The contents of this checklist are to be addressed in full at the time of user training. Users acknowledge that they
have been delivered this content and understand all aspects of safe operation as outlined below by initialing the
appropriate space on the Fabrication Lab User Agreement Form. Once users complete the training session and
online exam, their HUID will be activated such that their ID card will allow the machines to power-on when swiped.
Allow at least 3 days for cards to be activated. At the discretion of Fabrication Lab staff, users will lose their access
privileges without warning if they are found to have been operating equipment in a manner not in keeping with the
Standard Operating Procedures below.
How laser cutting works: A laser cutting machine works by amplifying light to such a degree as to either melt or
burn a material while following a designated path. Vector and/or raster images are sent to the machine in a similar
manner as to printing with a conventional paper printer. Colors within the drawing are used to specify the power,
speed, and number of pulses of the laser applied to the image at that particular location, allowing lines to be cut
with different settings within one drawing. The power of each individual laser cutting machine available at the
GSD varies as the technology has developed over the years they have been acquired. Wattages for the individual
machines include 25 Watts, 50 Watts, 60 Watts, 75 Watts, 100 Watts, and 120 Watts. Increased wattage allows
thicker materials to be cut more quickly, but does not necessarily affect the speed or quality of the cut achievable
in thinner materials. The most powerful lasers are located in L40.
Appropriate Materials: Cast and extruded acrylic (obtained from either the Lab Store or Altec Plastics), mat
board, thin wood, wood veneer, craft plywood, non-PVC sign vinyl, cork, rubber and natural leather are materials
appropriate for cutting and engraving with a laser. Many clear plastics look identical but are chemically very
different and should not be cut using a laser. Consult Fabrication Lab staff or Laser TAs before cutting or etching
any material not listed above. Laser engraving or cutting materials other than those listed above is a potential
hazard and can cause damage to the laser machine, start fires, or be a significant risk to the health and safety of
users and others. Out of regard for the health and comfort of others, cutting materials other than paper, mat board,
or thin wood veneer is restricted to those lasers in L40 where adequate ventilation is provided.
Do not engrave or cut Polyvinylchloride (PVC) based materials.
Do not engrave or cut materials with reflective surfaces such as glass or metal.
Do not engrave or cut materials containing melamine resins.
Do not engrave or cut plastics containing nylon.
Do not engrave or cut High Density Foam or other materials containing polyurethane.
Do not engrave or cut MDF or Plywood or other materials containing either urea- or phenol-formaldehyde.
Do not cut foam-core board or other materials containing Polystyrene or Styrene.
Potential Hazards: The potential hazards associated with use of a laser cutter require that they be attended at
all times while in use and be under constant supervision. Failure to do so will result in revocation/suspension of a
users access privileges. To adequately monitor an operating machine, only one laser cutting machine should be
operated by a user at any time.
Fire: Cutting materials with a laser frequently causes flaming and/or sparking. Some materials are more
prone to causing flaming or sparking than others. Adjust power, speed and frequency/ppi settings to reduce
the flame. Never leave the laser unattended, even if for a very short time, and be attentive while operating
the machine. Make sure any flame present does not come into contact with any part of the laser system as
flame will damage the machine. Small flames can easily lead to larger fires and risk the health, safety and
lives of others. Pay attention to any smoke or smouldering present after cutting as off-cut material may be
on fire within the down-draft table. Should a fire ignite, shut off the ventilation to the machine by hitting the
red button on the wall next to the card swipe to prevent additional oxygen being supplied to the fire. If small
enough, extinguish the fire with an extinguisher present at each machine or mounted to a near-by wall.
However, keep in mind that when the top door to the machine is opened, additional oxygen may be supplied
to the fire, causing the fire to grow. If the fire is too large, exit the room, making sure all doors close behind
you, and alert others by activating an alarm or calling emergency response. An Incident Report must be
completed by both the user and Lab Staff.
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Particulate: All airborne particulate presents a potential health concern regardless of the nature of the
material being cut. The method of cutting materials with heat as employed in laser cutters generates smoke
and causes particulate to be dispersed into the air. Ventilation systems meeting equipment manufacturers
recommendations are connected to each laser cutting machine to remove air, vapor, and particulate from
the unit while cutting. Opening the door to the laser cutter to remove material after it has been cut releases
some airborne particulate that has not yet been evacuated; a delay in opening the unit may decrease
the amount of particulate dispersed. Disposable dust masks are available to users to reduce respiratory
exposure to this particulate.
Radiation: Exposure to the laser beam may cause physical burns and can cause severe eye damage. Do
not stare at the bright light emitted by the laser or at the red dot pointer. Safety mechanisms are installed
on the two doors on each machine to immediately disable the CO2 laser beam when open, however, the red
dot pointer is not deactivated by the opening of either door.
Fumes: Fumes can be released when materials are heated, melted and burned. Cutting certain types of
materials with a laser will release toxic fumes. For this reason, a number of materials are not permissible for
cutting with a laser. Cut only those materials listed above as appropriate and do not attempt to cut those
which are not on the list without first consulting with Fabrication Lab staff or Laser TAs. Fumes released
that are not necessarily toxic can still be a nuisance and offensive. For this reason cutting materials other
than paper, mat board, or thin wood veneer is restricted to those lasers in L40 where adequate ventilation
is provided.
Solvents: When cleaning the laser bed, isopropyl alcohol is used to remove all residue. At minimum,
protective gloves, such as the nitrile gloves provided in the lab, should be worn. Isopropyl Alcohol is a
flammable liquid but evaporates quickly, care should be taken to not allow it to come into contact with
any flame or source of heat. Consult the MSDS for this fluid for more information and appropriate safety
precautions.
Parts of the Machine: Because the GSD has 9 laser cutting machines that were acquired over the past 15 years,
there are differences between the physical parts of the machines and the computer interfaces for them, but they all
operate in the same manner and have the same basic operating parts to pay attention to. Be aware of the location
and functionality of each of the below components.
Laser: Contained within the back cabinet of each machine is a sealed CO2 laser cartridge that produces
intense visible and invisible laser radiation. This is what produces the beam of light that is used to cut
materials. These units do have a life-span that affects the power of the light beam that they are capable of
producing.
Mirrors: From the back cabinet of the machine, a series of mirrors bend the laser beam to direct it to the
focus carriage as it moves in X and Y above the material to be cut, making their alignment and cleanliness
important. A misaligned mirror or missing shroud could direct light from the CO2 laser cartridge to outside
of the machine.
Focus Lens: The beam of light from the laser passes through the focus lens and converges at a small point,
called the focus point, 2 inches beneath the lens; this lens is located at the bottom of the focus carriage.
The operating focal range of the lens is within .05 of the 2 focal length of the lens, so the material surface
should be located within this Z (height) range.
Focus Tool: This is a tool used during manual focusing of the laser, and is a stick with a base and a beveled
edge at 2 height. It is placed beneath the focus carriage such that its flat face is in contact with the front
flat face of the focus carriage. When adjusting the Z-height of the table to focus the laser onto the material
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