Laser Cutter / Engraver

Introduction

The laser cutter/engraver uses a laser beam to cut or engrave wood, plastic, and other materials. Think of it as super precise, intense burning. We have two types of laser cutters: the Epilog and the Glowforge. More information below.

The laser cutters are located in the Watt Makerspace. 

Epilog Fusion 60W Laser Cutter/Engraver

The Epilog can hold materials up to 40" x 28" x 13". 

It can engrave onto materials that are up to 13" thick but note that it cannot be used to cut through anything thicker than 1/4". It can even engrave rounded objects, like coffee mugs.

The Epilog is larger, more powerful and customizable.

Glowforge Pro

The Glowforge can hold materials up to 20" x 18" x 2".

It is easier to use but less powerful than the Epilog.

Materials

The laser cutters can work with a variety of materials. Some materials can be both cut and engraved, but some can only be engraved.

Any new materals must be approved by an intern! If you're not sure, or if your material isn't listed below or on the recommended settings table, check with an intern!

Banned materials: Vinyl, PVC, ABS plastic

Materials you can cut with the laser:

Materials you can engrave with the laser:

Examples

Use the laser cutter/engraver to engrave your name onto a water bottle, make custom wood keychains, architectural models and more!

Laser engrave into stainless steel coffee cups
Laser cut wood to make architectural models or topographical maps
Laser engrave onto glass or plastic to make signs, custom wine glasses, or coasters

How to use the laser cutter/engraver

The laser cutter/engravers are located in the Watt Makerspace, which is located on the 1st floor of the Watt Center. The laser is free to use but you must complete online and in-person training to be able to use it:

1

General safety training

Complete the Makerspace's General Safety Training + the General Safety Quiz

2

Laser cutter online training

Complete the Laser Cutter module containing the introduction, safety, and operation (the next page of this guide) .

Then, complete and pass the Laser Cutter quiz.

3

Prepare your design in Adobe Illustrator

Prepare your file to be laser cut and engraved. We generally use Adobe Illustrator but you can also use Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD.

We have guides for learning Adobe Illustrator generally. There's information on how to laser cutting specific tips on the Makerspace Canvas page, and if you need more tips, ask one of the Makerspace interns when you arrive to the space.

4

Make a reservation

Make a reservation for when you want to use the laser cutter/engraver using the reservation system 

5

In-person laser cutter training

Arrive at the Makerspace for the time you have the machine reserved. Locate one of the Makerspace interns to complete your in-person training on the laser cutter. This is a required part of the training.

6

Loading your file + laser cutting

Load your design into the graphic software on the computers next to the laser cutter, send to the Epilog print system, and start the laser cutter. More information about these steps in the laser cutter operating procedure part of the Canvas page.

7

Do not walk away from the laser!

For safety purposes, all patrons must stay with their laser projects as they are running. Abandoned projects will be canceled.

Ready to get started?

Continue to the laser cutter training: