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''(Generally, this workshop is offered at least once every two weeks on a rotating basis. Check the [http://designandbuildlab.com/?page_id=445/ Lab calendar] for up-to-date availability!)''{{Workshop header}}
change cooling jig subtitle to uppercase
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==
#Load the stock into the machine
#Send your design to the CAM software
#Set up the orientation of the design in the CAM software#Set up the CAM software for cuttingthe correct material
#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 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 lift the 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, [[File:Moving image to laser tool.png|thumb|"To Pointer" button. This tool allows you to move the corner of your design is highlighted in blue to the current location of the laser head.|alt=The "To Pointer" button in UCP.]]
#Switch to the 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.
##Imagine the laser pointer is aligned with the top left corner of your design.
##Find an area on your stock where you can fit your design.
##Move the laser pointer to that location such that, assuming the laser pointer is the top left corner of your design, it will fit.
#Now switch to the Move Tool in the far right column of UCP.
#Click "To Pointer".
#Rejoice!
===Set up the CAM software for the correct material===
[[File:Settings page.png|thumb|Settings page. Your material will most likely be Cast Acrylic or Medium Density Fiberboard. Set the correct material thickness and then press Apply and OK.|alt=The settings page in UCP.]]
The last step before cutting is making sure that the machine has the correct material settings.
#Hit the ''Settings'' button in the bottom right of the screen.
#In the ''Materials Database'' tab, find and select the correct material for what is currently in the bed. If you are not sure, ask a [[Creative and Technical Specialist|CaTS]].
#Set the ''Material Thickness'' to the correct height. If you are unsure, use a set of calipers to measure!
#Hit ''Apply'' then hit ''OK''.
[[File:Start Button.png|thumb|The start button]]
===Cut!===
You can see the estimated job completion time by selecting the Estimate View tool and pressing "Start". Make sure to close the top of the machine. Start the laser job by pressing the green start button on the control panel or in the UCP, and watch the magic happen!Make sure to wait at least 2 minutes once the cut is done to open the top of the machine.
===Turn off the laser cutter and filtration/exhaust===
===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.
===Using the Linebender and Cooling Jig===
If you want to change the angle of a piece or acrylic you will need to use the line bender and cooling jig:
#Start with the temperature regulator set to position between 5 and 6 and raise the material clamp to the rear position.
#Decide where you would like to bend the piece of plastic in order to position the material on the grid.
#Place the material on the machine top over the element and lined up on the grid, and then bring down the material clamp. The clamp helps to keep the material flat over the element during the heating process to produce an even heating band all the way along the bend.
#If you are unsure of the heating time for the material, then all you have to do is to lift the clamp, and then try to bend the material carefully in situ to see if it is ready for bending. If it still needs a bit more heat, then bring the clamp down and resume the heating cycle.
#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.
[[File:Bender 1.png|alt=The cooling jig|thumb|left|The cooling jig]][[File:Heat.png|alt=The linebender|thumb|The linebender ]]
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==Checklist==
===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:
#import your design through CorelDRAW into UCP.
#use the relocate and focus tool.
#change the material settings.
#cut a DaBL coaster on your own!
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