Difference between revisions of "ULS PLS4.75 Laser Cutter"

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To read about our introductory workshop for the PLS click [[Introduction to 2D laser cutting with the Universal PLS4.75 Laser Cutter|here]].
 
To read about our introductory workshop for the PLS click [[Introduction to 2D laser cutting with the Universal PLS4.75 Laser Cutter|here]].
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== Materials ==
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=== NEVER CUT THESE ===
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{| class="wikitable"
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!Material
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!Other names
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!Common objects
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!Danger
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!Notes
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|-
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|PVC
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|Polyvinyl chloride, vinyl
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|Vinyl from the vinyl cutter, pipes, water-resistant clothing, imitation leather, canvas
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|Emits chlorine gas.
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|Ruins the optics and corrodes the machine as well. But you'll be dead so it won't matter.
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|-
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|ABS
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|Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
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|Almost anything which has been injection molded is either ABS or HDPE.
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|Emits cynade gas.
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|Tends to melt instead of cut. But you'll be dead so it won't matter.
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|-
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|}
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=== Approved ===
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
!Material
 +
!Notes
 +
!Warnings
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|-
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|Acrylic
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|Cast acrylic will etch, extruded will not.
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|
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|-
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|Many solid woods
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|
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|Avoid oily or resinous woods, as they have a tendency to catch fire.
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|-
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|Plywood and composite woods
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|
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|Glues will reduce efficacy of laser cut.
 +
|-
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|MDF and engineered woods
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|
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|More charring than other wood products.
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|-
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|Paper
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|
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|Cut a single layer at a time to avoid fire.
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|-
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|Cardboard
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|
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|Watch for fire.
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|}
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=== What if what I want to cut isn't listed? ===
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Check with a [[Creative and Technical Specialist|CaTS]] to make sure your material is cuttable. '''DO NOT CUT ANYTHING THAT IS NOT ON THE APPROVED LIST WITHOUT FIRST GETTING APPROVAL.'''
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== External Links ==
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More information about materials can be found [[here]].
 +
 +
An extended list of materials [[here]].

Revision as of 22:12, 17 May 2019

"Laser Cutter"

The Universal Laser Systems PLS4.75 is our 2D laser cutter.

Generally, a laser cutter is a subtractive manufacturing machine. Using a combination of heat and pressure, the laser is able to cut stock with extreme quality and precision. Due to its large bed size, the laser cutter is most useful for project where you need either a very precise subtractive process or need to cut stock that is too large for our other subtractive devices like the CNC Mill.

To read about our introductory workshop for the PLS click here.

Materials

NEVER CUT THESE

Material Other names Common objects Danger Notes
PVC Polyvinyl chloride, vinyl Vinyl from the vinyl cutter, pipes, water-resistant clothing, imitation leather, canvas Emits chlorine gas. Ruins the optics and corrodes the machine as well. But you'll be dead so it won't matter.
ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Almost anything which has been injection molded is either ABS or HDPE. Emits cynade gas. Tends to melt instead of cut. But you'll be dead so it won't matter.

Approved

Material Notes Warnings
Acrylic Cast acrylic will etch, extruded will not.
Many solid woods Avoid oily or resinous woods, as they have a tendency to catch fire.
Plywood and composite woods Glues will reduce efficacy of laser cut.
MDF and engineered woods More charring than other wood products.
Paper Cut a single layer at a time to avoid fire.
Cardboard Watch for fire.

What if what I want to cut isn't listed?

Check with a CaTS to make sure your material is cuttable. DO NOT CUT ANYTHING THAT IS NOT ON THE APPROVED LIST WITHOUT FIRST GETTING APPROVAL.

External Links

More information about materials can be found here.

An extended list of materials here.

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