Get Started Laser Cutting:
Required first step for all users.
Reserve the Universal Laser Cutter
*Maximum: 2 hours over a 1-week period
*Maximum: 2 hours over a 1-week period
You may cancel your appointment easily by removing it from your calendar.
Permit Requirements are enforced with wiscard swipes or m-passes.
College of Engineering faculty and staff are not required to pay the materials fee though they must have a CoE permit.
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.
Equipment Specs & Software
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:
The Makerspace has a computer available for file prep – just look for the file prep station near the laser cutter. CAE login not required.
Universal Laser 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 Makerspace staff’s approval.
*This list is only for the Universal Laser.
Approved Laser Cutter Materials
Unapproved Laser Cutter Materials
Dremel Mini Approved/Unapproved Materials
Dremel Unapproved List
Dremel Approved List
Useful Links and Guides
Materials for the Laser Cutter for Sale at the Makerspace
| Material | Material Type | Thickness | Length & Width | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 2.12 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 4.25 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/4 | 18 x 24 | 3.45 |
| Hardboard (HDF) | Wood | 1/4 | 36 x 24 | 6.90 |
| Veneered MDF | Wood | 1/4 | 18x24 | 3.90 |
| Veneered MDF | Wood | 1/4 | 36x24 | 7.80 |
| 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 | 10.75 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 10.75 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/8 | 18 x 24 | 10.75 |
| Acrylic - Black | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 21.50 |
| Acrylic - White | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 21.50 |
| Acrylic - Clear | Plastic | 1/8 | 36 x 24 | 21.50 |
| 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 | 18.25 |
| 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 | 36.50 |
| Acetal | Plastic | 1/4 | 12 x 12 | 26.47 |
| Acetal | Plastic | 1/4 | 24 x 24 | 105.90 |
| Corrugated Cardboard | 5/32 | 24 x 36 | 2.50 |
Laser Cutter Project Support
Aishwarya Deshpande
Credentials: Assistant Shop Manager
Yuvakshi Kalra
Credentials: Technical Staff
Corbin Neutgens
Credentials: Technical Staff
Ava Pezza
Credentials: Technical Staff
Brian Putra
Credentials: Technical Staff
Corinn Sievwright
Credentials: Technical Staff
Check-in during the hours below for questions pertaining to design consultation, materials, and best practices.
E-mail maker-laser@engr.wisc.edu with questions.