Laser cutting

 Improved SOP for Laser Cutter

Safety Precautions	Tie up long hair, and flip up any long fringe
	Remove any items around your neck/on your body before use.
	Do not slant the cover. Open the cover fully
	When closing the cover, ensure that the 2 green LED lights on the right side (interlock LED) are turned on.
	Do not stare directly at the laser.
	Safety Interlocks: Cover cannot be lifted up during cutting

Start-up of laser cutter

1. Turn on air compressor

2. Turn on the fume extractor by pressing the green button on the left side.

3. Turn on the laser cutter by pressing the power button right below the laser cutter set-up

4. Import the DXF/SVG file into CorelDraw. 

CorelDraw procedure

1. Open imported file

2. Select design using cursor tool near the top left

3. Select color of the design based on the type of cut by clicking on the square

4. Select width and choose hairline and choose OK when completed

5. Send design over to Epilog Dashboard to print by pressing Ctrl + P and clicking print

Epilogue dashboard procedure

1.  At the top right corner, select Auto Focus > Thickness (Pro model)/On (M2 model)

2. At the right side, select your design to ensure it is either being engraved/cut and you can also select the thickness based on the material

(Remember to also turn on air assist to prevent small fires)

3. Next go into the material library by clicking the on the top right corner of the design and choosing the material you want to use for the cut

4. Before clicking print to start cutting, ensure material is at the top left or use the jog feature to adjust the arm to align it to the material. Select GO to start the cut

5. Wait 30s - 1min for the fumes to be removed

Product:

Parametric construction kit:

Reflection:

This laser cutting practical was meaningful as I was able to not only learn and experience something new, it also taught me the importance of kerfing and planning of the dimensions of the design to be cut as the thickness of the material will not always be the same. After making a few changes, we were able to cut 2 pieces that fits perfectly.