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<br />===Clean work area===If a significant amount of material fell through the honey comb structure of the cutting table then it should be cleaned out. The front of the laser cutting can be opened and the table will slide out. There is an opening in the rear of the table that can be used to clean the inside. == Bending Your Acrylic Cuts (Optional) ==Additionally, sometimes it may be necessary to alter the shape of your laser cut acrylic pieces for something like a display stand; Examples can be found in our display case located outside of DaBL's entrance. Since acrylic has a relatively low melting temperature, it is possible to heat the plastic so that it softens enough to be molded into a particular shape. For this process, you will need a Linebender and Cooling jig. Both of these apparatus can be found at the laser cutter station. The steps needed to use both are described below.
==Checklist== #Understand the importance of turning on the filtration system and staying with the red lines while cuttingimport your design through CorelDRAW into UCP.#Understand use the difference between raster (pure black), etch (pure blue), relocate and cut (pure red)#make sure the object is being cut at focus tool.025 mm#identify the material you want to use and select it in the setting#identify the width of change the material you are cutting and make sure it is matched in the settings.#understand how to import you cut into uls#understand how to move a DaBL coaster on your object using the relocate tool and focus view toolown!
add heading and description for linebender steps
{{Workshop header}}
The [[ULS PLS4.75 Laser Cutter|Universal Laser Systems PLS4.75 Laser Cutter]] is a [[Manufacturing techniques#Subtractive manufacturing|subtractive manufacturing machine]] which cuts many different organic materials. It's also dead simple to use once you know the procedure. Upon attending and successfully completing this Workshop, you will be approved to use the PLS4.75 Laser Cutter without supervision.
==Before you begin==
#Cut!
#Turn off the laser cutter and filtration/exhaust
#Clean work area
[[File:Stock alignment.png|thumb|How your stock should be aligned]]
#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!) If your design looks totally wacky, take a look at the [[Universal Control Panel (software)#Design Parameters|design parameters for UCP]].
#Navigate to File --> Print
#Make sure PLS4.75 is selected in the printer dropdown, and hit Print. This will send your design to the [[Universal Control Panel (software)|Universal Control Panel ('''UCP''')]].#Open up [[Universal Control Panel (software)|UCP]]. It may be hidden in the bottom right of the Windows Taskbar. With any luck, your design is in UCP.
===Set up the orientation of the design in the CAM software===
In reverse order to how you started, first turn off the laser cutter, then the filtration/exhaust. Congratulations on your lasering!
===Using the Linebender and cooling jig===
#Once the material has been heated to the correct temperature, lift the material clamp and remove the material. The material is then placed into the cooling jig to cool down to a predetermined angle, while the next sheet of material is placed on the line bender.
==Checklist=Clean work area===If a significant amount of material fell through the honey comb structure of the cutting table then it should be cleaned out. The front of the laser cutting can be opened and the table will slide out. There is an opening in the rear of the table that can be used to clean the inside
===Learning Objectives===
By the end of this Workshop, you should:
#realize the need for CorelDRAW and vectors.
#know the difference between raster and vector cutting.
#understand the importance of the exhaust system and red tape boundary.
===Measurable Outcomes===
By the end of this Workshop, you should be able to:
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