Laser Cutting
Canvas Induction module
You MUST complete the induction module on Canvas before using the machine. Click the button below to view the module and induction sign up form.
To download the “KEY RING TAG – EXERCISE” Click the link below to download the file.
Watch this video to learn how to use our laser cutters.
Overview:
- Setting up my file in Adobe Illustrator
- Applying correct material settings
- Sending the file to the laser cutter
- Setting up the machine correctly
- Safety instructions
How to install the laser cutting software
We’ve made some instructions, see them – HERE
Creating & sending an illustrator file to laser cutter
We’ve made some instructions on how to do this, see them – HERE
Cool links
List of websites and programs you can use to make laser cut ready files (gears, boxes, jigsaw puzzles, etc.) see them – HERE
View our presentation instructions – HERE
CAI Store
The following materials can be purchased from the Creative Store and used on the Laser Cutter. Ask a technician for stock levels before purchasing materials. If you would like to cut something that is not listed then please speak with a technician.
MDF
A flat, bonded wood particle sheet material that is easily cut, worked, sanded and glued. Just be aware, as it’s a bonded wood board it will absorb moisture and will swell if not protected with a coating or paint.
Acrylic
A hard and brittle sheet plastic that comes in many different transparencies and colours. Ask a technician about what colours are in stock.
Cardboard
Contains multiple layers of material to increase durability and strength. It is excellent for lo-fi model making and can have layers removed to reveal an interesting texture.
Stamp Rubber
Can be cut and etched to be made into stamps. Depending on the etching size you may be asked to purchase laser cutter credits too.
Cork
Buoyant material made of bark tissue. It is a high friction material that can be flexible depending on sheet thickness.
Cardstock
Card stock is a thick flat cardboard with a natural brown card colour.
Related Projects
Laser Cutting Tools and File Generators
Design tools for laser cutting Pre-fab shape tools such as boxes with a tutorial here https://www.festi.info/boxes.py/ https://en.makercase.com/#/ Finger joint Generator https://clementzheng.github.io/joinery/ Paper objects: https://www.templatemaker.nl/en/ Cone...
Air-Switch Laser Cutting project
I had to make a box to hold a switch we were installing on to the laser cutter that would turn the compressed air on and off. So it seemed a good idea to document the process which was really quick and easy. Below is a tutorial of creating a switch box
Hand drawing to laser cutting with Inkscape
A quick overview of the workflow to get a hand-drawn part laser cut using Inkscape. Useful links: Shape building: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7a7rHURphw Image Tracing: https://inkscape.org/doc/tutorials/tracing/tutorial-tracing.html