Computer Controlled Cutting¶
Laser Cutting Machine Specs¶
Available features and key settings of laser cutter:
Machine name: GV1309
Machine max power in Watts: 100 Watts
Machine bed size (work area): 1300mm x 900mm
Machine type (CO2 or fiber):
Toolpath generation software used:
Safety Instructions¶
Following safety procedure and protocol is important to avoid accidendts.
In the machine it self there if few safety instruction to operate the machinary.
There is a flamable caution logo to remind you to open ventiliation and have a fire extinguisher or blanket near by There laser cutter produces harmful gases which we must wait few minutes before opening the machine to collect our physical design.
Material collection is very important in term of thickness (<=12mm ) and reflectivity (forbiden material such as glass and metals).
Safety glasses should be available to use if needed
How To Use The Software¶
import your design
Placing the design in bed-work and download it to the laser cutter machine.
Check for the file name if downloaded + check spacing of the laser by controlling the ‘Z’ button if there is good space between the working material by having it equal to the Lego piece length + click ‘origin’ to place initial point, then press frame to check the workplace of the cut, if not move it again and change origin the ‘frame’ if it good press ‘green button’ .
How To Use The Machine¶
After downloading the file from the software, we will now proceed to work with the laser machine.
1. Preparation¶
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Ensure the laser machine is clean and properly connected to power source and computer.
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Turn on the laser machine and ventilator, and sometimes you will need to wear some safety gears, like laser safety glasses, if necessary.
2. File Preparation¶
- Download the file from the software to Laser Machine.
3. Material Setup¶
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Start by preparing the material, clean it thoroughly to remove any dust or debris and place it securely on the laser bed.
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Position the design by aligning it accurately on the material using the software’s preview mode or the machine’s built-in alignment tools.
4. Running the Laser¶
- Begin the cutting or engraving process by pressing the start button in the software or on the machine.
- Stay nearby to monitor the machine and stop it immediately if any issues arise (e.g., fire, misalignment).
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5. Finishing¶
- Once the laser finishes, wait for 1 minute. Then carefully remove the material from the laser bed.
6. Shutdown¶
- Power down the laser machine and any connected systems.
- Safely store unused materials for future use.
Focus¶
The focus position of a laser cutting machine is critical for achieving optimal cutting results. It refers to the precise location of the laser beam’s focal point in relation to the upper surface of the workpiece being processed. This positioning is essential because it directly affects the quality and efficiency of the cutting operation.
We conducted a focus test by creating a series of parallel lines on the cardboard, each adjusted with different power and speed settings. This approach allowed us to systematically evaluate how these variables affect the cutting process.
After executing the cuts, we carefully examined each line, focusing on three key criteria:
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Width: We measured the width of each line to determine the consistency of the cuts. A well-focused laser should produce lines of uniform width across the test.
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Edge Quality: We assessed the smoothness and clarity of the edges. Clean, sharp edges indicate an optimal focus, while rough or burned edges may suggest that the focus was too high or too low.
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Cut Depth: We checked whether each line was cut completely through the cardboard. Incomplete cuts can signal that the focus needs adjustment or that the power and speed settings were not ideal.
By analyzing these factors, we aimed to identify the optimal settings for future laser cutting projects, ensuring improved precision and quality in our work.
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Perform one of those 2 Focus tests, take pictures and log the results test1 test2
[describe the test]
Power and speed¶
Power Test
A design was created for laser cutting to test the power at different ranges. We created a simple design that was supposed to be a phone stand:
This some example of power & speed to test and find the perfect result
The test of power & speed show us the example to get a perfect result this image above showing some of our work.
Rate¶
The rate at which the laser pulses or fires. For this material we used a rate of [rate]
kerf & joint clearance¶
Cutting kerf is the amount of material that is removed by the cutting process. This information is crucial when designing joints since the design used must account for the cutting kerf to be able to fit properly. Creating a comb-like drawing is an effecient way to check the best-fit joint for you design.
The test performed is the comb test/kerf test. The material used has a thickness of 1,4 mm. The slot that worked best with the chosen speed and power settings had a thickness of 1.1 mm in the design for fit-joint , but for push-joint is recomended to use at least material thickness or recommended to use material thickness (mm) + 1 mm.
Sources¶
The information referenced in this page was found in the following sources: