Laser Cutter

A CoE permit (Lab Orientation OR red/green permit), paid materials fee for this semester, and Laser Cutter 1 upgrade (CoE Students) are required. Laser Cutter upgrade seminar dates, times, and locations are posted in EMU under the “My Status” page.

Prep File

The Makerspace has a desktop computer dedicated to prepping files for the Laser Cutter. You are welcome to use this File Prep Station or to bring your file in on a thumb drive.

Check-In with Student Staff at Your Reserved Time

• Please show up for your reservation on time. Check-in with the front desk and they will direct you to your station.
• The student staff member will log into the laser cutter using their personal CAE account and help you load the file and material. The light above the Laser Cutter will turn green for the duration of your cut.
• Once the laser is cutting, the user is responsible for monitoring the cut until finished and press the pause or e-off if anything looks weird (e-off if there’s a fire).
• Once the user’s job is completed, the light above the Laser Cutter will turn red. Users should let staff know they are finished and the student staff will log off of the machine.

Click here for a complete list of equipment.

• Laser Processing Area = 36” x 24”
• Maximum material cut depth = .5”

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:

• 3D (CAD): Solidworks, Onshape, Fusion 360
• 2D: Illustrator, Gravit, Inkscape

The Makerspace has a computer available for file prep – just look for the file prep station near the laser cutter. CAE login not required.

*If your material is in this list, and you need a small quantity of pieces cut, we may have a tool to help you cut your file – just ask us, and we’d be happy to help troubleshoot!

Unapproved Laser Cutter Materials

The laser cutter cannot engrave these materials, but will engrave the coated/glazed material on the surface.

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.

Approved Laser Cutter Materials

• Universal Laser Guide
• Make a Box on the Laser Cutter
• Accounting for the kerf of the laser
• Making Laser Cut Maps
• Solid Works to Universal Laser