=== Significant safety points to note ===
	*Before using the machine you must have a fire safety plan in case of the worst. This includes checking:		*Before using the machine you must have a fire safety plan in case of the worst. This includes checking:
	**Checking the fire extinguisher and fire blanket are next to the machine		**Checking the fire extinguisher and fire blanket are next to the machine
Line 25:		Line 27:
	*You must only use materials that have been approved for use on the machine (see materials). If in doubt ask [[User:Daverowntree\|Dave Rowntree]].		*You must only use materials that have been approved for use on the machine (see materials). If in doubt ask [[User:Daverowntree\|Dave Rowntree]].
	If in doubt of any aspect of the machine or you suspect something is not working as it should immediately contact the trustees for assistance and do not continue to use the machine.		If in doubt of any aspect of the machine or you suspect something is not working as it should immediately contact the trustees for assistance and do not continue to use the machine.
	=Materials=
			== Materials ==
	It is important to only laser materials we are certain will not result in harm to yourself and other space users or damage to the machine. To this end in order to cut a material that SoMakeIt have not previously investigated you must follow this process:		It is important to only laser materials we are certain will not result in harm to yourself and other space users or damage to the machine. To this end in order to cut a material that SoMakeIt have not previously investigated you must follow this process:
	*Check we don't know about the material below and ask in the #laser-cutter channel on slack.		*Check we don't know about the material below and ask in the #laser-cutter channel on slack.
Line 32:		Line 35:
	*Insure that the byproducts of vaporisation will not damage the laser cutter.		*Insure that the byproducts of vaporisation will not damage the laser cutter.
	*Present this research to a laser trainer (ideally in the #laser-cutter slack channel).		*Present this research to a laser trainer (ideally in the #laser-cutter slack channel).
	==OK to cut==
			=== OK to cut ===
	Acrylic (a.k.a. PMMA, Plexiglass, or Lexan) up to about 6-8 mm; 10 mm is doable. Wood ideally 'laser' play or 'laser' mdf, oily woods are much more likely to burn so testing is advised. Card and paper can be cut with very low power, or pulsed laser control. Air assist will help prevent fires....but it is tricky. Natural fabrics and genuine leather.		Acrylic (a.k.a. PMMA, Plexiglass, or Lexan) up to about 6-8 mm; 10 mm is doable. Wood ideally 'laser' play or 'laser' mdf, oily woods are much more likely to burn so testing is advised. Card and paper can be cut with very low power, or pulsed laser control. Air assist will help prevent fires....but it is tricky. Natural fabrics and genuine leather.
	==NEVER CUT==
			=== NEVER CUT ===
	*Any material you have not researched and had cleared by a laser trainer (see above).		*Any material you have not researched and had cleared by a laser trainer (see above).
	*Fake leather (this may contain PVC).		*Fake leather (this may contain PVC).
	*Polycarbonate (it just burns and produces lots of smoke and fumes).		*Polycarbonate (it just burns and produces lots of smoke and fumes).
	*PVC, as it burns horribly and releases chlorine. Fumes will quickly destroy laser lens and mirrors.		*PVC, as it burns horribly and releases chlorine. Fumes will quickly destroy laser lens and mirrors.
	==Engraving==
			=== Engraving ===
	Acrylic plastic, wood, slate, and glass can be engraved. Anodized aluminium can be engraved; other metals need to be coated with laser engraving spray or plaster/ipa mix (talk to Holly!).		Acrylic plastic, wood, slate, and glass can be engraved. Anodized aluminium can be engraved; other metals need to be coated with laser engraving spray or plaster/ipa mix (talk to Holly!).
	==Note==
			=== Note ===
	Remembers the space does have a [http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/machines/portrait small vinyl cutter] that can do thin pvc/vinyl and other stuff that should not be cut on the laser. This will actually do a good job on paper without any burning issues and should be considered as an alternative machine for paper cutting.		Remembers the space does have a [http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/machines/portrait small vinyl cutter] that can do thin pvc/vinyl and other stuff that should not be cut on the laser. This will actually do a good job on paper without any burning issues and should be considered as an alternative machine for paper cutting.
	=Machine Specifications and Manual=
			== Machine Specifications and Manual ==
	We have an HPC 1290 laser kindly donated to us by Southampton University		We have an HPC 1290 laser kindly donated to us by Southampton University

	Datasheet: https://hpclaser.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LS1290-PRO-Data-Sheet-2021f.pdf		Datasheet: https://hpclaser.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LS1290-PRO-Data-Sheet-2021f.pdf

	==Manufacturers Specification==		=== Manufacturers Specification ===
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+		\|+
Line 79:		Line 87:
	\|}		\|}

	=Training=		== Training ==
	The process for getting laser trained:		The process for getting laser trained:
	*Become a member of So Make It		*Become a member of So Make It
Line 88:		Line 96:
	*See [[Laser Cutter Training]] for an overview of the training		*See [[Laser Cutter Training]] for an overview of the training
	*Pay the fee		*Pay the fee
	= Costs=
			== Costs ==
	We are charging everyone a £20 upfront fee for starting to use the cutter paid at your training session. This does not go to the trainer but is to quickly build up a war chest of funds for inevitable part replacement in the future.		We are charging everyone a £20 upfront fee for starting to use the cutter paid at your training session. This does not go to the trainer but is to quickly build up a war chest of funds for inevitable part replacement in the future.

	We are also charging 15p per minute of laser time, rounded up, you can see the preview to get an estimated cost. We are running this on an honour system same as the 3d printers; you can pay the fees in cash into the pink cashbox, via the card reader or via bank transfer. See [[Paying the space]] for more info.		We are also charging 15p per minute of laser time, rounded up, you can see the preview to get an estimated cost. We are running this on an honour system same as the 3d printers; you can pay the fees in cash into the pink cashbox, via the card reader or via bank transfer. See [[Paying the space]] for more info.

Scorpia: Add induction link

2024-09-17T18:20:50Z

Add induction link

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:20, 17 September 2024
Line 4:		Line 4:
	\| manufacturer = Unknown		\| manufacturer = Unknown
	\| model = Unknown		\| model = Unknown
	}}		\|induction_link=https://somakeit.org.uk/laser-induction/}}
	So Make It finally has one of the most important machines a makerspace needs; a laser cutter.		So Make It finally has one of the most important machines a makerspace needs; a laser cutter.

Joseph at 19:50, 16 September 2024

2024-09-16T19:50:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:50, 16 September 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Induction Required}}		{{Induction Required}}
			{{Infobox tool
			\| type = Rapid Prototyping
			\| manufacturer = Unknown
			\| model = Unknown
			}}
	So Make It finally has one of the most important machines a makerspace needs; a laser cutter.		So Make It finally has one of the most important machines a makerspace needs; a laser cutter.

Pbgben: Updated laser pricing

2023-09-12T16:21:25Z

Updated laser pricing

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 12 September 2023
Line 87:		Line 87:
	We are charging everyone a £20 upfront fee for starting to use the cutter paid at your training session. This does not go to the trainer but is to quickly build up a war chest of funds for inevitable part replacement in the future.		We are charging everyone a £20 upfront fee for starting to use the cutter paid at your training session. This does not go to the trainer but is to quickly build up a war chest of funds for inevitable part replacement in the future.

	We are also charging ~~£18~~ per ~~hour~~ of laser time~~; this nicely works out at 30p a min~~. We are running this on an honour system same as the 3d printers; you can pay the fees in cash into the cashbox on the ~~shelves directly behind~~ the ~~cutter~~.		We are also charging 15p per minute of laser time, rounded up, you can see the preview to get an estimated cost. We are running this on an honour system same as the 3d printers; you can pay the fees in cash into the pink cashbox, via the card reader or via bank transfer. See [[Paying the space]] for more info.

Pbgben: Update to HPC laser

2023-09-02T20:10:26Z

Update to HPC laser

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:10, 2 September 2023
Line 40:		Line 40:
	Remembers the space does have a [http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/machines/portrait small vinyl cutter] that can do thin pvc/vinyl and other stuff that should not be cut on the laser. This will actually do a good job on paper without any burning issues and should be considered as an alternative machine for paper cutting.		Remembers the space does have a [http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/machines/portrait small vinyl cutter] that can do thin pvc/vinyl and other stuff that should not be cut on the laser. This will actually do a good job on paper without any burning issues and should be considered as an alternative machine for paper cutting.
	=Machine Specifications and Manual=		=Machine Specifications and Manual=
	~~The space has~~ an ~~Epilog Legend Ext36 75W A1.~~		We have an HPC 1290 laser kindly donated to us by Southampton University

	~~'''Manuals & Templates~~:~~'''~~ https://~~github~~.~~com~~/~~somakeit~~/~~laser~~-~~cutter~~		Datasheet: https://hpclaser.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LS1290-PRO-Data-Sheet-2021f.pdf

	~~The Tube is (probably) A Coherent Diamond C70. We are told the tube was replaced in 2014 and has never been regassed.~~

	~~The Machine was Manufactured in October 2011. S/N: 9120-1121403624R Model: 9000 Laser System~~
	==Manufacturers Specification==		==Manufacturers Specification==
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
			\|+
			\|Cutting area
			\|1200mm x 900mm (slightly reduced for engraving)
	\|-		\|-
	\|Engraving ~~Area~~		\|Engraving speed
	\|~~36" x 24"~~		\|Upto 400/sec (Faster = less quality)
	(~~914 x 610 mm~~)
	\|-
	~~\|Maximum Material Thickness~~
	~~\|12" (305 mm)~~
	\|-
	~~\|Maximum Material Thickness with Table Removed~~
	~~\|14" (355 mm)~~
	\|-
	~~\|Laser Wattage~~
	~~\|75 watts~~
	\|-
	~~\|Laser Source~~
	~~\|State-of-the-art, digitally controlled, air-cooled CO2 laser tubes are fully modular, permanently aligned and field replaceable.~~
	\|-
	~~\|Intelligent Memory Buffer~~
	~~\|Store unlimited files up to 64MB. Rolling buffer allows files of any size to be engraved.~~
	\|-
	~~\|Permanent Job Save at the Laser~~
	~~\|Store up to 10 jobs at the laser, each up to 2 MB in size.~~
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Air Assist~~		\|Laser source
	\|~~Attach an air compressor to our included Air Assist to remove heat and combustible gases from the cutting surface by directing a constant stream of compressed air across the cutting surface.~~		\|Water cooled CO2 gas filled glass tube
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Laser Dashboard~~		\|Cooling system
	\|~~The Laser Dashboard controls your Epilog Laser's settings from a wide range of software packages - from design programs to spreadsheet applications to CAD drawing packages.~~		\|Compressor Based water chiller
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Red Dot Pointer~~		\|Z axis (table height)
	\|~~Since the laser beam is invisible, the Red Dot Pointer on Epilog's Laser Systems allow you to have a visual reference for locating where the laser will fire.~~		\|230mm
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Relocatable Home~~		\|Fume extraction
	\|~~When engraving items that are not easily placed at the top corner of the laser, you can set a new home position by hand with the convenient Moveable Home Position feature on the Legend Series.~~		\|Extractor to outside
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Operating Modes~~		\|Air assist compressor
	\|~~Optimized raster, vector or combined modes with engraving and cutting in one job.~~		\|Yes
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~Motion Control System~~		\|Connectivity
	\|~~High-speed, continuous-loop, DC brushless servomotors using linear and rotary encoder technology for precise positioning.~~		\|PC or USB
	\|-		\|-
	\|~~X-Axis Bearings~~		\|Software
	\|~~Ground~~ and ~~polished stainless steel long-lasting bearings.~~		\|Lightburn (Most vector and image types supported)
	\|-
	~~\|Print Interface~~
	~~\|10 Base-T Ethernet or USB connection. Compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7.~~
	\|-
	~~\|Size (W x D x H)~~
	~~\|50.5" x 33" x 42" (1283 x 838 x 1067 mm) - (120 watt: 36"/914 mm deep).~~
	\|-
	~~\|Weight~~
	~~\|440 lbs (199 kg)~~
	\|-
	~~\|Electrical Requirements~~
	~~\|Auto-switching power supply accommodates 110 to 240 volts, 50 or 60 Hz, single phase, 15 amp AC.~~
	\|-
	~~\|Super-Silent Cooling Fans~~
	~~\|64 db (not available on the 120 watt~~).
	\|-
	~~\|Ventilation~~
	~~\|External exhaust to the outside or internal filtration system required. There are two output ports, each 6" in diameter.~~
	\|-
	~~\|Laser System Classification~~
	~~\|Class 2 Laser Product - 1 mW CW Maximum 600-700 nm.~~
	\|}		\|}

	=Training=		=Training=
	The process for getting laser trained:		The process for getting laser trained:
Line 123:		Line 84:
	*See [[Laser Cutter Training]] for an overview of the training		*See [[Laser Cutter Training]] for an overview of the training
	*Pay the fee		*Pay the fee
	=Costs=		= Costs=
	We are charging everyone a £20 upfront fee for starting to use the cutter paid at your training session. This does not go to the trainer but is to quickly build up a war chest of funds for inevitable part replacement in the future.		We are charging everyone a £20 upfront fee for starting to use the cutter paid at your training session. This does not go to the trainer but is to quickly build up a war chest of funds for inevitable part replacement in the future.

	We are also charging £18 per hour of laser time; this nicely works out at 30p a min. We are running this on an honour system same as the 3d printers; you can pay the fees in cash into the cashbox on the shelves directly behind the cutter.		We are also charging £18 per hour of laser time; this nicely works out at 30p a min. We are running this on an honour system same as the 3d printers; you can pay the fees in cash into the cashbox on the shelves directly behind the cutter.