Laser-Cutting General Information
(Note: Go directly to the end of this section to download the two documents referred to: i.e. 'The basics of Laser Cutting'.docx and FBEDWSLaser Template. ait).
How does laser cutting work?
Imagine taking a really small blow-torch and attaching it to a mechanical arm controlled by a computer - that, in its most basic form, is laser-cutting. The process starts with a sheet of suitable material being placed on a table inside of the laser cabinet. The lid of the machine is then closed and a CAD file loaded into software that controls the position of the laser. Before cutting begins, an extraction system is turned-on, causing air to flow into the chamber, around the material and out again (this helps to control the flame, smoke and fumes which are side effects of the process). Cutting then takes place and, on completion, the material is removed from the machine ready for collection.
Is the laser the right choice?
Used for certain types of work, laser-cutting is undoubtedly the best option - however, it is not always going to be the ideal solution. There are a number of factors to be considered when deciding whether or not to use the laser.
Objects that can be cut.
The laser is designed to work with objects that are flat in shape, and no more than 12mm in thickness. Objects that do not fit this category need a different approach - consult either your tutors or Digital Workshop staff for more information.
Selecting material for cutting.
The Digital Workshop groups materials into those that can be laser-cut safely with its equipment and those that can't. Materials that don't cut safely usually produce dangerous/toxic fumes or have a high fire-risk and therefore present a danger to staff and/or equipment. The workshop will not laser-cut these materials at any time!
If you want to use a material for cutting that is not on the list of the ones commonly used by the Digital Workshop (see the document
'The Basics of Laser-Cutting' for details) you should check in advance with staff that you are making a suitable choice. To help with this, you should obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and a small sample from the material supplier - this will show technical information on the material and help Digital Workshop staff to evaluate it.
Supplying Your Design Information
To ensure that the Digital Workshop delivers a result that matches your design intent, you need to supply your information in a way that meets certain rules rather than simply providing a generic CAD file
(download the document 'The Basics of Laser-Cutting'.docx for details).
To simplify the correct set up of your files - use the downloadable Adobe Illustrator template
'FBEDWSLaserTemplate'.ait
How long will it take?
This depends on both the practical aspect of how long the laser equipment will take for cutting as well as where your order sits in the prioritized queuing system that the Digital Workshop uses. The queuing system gives priority to Research-based work first, then post-graduate work and, finally, undergraduate work.
To give yourself the best chance of getting a speedy result, place your order as early as possible - don't leave things till the last minute.
Is laser cutting a free service?
No, the Digital Workshop provides laser cutting as a 'user-pays' service. For information on how to get something laser cut, see the 'Ordering' Page.
Downloads:
Download the document
The Basics of Laser-Cutting (PDF)
Download the document
FBEDWS_LaserTemplate.zip (zipped Illustrator Template).
Built Environment Degrees
Print this page 