Makerspace

A laser cutter is a computerized laser which cuts and engraves organic materials like wood, plastic and rubber. This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to operating a laser cutter. In this workshop you will laser engrave a business card which you designed during a "2D CAD w/ Inkscape" workshop. After taking this workshop you are certified to use our laser cutter during drop-in hours. Refer to the makerspace calendar to find when this workshop is offered.

You will learn:
 - Design considerations for laser cutting
 - To operate a Glowforge laser cutter
 - Rules and Safety Protocols

Before attending this workshop:
 - Attend a "2D CAD w/ Inkscape" workshop
 - Register to attend the workshop

Click here for a full list of approved/unapproved materials. 

Creating a Design

The laser cutter only reads vector graphics in SVG format! Learn 2D vector graphics in our workshop here (its a pre-requisite to using this machine).

When designing for the laser cutter make sure to color each feature differently. The Glowforge software separates your design into layers based on color. The Glowforge software DOES NOT respect Inkscape layers.

different colors = different layers = different depths 

For Stamps: Remember to flip your design horizontally before saving it as a SVG.

Select your Material

Choose what material you want to laser cut. Always use scrap stock before reaching for a brand new sheet of material. For a complete list of approved materials refer to this document. Always ensure that the material you are using is Proofgrade (Glowforge brand). If you are using a material that isn't Proofgrade ALWAYS consult makerspace staff to determine appropriate settings.

For highly flammable materials (like paper and cardboard), users must supervise the entire cut! Limit the power setting and increase the amount of passes in the Glowforge software. Flames reaching near the optics can very quickly damage them. Immediately abort the cut in the Glowforge software if flames are larger than an inch or remain for several seconds. There is a fire extinguisher located behind the laser cutter. 

Load the Material into the Glowforge

Open the lid to the Glowforge and slide the material against the bed, locking it into place in the corners.

Move Design into Glowforge

1. Turn on the Glowforge.
2. Transfer your file over to the lab computer nearest the Glowforge. (We recommend using a flash drive or your OneDrive account.)
3. Open up a browser and navigate to app.glowforge.com
4. Welcome to the Glowforge dashboard. Click "Create" > "Upload from file" then select your SVG file. The Glowforge will take a picture of the bed and generate a rendering of your design atop the stock material. 

Enter Settings

1. Re-size your design. Click and drag from a corner of the image while holding Ctrl to preserve the aspect ratio. Alternatively, you can click the ruler icon in the bottom left corner to specify an exact size and location for your design.
2. Re-position your design. Try to utilize the remaining stock material as efficiently as possible when positioning your design. Use the ruler to specify an exact position.
3. Specify Material Settings. We must tell that machine what material we are cutting.
   • If you are using Proofgrade (Glowforge brand) material the software should have automatically detected it and set the material settings for you. If this fails for whatever you will have to click and search for the material from a list.
   • If you are not using a Proofgrade material you will need to click "use uncertified material" and manually enter the thickness of the material. Additionally, you will need to enter custom power settings that work with the specified material. ALWAYS refer to Makerspace staff when cutting non-Proofgrade materials to confirm your power settings.
4. Specify Cut Settings. Looking to the left, you may notice your design has been broken down into layers based on color. Click each layer to bring up its cutting settings.
   • Specify the type of cut. There are four main cutting actions:
     • Engrave - Vaporizes the surface of the material to a certain depth. (Areas/Shapes only)
     • Cut - Make a complete cut through the entire thickness of the stock. (Vectors only)
     • Score - Vaporizes the surface of the material to a shallow depth. (Vectors only)
     • Ignore - Ignore this layer completely.
   • Specify the power settings.
     • If you are using Proofgrade material simply a select a recommended setting.
     • If you are using non-Proofgrade material you will have to work with Makerspace staff to enter settings. We must specify how many passes the cut will take, as well as the power of the laser and the speed at which it traverses the cut. 

Start the Cut

1. Wait for the Glowforge's status to change to "Ready" and click to send the design to the machine.
2. Turn on the air filter. The air filter MUST be on BEFORE starting any cut.
3. When ready, the button atop the Glowforge will glow. After double-checking the air filter is on, press the button to start the cut.
4. Watch. You must stay attentive and sitting/standing at the Glowforge table for the ENTIRE duration of the cut.
   • Watch to make sure smoke is being efficiently filtered out of the machine. If smoke isn't immediately exiting the device, or you start smelling stinky fumes, the fan speed must be increased. Increase it to the next notch. Continue increasing the speed until the smoke begins evacuating effectively. If the fan gets to maximum speed and is still not operating effectively, abort the cut and contact makerspace staff to get help replacing the filter. 
   • NEVER leave the Glowforge unattended while cutting. Small fires are commonplace and can escalate quickly. A fire extinguisher is located near the laser cutter for extreme situations.