3. Computer controlled cutting¶
This week I worked on defining my final project idea and started to getting used to the documentation process.
The laser cutting machine available in the lab.
A laser cutter is a versatile tool that can cut a wide variety of materials. Some common materials that a laser cutter can work with include:
Wood: Plywood
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Balsa wood
Hardwoods (e.g., oak, maple, cherry)
Acrylic (Plexiglass): Clear acrylic
Colored acrylic
Matte or frosted acrylic
Plastic: ABS
Polycarbonate
Delrin (Acetal)
PVC (though cutting PVC may release toxic gases, so caution is needed)
Fabric: Cotton
Felt
Leather (both real and synthetic)
Denim
Silk
Paper and Cardboard: Regular paper (e.g., printer paper)
Cardstock
Corrugated cardboard
Chipboard
Leather: Vegetable-tanned leather
Cowhide
Faux leather (synthetic)
Metal (with higher-power lasers): Stainless steel (with industrial laser cutters)
Aluminum (usually requires higher-powered lasers)
Brass (with specialized laser cutters)
Copper (requires more advanced equipment)
Rubber: Rubber sheets (used for engraving or cutting rubber stamps)
Glass: Thin glass (mostly for engraving, cutting is not as common)
Stone and Ceramic: Marble (mostly for engraving)
Slate
Tiles (mostly for engraving or decorative cutting)
Other Materials: Some laser cutters can also handle materials like foam, some types of composites, and even certain types of textiles.
Note: The thickness and density of the material, as well as the type of laser (CO2 laser, fiber laser, etc.), will determine what can be cut. Some materials (e.g., PVC) can release harmful gases when cut, so it’s important to ensure proper ventilation and safety protocols.
When operating a laser cutter, safety is paramount. Here are the three main safety measures you should follow:
1. Eye Protection: Why it’s important: Lasers can cause serious damage to the eyes, especially since the laser beam is often invisible to the naked eye, and the intense light can be harmful even from reflections.
How to protect yourself: Always wear appropriate laser safety goggles or glasses that are rated for the specific wavelength of the laser you’re using. These glasses will protect your eyes from laser light and reflections. Never look directly at the laser beam, even indirectly, as the reflection can still be dangerous.
2. Proper Ventilation and Fume Extraction: Why it’s important: Many materials (like plastics, wood, and rubber) can release harmful fumes or gases when cut or engraved by a laser, which can be toxic or irritating to your respiratory system.
How to protect yourself: Ensure that the laser cutter is placed in a well-ventilated area or that it has an efficient fume extraction system in place. Most laser cutters come with a built-in exhaust fan or can be connected to an external ventilation system to remove these fumes.
3. Fire Safety and Monitoring: Why it’s important: Laser cutters can ignite certain materials, especially flammable ones like paper, wood, and some plastics. If the machine is left unattended or if there’s an issue with the cutting process, fires can occur.
How to protect yourself: Always monitor the laser cutter while it’s in operation. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, especially one that’s suitable for electrical fires. If you’re cutting materials that are particularly flammable, avoid leaving the machine running unattended, and make sure the work area is free from excess combustible materials.
In many laser cutting labs, certain materials are prohibited because they pose significant risks to health, safety, or the machine itself. Here are two common examples of materials that are typically not allowed:
1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Why it’s prohibited: Cutting PVC releases toxic fumes, such as chlorine gas, which can be harmful to both the operator and the laser cutter. These fumes can also corrode the internal components of the laser machine, leading to potential damage. Additionally, chlorine gas is highly toxic and can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and more severe health effects if inhaled.
2. Polycarbonate: Why it’s prohibited: Polycarbonate plastic is prone to melting and burning when cut with a laser, producing fumes that can be hazardous to health. The material can also cause extreme charring and even contribute to a potential fire hazard. Additionally, polycarbonate tends to create sticky residues that can damage the lens and optics of the laser cutter.
For these reasons, it’s essential to avoid cutting these materials unless you are sure the laser cutter is equipped with the proper safety features (e.g., specialized ventilation and filtration systems), and even then, caution is necessary.
Fire blankets are used in laser cutting environments as an important fire safety measure. Here’s why they are essential:
1. Preventing Fires: Laser cutting involves intense heat, and certain materials (especially flammable ones like wood, paper, or acrylic) can catch fire during the cutting or engraving process. A fire blanket is an immediate, accessible tool to smother flames and prevent a small spark or fire from spreading into a larger, uncontrolled blaze.
2. Quick Response: Fire blankets are easy to deploy, providing a quick and effective response in the event of a fire. They work by cutting off the oxygen supply to the flames, which is one of the main factors needed to sustain a fire. This makes them ideal for containing small fires before they escalate.
3. Protecting the Work Area: In a busy laser cutting lab, flammable materials may be near the cutting area. A fire blanket can be draped over materials or placed in the path of a fire to help prevent the spread. This can be especially helpful for sensitive or hard-to-reach areas that might be difficult to extinguish with a fire extinguisher.
4. Non-Damaging: Unlike water or foam extinguishers, which can cause damage to the machine or workpieces, fire blankets leave no residue and won’t harm the equipment, making them a great choice for protecting delicate materials or electronics near the laser cutter.
5. Complementing Other Safety Measures: While laser cutters typically have built-in fire suppression and fume extraction systems, a fire blanket serves as an additional layer of safety, especially if the cutting process involves particularly flammable or volatile materials. It ensures that operators are prepared to act immediately if the built-in systems fail or if a fire starts unexpectedly.