Old Laser Cutter

The Laser Cutter is in beta stage is will be available for use Soon!

The Laser Cutter is a 40 watt CO2 laser located in the HackRVA Electronics Lab. It can cut materials such as wood and plastic (but nothing containing chlorine!). We use Mach3 control software.

Access to the Laser Cutter requires Laser Training from a qualified member.

 wear eye protection
 no incorrect materials with laser (PVC)

Quick-Start guide for the Laser Cutter

Step 1: Turn on the computer connected to the laser (computer on first or they won’t talk).

Step 3: Open Mach3 software on the computer.

Step 4: Turn on the Laser Cutter by plugging in the GFI cord (looks like a short, yellow extension cord).

Step 5: Plug in the ventilation fan (fan is on the nearby double-door).

Step 6: "Home" the laser (so it knows where the laser head is).

Step 7: Load your G-Code under “file->load g-code” in the top--bar menu.

Step 8: Use “tab” to bring up the virtual pendent (so you can jog/move the machine head)

Step 9: Place your workpiece on the cutting bed, but don't knock into the laser head. Lower the cutting bed if you need more room.

Step 10: Position the tool to your 0,0 point.

Step 11: Raise or Lower the cutting bed such that the top of your workpiece is 71 mm below the top of the laser carriage.

Step 12: Zero-out all your coordinates inside Mach3. (the “ref coordinates” button on screen)

Step 13: Set the laser power as needed.

Step 14: Hit “Cycle-Start” button on computer screen in Mach3 to begin cutting routine.

Step 15: Be ready to hit “stop” on screen, especially on first starting, in case something is wrong.

Laser Tips and Safety

Using the Machine:

• Wear safety glasses. Stray laser beams are invisible and can blind you.
• If your work-piece starts flaming, hit the big-red stop button on the front of the laser, then put out the fire.
• Don’t put your hands in proximity of the laser head while it’s running. The machine might make a move you’re not expecting.
• Watch the machine while it’s cutting. Be ready to turn it off in case something malfunctions.
• If you have doubts about your G-Code, run the CNC in the air with the big, red Stop Button on the front of the laser pressed in. You can see the laser's path without damaging your work piece.
• Be aware when adjusting the table height. You don’t want the laser nozzle to bang the work piece.

Mach3 Software Tips

• If Mach3 isn’t responding, hit the “RESET” button. There’s a good chance it’s flashing at you.
• If you need to start over on g-code, the “rewind” button takes the code to the start. The “Go Home” button takes the spindle to your original starting place.
• There’s a virtual tool-path graphic in the top right corner of the screen. It can give you an idea of what’s going to happen when you hit start.
• You can edit your g-code inside Mach3 if needed. This is a fast way to make adjustments.
• You can increase/decrease the travel speed inside Mach3. If the machine is going too fast, you can slow it down there with the arrows.

G-Code Tips

• Use XXXX to guide you on setting parameters.
• If your workpiece is charring or burning, use a lower power level or a faster feed speed.
• If the laser doesn't cut completely through your workpiece, try multiple passes by running your gcode again.

Software for Making G-Code

The CNC Mogul Router page has a lot of information about making G-Code. However, the laser needs a few special modifications. The easiest way to get started is to use either CamBam or MakerCam.

MakerCam.com

MakerCam.com is an in the browser vector drawing program and g-code generator. There is a tutorial and help button on the site.

Make an SVG file using a drawing package like InkScape. Load your SVG file into makercam and use the following settings:

-set z-clearance plane to 0.001 (temp)

-set depth increment to 0.001

-set final depth to 0.001

-set tool diameter to 0.001

-the rest is normal

• Use Laser - MakercamConverter.py on the desktop of the digital design PC. Laser - MakercamConverter.py

Additional Information

Feeds and Speeds

Feed or Feed-Rate is how fast your tool moves across the works surface.

Remaining Tasks

• Easy-to-use gauge for setting the cutting bed height
• Hose clamp on the air assist pump
• Replace the temporary front cover
• Strain-relief for the coolant hoses
• Rear electrical cover plate