Laser Cutting
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Laser cutting is a process that uses a laser beam to cut or engrave materials. The machine is computer-driven, based on design data generated by the user. Industrially, powerful lasers can cut thick metals. In the Product Realization Lab, our lower powered CO2 machines are designed to work with thin plastics, woods, and paper materials.
Complex 3D forms can be assembled from flat-pattern designs. Many students use SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Adobe Illustrator to generate design data.
Machine Specifications
| Machine | Universal Laser Systems VLS 4.60 | Universal Laser Systems PLS 6.120 |
|---|---|---|
| Location(s) | AMPS (Huang 036) & Machining Lab, Bldg 610 | Machining Lab, Bldg 610 |
| Material Size | 18" x 24" | 18" x 32" |
| Power | 60W | 120W |
| Materials | Acrylic, thin woods, Duron, cardboard and paper materials (see below for more details) | |
| Operation in the PRL | Runs from Adobe Illustrator. Files require specific line formatting. | |
| Tutorial Documents | - Laser Cutter Tutorial - Getting Started with Illustrator | |
Materials
Samples of the following allowed materials are available in AMPS:
- Acrylic (mirrored, textured/frosted, opaque, transparent)
- Duron
- Some Hardwoods (Black Cherry, Pine, Poplar, Walnut, Ash, Maple, Basswood)
- High-quality Birch plywood
- Corrugated cardboard
- Felt
- Matboard
- Chipboard
- Silicone
- Cork
- Various papers
- Foam core
- Cotton fabric
- Anodized Aluminum (etching only!)
The following materials are NOT allowed on the laser cutters:
- Any hardwoods NOT explicitly listed above
- PVC
- Polycarbonate
- PTFE
- Delrin
- Carbon fiber
- Transparency sheets
- Camera gels
- Polypropylene
- Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, etc...)
- Styrene
- Laser-engravable rubber stamp material
See a CA if your material is not listed!! Do NOT assume that it is allowed.