Machine overview

- [Narrator] Understanding the technology used to make laser-cut projects is key to designing successful products. Laser cutters come in various sizes and strengths, but they all use the same kind of technology. Sheet material is shaped and cut by a beam of light that has been directed through carefully positioned mirrors. The light is then focused into a narrow cutting beam through especially shaped lens. The final mirror and lens are held in place inside a cutting head. In this course, we'll be focused on laser cutters enclosed in a cabinet. They use a gantry system. A gantry system means that the worksheet is secured in place while the cutting head moves on rails over the piece to remove material. One of the most common light sources for laser cutting is a CO2 laser tube which uses electricity to stimulate the gas inside the tube to create light. Of course, there are more specifics behind the physics of how the tube generates light. This technology uses laser fire, pew pew, to cut material along the cutting path. Work material that may not be toxic in solid form is often dangerous and irritating to inhale after vaporization. It is because of this that most modern cutters have an automatic off switch which means when you open the door to the cabinet, the laser will not fire. It is dangerous to try and disrupt the safety mechanism and not recommended. All machines should have fume outlets. Some shops use a vacuum air pump and fans to pull the fumes from the machine into the ventilation tubes which guide the air outside to contribute to air pollution. Other shops us an attached filtration system that isolate the fumes before allowing the air back into the shop clean. Either way, you should always be sure that your fume management is well sealed and on while cutting anything. Be wary of visible and/or odorous vapors. In the machine cabinet, material sits on an interchangeable bed. There are several types of material beds for different laser operations. For engraving projects, it makes the most sense to have a solid level bed to fully support the material. For cutting projects, it's best to use a perforated laser bed such as grid or honeycomb. When the laser is used for cutting, it's going completely through the material and a bit further. When material is cut, the laser fire can bounce back from points of contact on the bed. Perforated laser beds help to reduce this flashback. There are additional mechanisms called pin beds that you can use to lift the material even further and arrange the support pins to further reduce burning. Often, laser cutters have vacuum and air assist to help secure material in place and to more effectively suck up fumes. With efficient use of these methods, burn marks on the back of vector cutting is further reduced. Lastly, shop requirements for each laser cutter will vary. Pay close attention to the specific user manual in regards to electrical requirements, ventilation system, dimensions and weight. In general, the shop floor should be able to bear the weight of the machine. There should be ample nearby power to plug the machine into and some kind of exhaust system must be attached. Additionally, you will need at least a little space to attach computer to send and edit files to the laser.