Laser

Discord: #2d-cutting-and-design, Stewards: @steward (laser)

Cutting with either laser cutter requires the laser cutter certification. The asynchronous learning module (Laser 101 - Learn @ NEM) must be completed before certification.

The rules in All areas apply.

Allowed materials

If you aren’t sure what your material is, don’t cut it on the laser.

Wood from known providers: Baltic birch ply, bamboo, MDF, hardwoods (maple, cherry, walnut, poplar, etc.), softwoods (pine, basswood, balsa).
Paper products: copy paper, card stock, chipboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, mat board.
Acrylic (PMMA): cast or extruded sheets (often sold as “acrylic,” “Plexiglas,” “Perspex,” “Lucite”).
Specific Plastics: PET / PETG, polyester (Mylar), polyimide (Kapton).
Fabrics and textiles: cotton, wool, felt (wool or approved synthetic), silk, linen, some nylons, and polyesters.
Leather: vegetable‑tanned natural leather (not chrome‑tanned).
Rubbers: laser‑safe stamp rubber and some natural rubbers (often labeled “laserable rubber”).
Foams (non‑chlorinated): EVA, some PE foams, “laser‑safe” craft foams, foam core board (paper faces, non‑PVC core).
Glass: engrave/etch on the surface of many types of glass (for example, drinkware, flat glass sheets), producing a frosted mark.

Disallowed materials

Never cut any of the following materials on the laser, as they pose a safety risk when cut.

PVC (poly vinyl chloride, for example, vinyl/pleather/artificial leather): emits pure chlorine gas
Polycarbonate/Lexan thicker than 1mm: cuts poorly, discolors, catches fire
ABS: emits cyanide gas
HDPE (for example, milk bottle plastic): catches fire, melts
Polystyrene foam: #1 cause of laser fires!
Polypropylene foam: catches fire
Fiberglass: emits noxious fumes
Coated carbon fiber: emits noxious fumes

Safety

You must be 18 or older to use the lasers.
Children must be supervised and not allowed to peek into the laser at edges while the laser is running.
Always be within arm’s reach of the E-Stop buttons while the laser is running.

In case of fire

If the air nozzle doesn’t put out the fire immediately:

Stop the laser with the E-Stop.
Push the carriage out of the way.
Smother the fire with fire blanket.
As a last resort, use fire extinguisher.
Contact @steward (laser) in the #help-i-need-somebody channel to report the fire.

In case of laser head crash

If the head crashes and you’ve had to hit the E-stop, contact @steward (laser) in the #help-i-need-somebody channel. They, or one of the trained volunteers, should be able to replace the autofocus pin and reset the machine.

What do I do with scrap material?

Small acrylic & wood scrap (larger than 4”x4”) can be placed in the drawers.
Large scrap can be placed in the file drawers or alongside the cabinets in the designated areas.

My job isn’t being sent to the Mira9

If your job isn’t being sent to the Mira9, there might be another instance of Lightburn running on the PC.

Before leaving

Remember to clean up any waste generated by your cut.

Don’t forget your USB drive/SD card!