Andy's Guide to Using the Laser Cutter

 

The laser cutter is a complicated machine and preparing files to cut and engrave is even more complicated. I have made this guide to help you to save files in the correct format. You must follow all instructions given otherwise your file will not work with the laser's software. Don't worry though there are video guides and pictures to help you along. Read the text that is in bold as they are the important bits!

 

1. Getting to know the laser

 

The laser uses a high powered beam of light to either cut or engrave an object. It is not a printer. Cutting will cut into or through your object and engraving marks the surface of your object. I will go into more detail later about cutting and engraving. The key things to remember are:The maximum size that will fit into the laser is 640mm x 350mm

 

• The maximum size for an object is 640mm x 350mm (64cm x 35cm)
• The maximum depth to cut through and object is 6mm
• The machine will not cut or engrave metal and PVC plastics
• All work must be flat

2. Cutting and engraving

This is an example of 2 types of cutting. The outside of this
example has been completely cut out. The inside has only
been partially cut into which creates an outline image.
Speed and power settings determine how an object is cut. 



This is and example of an engraved image. Although it
is the same original image as the one oppisite you can
see that an engraving removes whole surface areas. The
different shades are caused by either slowing the laser
down or by increasing the power. This allows the laser
to burn the material more





So you hopefully understand the difference between cutting and engraving. Cutting will cut outlines and engraving will remove whole areas but how do well tell the machine what needs to be done? The answer is all in the colours!