–Prepari
ng an object for laser cutting – use 2D vector file (EPS or DXF), make the format as simple as possible, all shapes no fill and 0.001mm stroke, laser origin is top left. When placing material onto laser cutter consider airflow, align against the rulers, support to distance the material from the bed, flat surface needed – consistent z -height, use masking tape for light objects or to protect surface. Then set the x & y origins and use focus tool to set z-origin. Too much power melts materials and too little doesn’t cut. Speed can affect the cutting process as if too slow can cause combustion and if too fast it won’t cut. If the pulse rate/frequency isn’t right it can cause material to melt or can leave gaps if too far apart. The vector mode is for cutting and the raster mode is for engraving. Then turn on the BOFA extractor – speed approx. 330m3h, and turn on the air compressor. After the cutting has stopped leave the lid closed with the extractor on for 30 secs and then clean the bed carefully under the tap without bending the sheet.
I was absent for this session but have researched and read the notes for this induction and now understand how to use a laser cutter so would be able to in the future using these notes. I would like to experiment by cutting half a shape into some fabric repeatedly then folding and sewing the flap down to create an interesting 3D effect on the surface. This would relate to my geometric surface design project in print right now.
