Difference between revisions of "Big red laser cutter"

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Big red laser cutter (view source)

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 The Melbourne Makerspace has the same laser and have a [https://wiki.melbournemakerspace.org/Laser%20Cutter nicely written wiki page on it].
-''Be aware:'' lasers are very dangerous, particularly to eyes. Review these [https://ehs.mit.edu/workplace-safety-program/laser-cutter-safety/ safety guidelines], use eye protection, and carry an appropriate level of fear of the laser at all times.
+[[File:Caution-danger-sign.jpg|thumb]]
+''Be aware:'' lasers are very dangerous! Review these [https://ehs.mit.edu/workplace-safety-program/laser-cutter-safety/ safety guidelines], and carry an appropriate level of fear of the laser at all times. Hazards include:
+'''Fire hazard'''
+Lasers create high heat, and can cause materials to catch on fire. Certain materials and types of designs (i.e very dense/small objects) are more prone to fire.
+To minimize fire risk, remember to...
+# Never leave laser unattended. Be prepared to respond promptly in case of fire. Familiarize yourself with where the fire extinguisher and water spray bottle are before using. You should never see a prolonged flame while using the laser cutter.
+# If you see a candle sized flame for more than 3 seconds while cutting, stop the laser, check/adjust bed height, power/speed settings, or use a different material.
+'''Respiratory Hazard'''
+Laser cutters create fumes and small particulates.
+To minimize respiratory hazards, remember to...
+# Only cut and engrave [[LASER SAFE material]]. Some materials can emit toxic fumes when laser cut, and should never be used in the laser cutter!
+# Always have the ventilation fan on while using the laser cutter, and for a few minutes after you are done. Even laser safe materials aren't good to breathe in. There is also an air purifier next to the laser cutter that is nice to have on.
+# Check in with other people in the room before using the laser cutter to see if they are sensitive to fumes. Be accommodating!
+'''Laser Hazard'''
+To minimize laser exposure hazards, remember to..
+# Never look directly at the laser beam. While wearing eye protection, you may look at the point that the laser is cutting your material. However, you should NEVER look directly into a laser beam, even if wearing safety goggles.
+# Never run the laser cutter while the lid is open.
 == Operation Instructions ==
+# First turn on the laser cutter control switch, located on the right side of the machine.
+[[File:Laser_control_switch.jpg|showing laser control switch on|thumb]]
 === Preparing Material ===
-# Put LASER SAFE Material on the bed
+# Put [[LASER SAFE material]] on the bed
-# Put laser head above your material
+# Use the control pad arrow keys to move the laser head above your material. We want it above the material to properly set the bed height
-# Move the bed up and down until the laser at correct focus height above your material
+# Once laser head above material, use the knob inside the laser cutter to move the bed up and down. The correct height is about 3/4" above your material. You can use the "laser focus height" tool as reference.
-=== Turning on the laser ===
+[[File:Laser_bed_z_adjust.jpg|showing where Z adjust height is for laser|frameless]]
-# Turn on the blower
-# Enable the laser
-# Power on the controller
-# Power on the laser
-To begin using the laser, turn on the power strip sitting on the left side of the laser. You'll hear the blower plugged into this strip begin running. Next, turn the key below the controller on the front right corner. Then turn on the two switches on the right side of the cutter. Both will illuminate. The upper one will turn on the controller, and the display will illuminate. The other one sends power to the laser. It won't light up if the key enabling the laser is off.
+[[File:Laser_bed_correct_bed_height.jpg|showing correct bed height for laser|frameless]]
+[[File:Laser_bed_correct_bed_height_with_tool.jpg|showing correct bed height for laser with tool|frameless]]
+=== Turning on the laser and exhaust ===
+# Turn on the exhaust fan by switching on the power strip on top of the laser cutter. You should hear the exhaust fan turn on. Also, switch on the air purifier on the desk.
+[[File:Laser_exhaust_fan.jpg|exhaust fan for laser cutter|thumb]]
+[[File:Laser_air_purifier.jpg|air purifier near the laser cutter|thumb]]
+# Enable the laser by turning on the laser switch on the left side of the machine, and turning the key on the front of the machine.
+[[File:Laser_switch.jpg|showing laser switch on|thumb]]
+[[File:Laser_key_switch.jpg|showing laser key switch on|thumb]]
 === Preparing the file ===
-# Open Lightburn
+The following steps should be done on the computer near the laser cutter, which has LightBurn installed on it.
-# Import or draw the image
-# Adjust settings. Use this chart [[Big red laser cutter settings]]
+# Open LightBurn on computer next to the laser cutter
-# Send it to the laser
+# Import a vector file (dxf, pdf, etc) or image (rastering), or use LightBurn to create a design.
-# Click “Send”
+# Set the color of items to define how you want them cut or engraved, then double click the colors in the pane on the right to set the laser speed, power, and other features associated with that color. Black can be used to cut and red to etch, for instance. Use this chart to get a ballpark reference for speed and power settings: [[Big red laser cutter settings]]. It is recommended to do a "test cut" before cutting out a large file to be sure your speed and power settings are good.
-# Enter a name and press enter.
-# Wait for the file to send.
-Open a DXF, PDF or other vector file to create a path to cut along. You can compose projects in Lightburn or in other programs (see below) and then open them in Lightburn, import them, or copy and paste contents over. Set the color of items to define how you want them cut or printed, then double click the colors in the pane on the right to set the laser speed, power, and other features associated with that color. Black can be used to cut and red to etch, for instance. Look up the recommended speed and power for a given material and thickness, then test as necessary to figure out a good balance. Select "absolute coordinates" to define the placement relative to the bed. Select "user origin" to set the placement on the bed manually. The device should be set to ttyUSB0, Ruida664GX.
+[[File:Lightburn layer tips.png|frameless|LightBurn layer settings]]
-When you're read to cut, click "Send" and a box will open asking for a name. If the name exists, it will ask for confirmation to overwrite.
+# Select "absolute coordinates" to define the placement relative to the bed. Select "user origin" to set the placement on the bed manually. The device should be set to ttyUSB0, Ruida664GX.
+# Once happy with design, click “Send”
+# Enter a name (or just use default to override) and press enter.
+# Wait for the file to send.
 === Running the laser ===
-# Press "File" to see available files.
+The following steps should be done using the control panel on the laser cutter itself.
+# On the laser cutter control panel, press "File" to see available files.
 # Scroll and press “Enter” to select a file.
 # Set the origin if necessary.
-# Press “Frame” to confirm placement.
+# Press “Frame" to confirm placement. When you press this, the laser cutter head will trace around the max coordinates, to show you where your design will be cut.
-# Press “Start”.
+# If the frame is correct press “Start”, and the laser will run.
 === Having Trouble Setting the Origin? ===
-If you are using Lightburn to compose your project, be sure to use the setting "Current Position".<br>
+If you are using LightBurn to compose your project, be sure to use the setting "Current Position".<br>
-Otherwise, Lightburn may override any origin you set at the laser cutter.
+Otherwise, LightBurn may override any origin you set at the laser cutter.
 Setting the origin on the laser cutter is easy.<br>