Tool:Laser cutter

See Projects:40W Lasercutter for information about how the laser cutter was created/improved.

Getting started

First you need some tools to work with the lasercutter. For starters you need a drawing program like Inkscape that is capable of making 2d vector drawings.

The you need Visicut as a program to hook the 2 together.

Visicut has a plugin for inkscape so you can press 'Extensions > Lasercut path > Open in VisiCut' from Inkscape :)

For Visicut you need a definition file (xml) that contains the laser settings, you can get a rudimentary one here: Bestand:Hsnmgnlaser.tar.gz

Import this using Options -> Lasercutters, it is a good idea to change the job prefix under edit -> job to your own name so you can find your files again.

Basic operation

• Turn on the machine AND the air assist compressor thingy.
• Send the file using visicut (i'm not including an entire inkscape/visicut tutorial, plenty online to be found).
• Turn on the power to the tube with the 'Engraving On' button, this only works if all lids are closed.
• Using the Black&Blue dial (by pressing and rotating it) navigate to Play -> sd/ -> <your prefix><number>.gcode.
• The program now starts.

Using the emergency stop you can turn off the entire machine if something bad happens.

Troubleshooting

• Laser power very low/none, check if the 'Power regulator' isn't turned way down, you can check with the 'Test' button.

Materials it can cut/engrave?

• Wood -> most types it can cut and engrave, up to about 5mm.
• Plastics PLA/ABS/PET/PS are fine, PVC is a REALLY bad idea, cut and engrave up to 5mm.
• Cardboard/Paper -> see wood, paper can catch fire, which is a lot better with airassist.
• Metals -> No, but engraving is possible by removing a coating of $material such as paint.
• Cookies -> Engrave Work fine, still eatable afterwards.
• Chocolate/Sugary stuff engraves fine.
• Wet foods -> No.