Instructions for Using the Laser Cutter

Instructions for using the laser cutter:

Preparing a file for the laser cutter:

1. The artboard should always be 18” x 32” in a landscape orientation.

1. Cut lines should be RGB red (R=255, G=0, B=0) and have a hairline stroke. (.1 stroke in Adobe Illustrator = hairline)

2. Score lines should be RGB blue ( R=0, G=0, B=255) and have a hairline stroke.

3. Etching files should be RGB and may be any line weight and black or a shade of gray.

Using Corel and the UCP:

1. Copy your cutfile from the jump drive onto the desktop and then remove your jump drive before opening any application.

2. Open Corel and then open your cutfile (the one you placed on the desktop) from Corel.

3. Double check the line weight and color to make sure that it is correct.

4. Use the calipers to measure the thickness of the material you will be printing.

5. Press print to open the print menu.

6. Open preferences and select the material group that best represents the material that you are cutting. A submenu will open up that will allow you to select with greater detail the type of material (i.e. hardwood, softwood, etc.) Select the appropriate material and enter the material thickness. Return to the print menu. Press apply and the OK.

7. Make sure the VLS6.60 printer is selected and press print.

8. Open the UCP and select the job you want to print. Make sure the artwork is located on the drawing board in the place where you will be actually cutting within the laser cutter bed itself. Also, make sure that if you are cutting, scoring or etching your lines are red, blue or grayscale respectively.

Using the laser cutter:

1. Clean the #1 lens and mirror using the q tips, cleaning solution and wipes provided by the shop. Do not use any other cleaning agent. Check the #2 mirror to make sure it is not dirty or smudged. If the #2 mirror does not have a clear, reflective finish, clean it as well using the cleaning agent provided by the shop.

2. Turn on the compressor and the exhaust fan prior to starting the laser cutter.

3. Place your material on the laser cutter bed, close the lid, turn on the laser cutter using the “on / off” button on the machine or the UCP panel and press print on the computer screen from the UCP interface.

Cautions:

1. Acrylic, Wood, Paper, Plastic, Laptops, and a whole host of other things are flammable, so please DO NOT WALK AWAY FROM THE LASER CUTTER – YOU MUST STAY IN THE ROOM WITH IT AND KEEP AN EYE ON IT IN CASE OF FIRE. If a major fire starts use the fire extinguisher to put it out. If minor sparks start flying, press pause and increase the speed and / or decrease the power until you have found a suitable cutting intensity.

2. This laser cutter does not cut metal. You should also not use polycarbonate in the laser cutter.

3.PVC and Vinyl create a corrosive chlorine gas that will not only harm you, but could permanently damage your machine and void its warranty in the process you should not cut any material that has vinyl in it.

4. Do not lean on the machine while it is cutting and NEVER lean on the honeycomb bed platform inside the machine (it is not strong enough to support you).