136 lines
4.5 KiB
Markdown
136 lines
4.5 KiB
Markdown
# 🔲 How to Use the Laser Cutting Machine
|
||
|
||
*(This page provides step-by-step instructions for students on how to prepare and operate the laser cutter. Insert images where noted to enhance clarity and guidance.)*
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### 1️⃣ Preparing the File
|
||
**Software: SolidWorks / Illustrator / CorelDraw / etc.**
|
||
|
||
- Export the design as a **DXF (.dxf)** file.
|
||
- Send the file to the designated **email account** `fablabbh.share@gmail.com`.
|
||
- On the laser cutting computer, **download** the file and **import it into RDWorks**.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### 2️⃣ Setting Up in RDWorks
|
||
📌 *Insert screenshot of RDWorks interface here*
|
||
|
||
- **Arrange the parts** on the virtual sheet using directional arrow buttons.
|
||
- **Assign colors** to each part depending on whether it’s for cutting, engraving, or marking.
|
||
- **Double-click the selected color** from the left color bar to adjust settings:
|
||
- Input appropriate **Speed** and **Power** values based on material type and thickness.
|
||
- Alternatively, use **Parameter Library** to select preconfigured material profiles.
|
||
|
||
✅ After setting all values, click **“Download”** to transfer the file to the machine.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### 3️⃣ Operating the Laser Cutter
|
||
📌 *Insert image of laser cutter with labeled parts here*
|
||
|
||
1. **Turn on** the machine and main power switch.
|
||
2. **Insert the material** (e.g., 3mm plywood, 6mm acrylic).
|
||
3. Flip the **light knob** to activate internal lighting.
|
||
4. On the machine panel:
|
||
- Press **“File”** and select the file
|
||
- Press **“Enter”** to load it into memory
|
||
5. Use **arrow keys** to move the laser head to the desired starting point.
|
||
6. Adjust the **Z-axis** (height) of the laser:
|
||
- Use a **spacer tool** (e.g., LEGO brick) for low thickness.
|
||
- For thicker materials, keep around **2mm distance** between the laser head and the material.
|
||
7. Press **“Origin”** to set the starting position.
|
||
8. Press **“Frame”** to preview the cutting boundary.
|
||
9. Once confirmed, press **“Start”** to begin cutting.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### 🛡️ Safety & Efficiency Tips
|
||
📌 *Insert image of safety guidelines and PPE here*
|
||
|
||
- Always wear **safety goggles** during operation.
|
||
- Never leave the machine **unattended** while it's running.
|
||
- Use **tape or weights** to hold down curled or uneven sheets.
|
||
- Use **Frame preview** to avoid cutting beyond the material area.
|
||
- **Organize parts efficiently** on the sheet to reduce material waste.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### ✍️ Engraving Notes
|
||
|
||
- Use **lower power and higher speed** for engraving.
|
||
- Perform a **small test area** first to avoid burning the material.
|
||
- Ensure the surface is flat and clean for consistent engraving quality.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### 🧪 Cutting Efficiency Test Example
|
||
📌 *Insert photo of test squares with labels*
|
||
|
||
**Objective:**
|
||
Determine the optimal speed and power settings for clean cuts on 2.45mm plywood without manual force.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
**Test Parameters:**
|
||
|
||
- **Speeds (mm/s):** 15, 20, 30, 40
|
||
- **Powers (%):** 15, 27, 40, 52, 65
|
||
|
||
⚠️ *Do not exceed 70% power. It may damage the machine.*
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
**Successful Cutting Combinations:**
|
||
|
||
| Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) |
|
||
|--------------|------------|
|
||
| 15 | 40 |
|
||
| 20 | 30 |
|
||
| 10 | 52 |
|
||
| 20 | 52 |
|
||
| 30 | 52 |
|
||
| 15 | 65 |
|
||
| 20 | 65 |
|
||
| 30 | 65 |
|
||
| 40 | 65 |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
**Conclusion:**
|
||
Higher power settings (52–65%) combined with moderate to low speeds produced clean cuts. This combination allows the laser sufficient energy and time to fully penetrate the material without excessive scorching.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### 🔍 Focal Point Experiment
|
||
📌 *Insert photo of inclined test setup with cuts*
|
||
|
||
**Objective:**
|
||
Understand how varying the laser's focal height (Z-axis) affects the quality of cuts.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
**Setup:**
|
||
|
||
- A wooden plate was placed at an **inclined angle** on the cutting bed.
|
||
- The laser cut along the slope, testing multiple focal heights.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
**Observations:**
|
||
|
||
- When **too far**, the beam was unfocused, producing wide and burnt edges.
|
||
- When **too close**, the beam was concentrated but often failed to cut through fully.
|
||
- The **ideal distance** created precise, clean lines without burn marks.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
**Conclusion:**
|
||
The laser’s **focal point** plays a crucial role in cut quality. Proper Z-axis alignment ensures effective energy concentration, minimizing burns and maximizing precision.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
#### 📎 Add Barcode Below
|
||
📌 *Insert a QR code here that links directly to this documentation page on your website*
|
||
|
||
--- |