Laser Operation Class: Difference between revisions

From Knox Makers Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with "===Instructors=== The following people have been designated by our laser cutting SME as having appropriate knowledge about the safe operation of our laser cutter to provide t...")
 
mNo edit summary
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
===Instructors===
Only Knox Makers members are allowed to use the laser cutter, and only after taking the Laser Cutter Workshop.  You can look on our [https://knoxmakers.org/events/ events calendar] to see if any are scheduled, or talk to the [https://knoxmakers.org/member/jondale/ Laser Cutting Czar].  The cost of the class is $10 and lasts about 2 hours.  This class provides an overview of the machine itself, a short tutorial in Inkscape, what materials you can and can't use, and basics of operation.  It will also include a hands-on demo of how to power up and power down the machine.
The following people have been designated by our laser cutting [[SME]] as having appropriate knowledge about the safe operation of our laser cutter to provide training to others.
There are no prerequisites for taking this class.
* Jondale Stratton
* Andy Lautner
* Brian Manifold
* Doug Laney
* Issac Merkle




===Description===
===Class Outline===
In order to use the laser cutter, you must first take the Laser Operation Class from one of the ATX members that have been designated as an instructor to teach the course.  The course takes an hour, and has a lab material fee.  Once you have taken the course, you can schedule time on and operate the laser cutter.
*[[Laser_Cutter#Theory:_How_it_Works|Laser Theory of Operation]]
*[[Laser_Hardware|Laser Hardware]]
**The safety equipment
**How to arm and fire
*[[Using_Inkscape_with_the_Laser_Cutter|Inkscape Plug-in]]
**How to install
**Relevant G-Code
**How to set up cutting/engraving
**Custom values tab
*[[Laser Cutter Materials]]
**Safe and approved materials
**Some known materials that do not work
*[[LaserCNC_Computer|Computer Control]]
**User Account
**Moving files
**Where to keep G-Code Files
*[[LinuxCNC_For_Laser|LinuxCNC]]
**Procedure for powering on and powering down machine


You will learn:


* How to safely start up and shut down the Laser Cutter
===Checklist for machine usage===
* How to load and unload material
Each of these steps will be covered in the Laser Cutter Workshop. 
* Theory of how the laser cutter works, and what materials you can/can't use
Only members who have taken the class are authorized to use the laser cutter.
* Setting up, importing, and drawing files in Inkscape
# Upload G-code to machine
* Learning how to deal with different materials:
# Power on laser cutter
** Mat board
# Power on filtration unit
** Corrugated Cardboard
# Start LinuxCNC
** Foam core
# Software E-Stop is off
** Acrylic
# Software Machine Power on
** Glass
# Machine Homed
* Setting up Inkscape to vector cut / vector engrave / raster
# Load G-Code into LinuxCNC
* Download laserable objects from Thingiverse
# Align material
# Make sure Laser is in auto mode
# Make sure chiller is powered on
# Make sure lid closed
# Make sure E-stop is disengaged
# Arm switch
# Press play


===Cost===
===Powering down machine===
$15 per student.
# Disarm switch
 
# Close LinuxCNC
===Duration===
# Turn off filtration unit
One day, one hour course
# Turn off power to laser cutter
 
# Do not power down computer!
===Class Size===
Number of students depends on classroom space, possibly 10-20 students.
 
===Prerequisites===
Basic electronic theory will be helpful, although there will be a review.
 
===Further Information===
See the [[Laser Cutter Materials]] page for general information.
 
The basic class provides an overview of the machine itself, what materials you can and can't use, and basics of operation.
 
You will be provided 3 6x6" (roughly) pieces of material: poster paper, plywood, and acrylic. The poster paper and acrylic are utilized in two exercises during class time, and the wood is left for you to experiment with on your own.

Latest revision as of 14:59, 18 April 2017

Only Knox Makers members are allowed to use the laser cutter, and only after taking the Laser Cutter Workshop. You can look on our events calendar to see if any are scheduled, or talk to the Laser Cutting Czar. The cost of the class is $10 and lasts about 2 hours. This class provides an overview of the machine itself, a short tutorial in Inkscape, what materials you can and can't use, and basics of operation. It will also include a hands-on demo of how to power up and power down the machine. There are no prerequisites for taking this class.


Class Outline


Checklist for machine usage

Each of these steps will be covered in the Laser Cutter Workshop. Only members who have taken the class are authorized to use the laser cutter.

  1. Upload G-code to machine
  2. Power on laser cutter
  3. Power on filtration unit
  4. Start LinuxCNC
  5. Software E-Stop is off
  6. Software Machine Power on
  7. Machine Homed
  8. Load G-Code into LinuxCNC
  9. Align material
  10. Make sure Laser is in auto mode
  11. Make sure chiller is powered on
  12. Make sure lid closed
  13. Make sure E-stop is disengaged
  14. Arm switch
  15. Press play

Powering down machine

  1. Disarm switch
  2. Close LinuxCNC
  3. Turn off filtration unit
  4. Turn off power to laser cutter
  5. Do not power down computer!
Retrieved from "https://wiki.knoxmakers.org/index.php?title=Laser_Operation_Class&oldid=2785"