Get Started:
Required training for all users.
Reserve the mini Universal Laser Cutter
*Maximum: 2 hours over a 1-week period
You may cancel your appointment easily through your Fusion account.
Learning Modules (Optional!) Join the course in Canvas.
- At your reservation time, check-in with staff to log into the laser cutter computer, and help you load the file and material. They will turn the light at the laser green for the duration of your reservation.
- The user must monitor the cut until finished and press the pause or e-off if anything looks weird (large flames, etc.)
- Let staff know when finished and staff will log out of the machine.
- There is a desktop computer dedicated to prepping files for the Laser Cutter by the Dremel. No reservation required.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
File Setup Tutorial
Equipment Specs & Software
Universal Laser System_ ILS9.150 (free-standing platform with a materials processing envelope of 36″ x 24″, max material thickness of 1/2″, see approved materials below).
Universal Laser System_VLS4.75 (free-standing platform with a material processing envelope 18″ x 24″, max material thickness of 1/4″, see approved materials below).
Software
You will need a 2D vector file, which can have the following file types: .dxf, .ai, .pdf
These files can be generated from multiple software packages including:
We have a computer available for file prep – just look for the file prep station near the laser cutter. CAE login not required.
ULS Approved/Unapproved Materials
If you have material that is not listed in the approved or unapproved list, stop in to talk with the Shop Manager. Do not attempt to use materials on laser cutter without staff approval.
ULS Approved Materials
| Material | Vector Cut | Vector Engrave | Raster Engrave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric - Canvas | OK | OK | OK |
| HDF (High Density Fiberboard) | OK | OK | OK |
| MDF (Maple veneer) | OK | OK | OK |
| Masonite/Hardboard | OK | OK | OK |
| Uncoated Paper | OK | OK | OK |
| Cardboard/ Corrugated Cardboard | OK - Very flammable | OK | OK |
| Chipboard | OK - Very flammable | OK | OK |
| Matboard/Museum Board | OK - Leaves burn marks | OK | OK |
| Veneered Plywood | OK | OK | OK |
| Balsa Wood | OK - Works great | OK | OK |
| Basswood | OK - Works great | OK | OK |
| Hard Woods | OK - max 1/2" - 1/4" or thinner is recommended | OK | OK |
| 100% Leather | OK | OK | OK |
| Cork | OK - Edges may burn | OK | OK |
| Fabric - Muslin | OK - Must be taped down | OK | OK |
| Linoleum | OK | OK | OK |
| Acrylic | OK | OK | OK |
| Mirrored Acrylic (Must be upside down) | OK | OK | OK |
| Rowmark Plastics | OK | OK | OK |
| Duralar (polyester film) | OK | OK | OK |
| Foam Core | OK - Melts the edges | OK | OK |
| Foam - EVA | OK - Melts the edges | OK | OK |
| Foam - Tool foam | OK - Melts the edges | OK | OK |
| Fabric - Ballistic Nylon | OK | NOT OK | NOT OK |
| Fabric - Denim | OK | OK | OK |
| Fabric - 100% Silk | OK | OK | OK |
| Fabric - 100% Wool | OK | OK | OK |
| Fabric - 100% Cotton | OK | OK | OK |
| Glass (Soda-lime / Lead Crystal) | NOT OK | OK | OK |
| Marble | NOT OK | OK | OK |
| Unglazed Porcelain Tile | NOT OK | OK | OK |
| Ceramic - Laser tile | NOT OK | OK | OK |
| Ceramic - Saltillo tile | NOT OK | OK | OK |
| Ceramic - Glazed Tile | NOT OK | OK - Vector engraving removes the glaze | OK - Vector rastering removes the glaze |
| Anodized Aluminum | NOT OK | OK - Vector engraving removes the anodization | OK - Vector engraving removes the anodization |
| Powder Coated Metal | NOT OK | OK | OK |
| General Acetal (Delrin) | OK | OK | OK |
| Kapton tape | OK | OK | OK |
| Tyvek | OK | OK | OK |
ULS Unapproved Materials
| Material | Notes |
|---|---|
| PVC (artificial leather, vinyl) | Emits chlorine while cutting |
| Rubbers | Tend to melt when laser cut, can catch fire, emits fumes |
| Food | Any kind of food items are strictly prohibited on laser cutter |
| Material with Sticky/ Gluey/ Oily/ Unknown coatings | Any material (even from the approved list) with sticky/gluey/oily/unknown coatings are not allowed to use on laser cutter. It can damage the machine parts/can catch fire/can emit fumes |
| Carbon Fibres | Laser beam can burn the material with noxious gases |
| Fiberglass | Emits fumes while cutting |
| Epoxy | Laser beam can burn the material with noxious gases |
| ABS | Emits cyanide gas and tends to melt while cutting |
| Teflon (PTFE) | Emits fumes while cutting |
| Polycarbonate/Lexan | Absorbs the laser, hence is very ineffective at cutting or engraving |
| Unknown Grades of Plastics | Some plastic grades melt when laser cut, can catch fire, emits fume |
| PolyPropylene | PolyPropylene Foam catches the fire and melts the material |
| Delrin | Emits Benzene while cutting |
| PETG | It is a dirty material to process, giving off white particulates that can damage the machine parts. |
| HDPE/milk bottle plastic | It catches fire when used on laser cutter. |
| Foam - Polystyrene Foam | OK - Melts the edges |
| Epoxy | Epoxy is an aliphatic resin, strongly cross-linked carbon chains. A CO2 laser can't cut it, and the resulting burned mess creates toxic fumes (like cyanide!). Items coated in Epoxy, or cast Epoxy resins must not be used in the laser cutter (see Fiberglass). |
| Any non-planar or warped materials | The laser carriage can crash into it, damaging the mechanicals of the laser cutter. For any exception to this rule see the shop manager. |
Useful Links and Guides
Materials for the Laser Cutter for Sale
| Material | Material Type | Thickness | Length & Width | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 212,00 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 425,00 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 345,00 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 69,00 |
| Veneered MDF | Wood | 1/4 | 18x24 | 39,00 |
| Veneered MDF | Wood | 1/4 | 36x24 | 78,00 |
| Plywood | Wood | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 6,00 |
| Plywood | Wood | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 12,00 |
| Foam Core | 3/16 | 30 x 20 | 3,00 | |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 1.075,00 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 1.075,00 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 1.075,00 |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 215,00 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 215,00 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 215,00 |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 20,00 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 20,00 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/4 | 18 x24 | 1.825,00 |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 40,00 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 40,00 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 365,00 |
| Acrylic - Various Colors | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | |
| Corrugated Cardboard | 5/32 | 24 x 36 | 25,00 |
Laser Cutters Project Support
Support Staff Date Start Time End Time
Bis Mishra
1/15/2025
09:30 AM
12:00 PM
Bis Mishra
1/16/2025
09:30 AM
12:00 PM
Check-in during these hours for questions pertaining to design consultation, materials, and best practices.
E-mail maker-laser@engr.wisc.edu with questions.