Laser Cutting
On this page, I will describe:
1. The 4 important hazards and the respective safety control measures on the operation of laser cutting machine
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Hazards |
Safety
control measures |
Pictures
to support explanation |
|
1.
Fumes and gas accumulated which can be hazardous
and cause fire |
A fume
extractor is in place to prevent gas accumulation |
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|
2.
Dirt and debris can catch on fire while cutting
the material and cause fire hazard |
An air
compressor is in place which acts as air assist to blow the debris or dirt away
|
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|
3.
The material may catch on fire during
operation |
Fire extinguisher
can help put out fire |
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|
4.
Small fire on material while cutting |
Laser interlock
to ensure that laser will not fire when lid is opened |
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2.1 Below are the materials that can be cut/engraved using laser cutter machine in FabLab
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Materials |
Photo of
material |
|
Wood – (1)
Plywood (2) Natural wood (3) MDF |
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|
Acrylic |
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|
Cardboard |
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|
Paper |
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|
Materials |
Photo of materials |
|
Metal |
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|
PVC |
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|
Foam |
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|
Rubber |
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Steps and procedures |
Pictures |
|
1.
Before you start switch on the power for (1)
The power for laser cutter, air assist and
extractor (2)
Light switch |
 |
b. importing a .DXF file to coreldraw and modify lines/fill for cutting and engraving
|
Steps and procedures |
Pictures |
|
1. Select File > Import > Select your DXF
file and press import |
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|
2. Once file imported, navigate the tools section, and change line and colour setting 3. To change settings: Line-after clicking
tools, click Line drop down menu and select appropriate settings.
(Hairline/None)
Outline/Fill
Colour-click on colour drop down menu and select recommended settings
(RGB/none)
Fill-Click on fill
tool setting and click on colour model to change to RGB before selecting
appropriate
|
 (tools located at bottom right hand of the corel draw.
Double click icon to change settings)
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c. sending the coreldraw drawing to laser cutter software and setting the laser cutter power, speed, PPI in the software
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Steps and procedure |
Pictures |
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1. Click on File > Print. 2. Then Click on Cogwheel icon for settings |
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3. Universal’s Material setting will Appear 4. Click on Load |
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5. Click on the specific material type used and
the thickness (2mm) 6. Once done click apply then ok then print |
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d. Starting the job on the laser cutter machine
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Steps and Procedure |
Picture |
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1. Click on the UCP (Universal Control Panel) |
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2. Click on power button to activate laser cutter |
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3. Shut the lid and press on the Play button |
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e. DOs and DON'Ts when there's flame/fire on the material being cut
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DOs and
DON’Ts |
Photos |
|
DO Lift the
lid to stop the laser cutter operation |
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|
If fire is negligible,
DO try blowing it off |
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If fire is
unable to blow off, DO remove and place material on the ground and step on it
to put out fire |
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DO Use fire
extinguisher if fire is uncontrollable |
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DON’T use
fire extinguisher on Small fire |
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\ n After having my first experience laser cutting, it was pretty sweet and pleasant.
At first I feel nervous as i don't know what to expect as a first-timer. I was worried if there were any missing steps in my SOP or if i will paniced during the test or i didn't watch the video enough. But thankfully, Mr Louis went through a demo for us from importing a .DXF file onto coreldraw and to the shutdown of the laser cutter machine and housekeeping. It was quite similiar to the SOP that i cam up with.
I feel that i must have more confidence in myself, especially for future practicals. If i am sufficiently prepared, i just got to believe in myself and do the best i can in the work given to me.
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