Tools/laser: Difference between revisions

The laser cutter is one of our most heavily used tools, it's a 90W CO2 laser system with a 1000mm x 600mm bed. At the moment we limit the power output of the laser to 68W in order to extend the life of the laser tube as that's the most expensive consumable part of the laser system. At this setting it's able to cut a variety of materials including Acrylic (up to 18mm15mm thick), MDF (up to 14mm10mm thick) and Plywood (up to 16mm12mm thick), pine board (up to 18mm15mm thick) and can be used to make a huge range of items from light fittings to [[techniques/jigsaws|jigsaws]]. Owing to it's expense and delicacy the laser cutter requires members to have an [[Tools/laser/induction|induction]] before they can use it.

| Acrylic (PMMA,Plexiglass) || Yes || Yes || 18mm15mm || Cuts very cleanly, leaves white powder when etching

| Plywood || Yes || Yes || 16mm12mm || Older/reclaimed plywood might produce toxic fumes. Laser-rated ply cuts cleanest and deepest

| MDF || Yes || Yes || 14mm10mm || Older/reclaimed MDF might produce toxic fumes. Laser-rated ply cuts cleanest and deepest, some MDF's are treated with fire retardant and MUST NOT be used with laser

| Metals (other than steel)Aluminium || No || NoSort of || N/A || Copper,Anodised Brass and Aluminiumsurfaces cannotcan be affectedmarked, atthe allmetal bycan't thebe lasercut andor mayetched harmat the laserall cutter