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Please check back for updates== Safety ==Every good workshop starts with a safety briefing!
Typical workflow
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==Loading Stock==
Position the material snuggly against the rulers. Your stock should be aligned to the top left corner of the device.
The most straight forward approach # Launch '''Corel Draw'''# Open your SVG file and make sure that all objects look correct, and that the size of the object is accurate. (You aren't going to want a keychain design cut the size of a laptop!)# Navigate to auto focusFile --> Print# Make sure PLS4. Holding 75 is selected in the Focus button for one second or more printer dropdown, and hit Print. This will initiate send your design to the Auto Focus routine which will automatically lower the table and then raise the table until the auto-focus sensor Universal Control Panel ('''UCP''').# Open up UCP. It may be hidden in the machine has located the top surface bottom right of the material. Auto focusing is complete once the table stops movingWindows Taskbar.
Taping === Set up the focus button puts CAM software for cutting ===Now that you've got your design in UCP, double check again that your design looks accurate both structurally and in size. If you left the device top of the machine open, you'll notice a red laser underneath the conical head of the cutter. Don't worry - that's just a standard laser pointer! It's there as a guide for you, which you'll now utilize. With any luck, your design is in manual focusing modeUCP. The best practice is # Switch to measure the width Pointer Tool in the far right column of UCP. Now anywhere you click on the virtual bed will cause the machine to send the laser cutter head to ''exactly'' that spot.# Using the red laser pointer as a guide for placing your design:## Imagine the laser pointer is aligned with the top left corner of your design.## Find an area on your stock with caliperswhere you can fit your design. Then## Move the laser pointer to that location such that, manually change assuming the Z axis up and down laser pointer is the top left corner of your design, it will fit.# Now switch to match the thickness you just measured with Move Tool in the calipersfar right column of UCP.# Click "To Pointer". <br /># Rejoice!
== Start the Cut ==
First edit pass to expand and clarify
''(Generally, this workshop will be is offered at least once a week every two weeks on a rotating basis. Check the [http://designandbuildlab.com/?page_id=445/ Lab calendar] for up-to-date availability!)''
The Universal Laser Systems PLS4.75 has finally arrivedLaser Cutter is a subtractive manufacturing machine which cuts many different organic materials. However, we are still waiting for planning and project management It's also dead simple to install use once you know the exhaust systemprocedure. What Upon attending and successfully completing this means is that we are unable Workshop, you will be approved to use the device until further noticePLS4.75 Laser Cutter without supervision.
All laser cutters are dangerous machines. There are a host of safety checks in place to make sure that the machine operates as safely as possible, but as the operator, you must also be mindful. There are three important precautions to take when using this machine:
# '''Never run the laser cutter without the filtration/exhaust unit running.'''Start # '''Never stare into the laser.'''# '''NEVER cut anything that isn't on the [[ULS PLS4.75 Laser Cutter#Materials|list of Workshop (first draft) below:approved materials]]'''.
==Typical Workflow==
#'''Turn on the filtration/exhaust'''#Turn on the laser cutter#Load the stockinto the machine#Send your design to the CAM software#Focus Set up the laserCAM software for cutting
#Cut!
#Turn off the laser cutter and filtration/exhaust
[[File:Stock alignment.png|thumb|How your stock should be aligned]]
=== Turn on the filtration/exhaust ===
You ''must'' run the filtration/exhaust system any time you are cutting anything on the laser cutter. Turn the system on before you sit down at the computer, before you open the top of the machine - before everything else! The control is located above the top left of the laser cutter; it is a black and silver box mounted to the wall. Turn the knob to "LOW". You will here the unit spin up; if you do not, find a [[Creative and Technical Specialist|CaTS]].
=== Turn on the laser cutter ===
The power switch for the laser cutter is on the righthand side of the machine, toward the back. Flip it to "1".
=== Load the stock into the machine ===
Open the top of the machine and place your material snugly against the top left corner rulers. Your stock should typically be aligned here; it doesn't have to be, but it removes any question of misalignment.
==Focusing = Send your design to the LaserCAM software ==[[File:Focus biutton.png|alt=focus button|thumb|The focus button]]Once you You will have positioned the materiallikely created your design in something like Inkscape, unfortunately, you will need to focus Inkscapes's printer drivers don't work correctly with the laser system by adjusting the Z axis up or down until the top surface of the material is at the focal plane of the lens installed in the laser systemLaser cutter's CAM software. This can be done in a few different waysCorel Draw (another vector-drawing program) does work, so that's what we'll use.
[[File:Start Button.png|thumb|The start button]]
=== Cut! ===Make sure to close the top of the machine. Start the laser job by pressing the start button on the control panel or in the UCP, and watch the magic happen! === Turn off the laser cutter and filtration/exhaust ===In reverse order to how you started, first turn off the laser cutter, then the filtration/exhaust. And... Congratulations on your offlasering!
