OmtechLaser - Revision history

TEM01* at 02:22, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T02:22:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:22, 14 March 2026
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	You have a large variety of possible colors available to you when designing a file, and the software lets you reorder them if you make a mistake to cut and engrave in the incorrect order. One of the main design constraints is when engraving images, you will want to use a grayscale black and white image. If you need more than one image engraved on a piece, at different settings, we can try to create a grayscale image with a different color (blue to white), but this will depend on your design software. If all else fails, just run two print jobs on the same material.		You have a large variety of possible colors available to you when designing a file, and the software lets you reorder them if you make a mistake to cut and engrave in the incorrect order. One of the main design constraints is when engraving images, you will want to use a grayscale black and white image. If you need more than one image engraved on a piece, at different settings, we can try to create a grayscale image with a different color (blue to white), but this will depend on your design software. If all else fails, just run two print jobs on the same material.

−	On the right there is another tab labeled move. This lets you manually move the laser head over your material to make sure it is in the right area, and also ~~autofocus~~ to the material.	+	On the right there is another tab labeled move. This lets you manually move the laser head over your material to make sure it is in the right area, and also focus to the material. To focus, with a 2in lens a Z height of 17 mm should focus to the level of the honeycomb. Move the Z up by the thickness of the work to focus. Moving up is a smaller Z number. No this doesn't make sense, thanks for asking.

	Before sending the job to the laser, Alt+P will preview the cutting job so you can check it for any errors.		Before sending the job to the laser, Alt+P will preview the cutting job so you can check it for any errors.

TEM01* at 01:46, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T01:46:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:46, 14 March 2026
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	The top lid and debris catch tray are interlocked. This means the machine will not operate unless both are fully closed.		The top lid and debris catch tray are interlocked. This means the machine will not operate unless both are fully closed.

−	The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front right. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.	+	The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front right of the laser. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.

	Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fire blanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.		Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fire blanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.
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	* Don't open the machine while it is running. Wait a while after it's done for smoke to clear.		* Don't open the machine while it is running. Wait a while after it's done for smoke to clear.

−	=== ~~<s>Operation</s>~~ Software ===	+	=== Software ===
	The laser is controlled using the Lightburn software on the computer. This takes in SVG files, or can be used to draw a design from scratch. Primary colors are used to control the different power levels for cutting and engraving.		The laser is controlled using the Lightburn software on the computer. This takes in SVG files, or can be used to draw a design from scratch. Primary colors are used to control the different power levels for cutting and engraving.

−	Lightburn has a number of tutorials available here: https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/tutorials Training for how to use the laser will focus on operating the machine, not creating a design file. If you already have a preferred graphics editor, great! We should be able to import files from it. Please convert all text to a vector path before exporting it to avoid font library issues.	+	Lightburn has a number of tutorials available here: https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/tutorials Training for how to use the laser will focus on operating the machine, not creating a design file. If you already have a preferred graphics editor, great! We should be able to import files from it. Please convert all text to a vector path before exporting it to avoid font library issues.Some other design rules for creating a design are related to colors:[[File:LightburnOverview.png\|thumb\|1076x1076px\|Lightburn Overview\|center]]
−
−	Some other design rules for creating a design are related to colors:
−	[[File:LightburnOverview.png\|thumb\|1076x1076px\|Lightburn Overview\|center]]



	In the above example, there are 3 rectangles to be cut. Their color defines the power and speed settings that will be used. Additionally, the color controls the order in which the cuts/engravings will be made. Generally, it is best practice to engrave any images first (black grayscale in this case), then cut out any interior holes (blue in this case), then use the final setting to cut the work out of the larger piece of material (red in this case). This reduces the chance of the material shifting and throwing things out of alignment.		In the above example, there are 3 rectangles to be cut. Their color defines the power and speed settings that will be used. Additionally, the color controls the order in which the cuts/engravings will be made. Generally, it is best practice to engrave any images first (black grayscale in this case), then cut out any interior holes (blue in this case), then use the final setting to cut the work out of the larger piece of material (red in this case). This reduces the chance of the material shifting and throwing things out of alignment.
		+
		+	The per color settings on the top right control the speed, power, cut mode (Line/Fill) whether or not to cut that color (output), whether or not to show it in the editor (show), and whether or not to turn on the air assist (Air). Air assist should be turned on at all times. There are a few exceptions, but turning off the air has a chance to let smoke accumulate on the lens and burn it.

	You have a large variety of possible colors available to you when designing a file, and the software lets you reorder them if you make a mistake to cut and engrave in the incorrect order. One of the main design constraints is when engraving images, you will want to use a grayscale black and white image. If you need more than one image engraved on a piece, at different settings, we can try to create a grayscale image with a different color (blue to white), but this will depend on your design software. If all else fails, just run two print jobs on the same material.		You have a large variety of possible colors available to you when designing a file, and the software lets you reorder them if you make a mistake to cut and engrave in the incorrect order. One of the main design constraints is when engraving images, you will want to use a grayscale black and white image. If you need more than one image engraved on a piece, at different settings, we can try to create a grayscale image with a different color (blue to white), but this will depend on your design software. If all else fails, just run two print jobs on the same material.

	On the right there is another tab labeled move. This lets you manually move the laser head over your material to make sure it is in the right area, and also autofocus to the material.		On the right there is another tab labeled move. This lets you manually move the laser head over your material to make sure it is in the right area, and also autofocus to the material.
		+
		+	Before sending the job to the laser, Alt+P will preview the cutting job so you can check it for any errors.

	=== Material Settings ===		=== Material Settings ===

TEM01*: PETG Bad Actually

2026-03-10T01:41:55Z

PETG Bad Actually

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:41, 10 March 2026
Line 117:		Line 117:
	\|✔		\|✔
	\|✔		\|✔
−	\|Clear PETG can be somewhat transparent to the CO2 laser.	+	\|You CAN use PETG, but you probably shouldn't. It's very melty. Clear PETG can be somewhat transparent to the CO2 laser.
	\|-		\|-
	\|		\|

Girak: Made minor grammar edits, clarified some sentences and added the manufacturer recommended maintenance (but did not delete existing maintenance text).

2026-01-12T20:22:47Z

Made minor grammar edits, clarified some sentences and added the manufacturer recommended maintenance (but did not delete existing maintenance text).

Show changes

TEM01*: Improved the operation section

2026-01-02T17:55:06Z

Improved the operation section

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:55, 2 January 2026
Line 190:		Line 190:
	To use the laser, first turn on the ventilation system. Currently, this is two separate fans, the large one inside the electrical closet, and the smaller fan above the laser. Plug in the fan inside the closet, then turn on the small fan by pressing "FAST" on it's controller.		To use the laser, first turn on the ventilation system. Currently, this is two separate fans, the large one inside the electrical closet, and the smaller fan above the laser. Plug in the fan inside the closet, then turn on the small fan by pressing "FAST" on it's controller.

−	The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front ~~left~~. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.	+	The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front right. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.

	Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fireblanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.		Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fireblanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.
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	* Use approved materials		* Use approved materials
	* Make sure ventilation is running properly		* Make sure ventilation is running properly
−	* Be aware of the location of the first aid kit, the fire blanket, ~~aand~~ fire extinguisher	+	* Be aware of the location of the first aid kit, the fire blanket, and fire extinguisher
	* Do not leave the machine unattended		* Do not leave the machine unattended
	* Stop the machine if excessive smoke is generated or is building up in the machine		* Stop the machine if excessive smoke is generated or is building up in the machine
Line 206:		Line 206:
	=== Operation ===		=== Operation ===
	The laser is controlled using the lightburn software on the computer. This takes in SVG files, or can be used to draw a design from scratch. Primary colors are used to control the different power levels for cutting and engraving.		The laser is controlled using the lightburn software on the computer. This takes in SVG files, or can be used to draw a design from scratch. Primary colors are used to control the different power levels for cutting and engraving.
		+
⚫	[[File:LightburnOverview.png\|thumb\|1076x1076px\|Lightburn Overview]]
		+	Lightburn has a number of tutorials available https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/tutorials Training for how to use the laser will focus on printing a job, not creating a design file. If you already have a prefered graphics editor, great! We should be able to import files from it. Please convert all text to a vector path before exporting it to avoid font library issues.
		+
		+	Some other design rules for creating a design are related to colors:
		⚫	[[File:LightburnOverview.png\|thumb\|1076x1076px\|Lightburn Overview\|center]]


	In this image, there are 3 rectangles to be cut. Their color defines the power and speed settings that will be used. Additionally, the color controls the order in which the cuts/engravings will be made. Generally, it is best practice to engrave any images first (black grayscale), then cut out any interior holes (blue in this case), then use the final setting to cut the work out of the larger piece of material. This reduces the chance of the material shifting and throwing things out of alignment.		In this image, there are 3 rectangles to be cut. Their color defines the power and speed settings that will be used. Additionally, the color controls the order in which the cuts/engravings will be made. Generally, it is best practice to engrave any images first (black grayscale), then cut out any interior holes (blue in this case), then use the final setting to cut the work out of the larger piece of material. This reduces the chance of the material shifting and throwing things out of alignment.
		+
		+	You have a large variety of possible colors available to you when designing a file., and the software lets you reorder them if you make a mistake to cut and engrave in the correct order. One of the main design constraints is when engraving images, you will want to use a grayscale black and white image. If you need more than one image engraved on a piece, at different settings, we can try to create a grayscale image with a different color (blue to white), but this will depend on your design software. If al else fails, just run two print jobs on the same material.

	On the right there is another tab labeled move. This lets you manually move the laser head over your material to make sure it is in the right area, and also autofocus to the material.		On the right there is another tab labeled move. This lets you manually move the laser head over your material to make sure it is in the right area, and also autofocus to the material.
Line 215:		Line 221:
	=== Material Settings ===		=== Material Settings ===
	To help with dialing in new materials, Lightburn has a Material Test Generator utility found under tools. If you haven't used this before, ask for assistance.		To help with dialing in new materials, Lightburn has a Material Test Generator utility found under tools. If you haven't used this before, ask for assistance.
−	[[File:MaterialTestGenerator.png\|thumb\|870x870px\|Material Test Generator]]	+	[[File:MaterialTestGenerator.png\|thumb\|870x870px\|Material Test Generator\|center]]
−
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−
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−

	This lets you make test coupons for new materials, that you can leave in the space for others to reference in the future.		This lets you make test coupons for new materials, that you can leave in the space for others to reference in the future.
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	Using these test coupons, you can choose the right speed and power settings for your project.		Using these test coupons, you can choose the right speed and power settings for your project.

		⚫	[[File:LaserTestCoupons.jpg\|thumb\|center\|607x607px]]
	=== Maintenance ===		=== Maintenance ===
	This laser cutter is still pretty new to EMS, so the frequency and exact maintenance steps required for this laser are still being determined. For the time being (1-2-26) here are the things TEM01* has run into in previous workplaces.		This laser cutter is still pretty new to EMS, so the frequency and exact maintenance steps required for this laser are still being determined. For the time being (1-2-26) here are the things TEM01* has run into in previous workplaces.
Line 283:		Line 278:
	===== Beam x-y calibration: =====		===== Beam x-y calibration: =====
	The x-y beam path does not go out of calibration often, and is very robust, but can occasionally cause problems that are very difficult to troubleshoot. The x-y mirror is adjusted to ensure that the beam is parallel to the x-axis armature.		The x-y beam path does not go out of calibration often, and is very robust, but can occasionally cause problems that are very difficult to troubleshoot. The x-y mirror is adjusted to ensure that the beam is parallel to the x-axis armature.
−
⚫	[[File:LaserTestCoupons.jpg\|thumb]]
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	[[Category:EquipmentDocs]]		[[Category:EquipmentDocs]]

TEM01: / Orientation and Safety */

2026-01-02T17:00:20Z

Orientation and Safety

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:00, 2 January 2026
Line 192:		Line 192:
	The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front left. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.		The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front left. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.

−	Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser ~~with the keyswitch~~. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fireblanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.	+	Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fireblanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.

	===== Safety Checklist: =====		===== Safety Checklist: =====

TEM01: / Orientation and Safety */

2026-01-02T16:59:49Z

Orientation and Safety

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:59, 2 January 2026
Line 188:		Line 188:

	=== Orientation and Safety ===		=== Orientation and Safety ===
−	To use the laser, first turn on the ventilation system. Currently, this is two separate fans, the large one inside the electrical closet, and the smaller fan above the laser. Plug in the fan inside the ~~closer~~, then turn on the small fan by pressing "FAST" on it's controller.	+	To use the laser, first turn on the ventilation system. Currently, this is two separate fans, the large one inside the electrical closet, and the smaller fan above the laser. Plug in the fan inside the closet, then turn on the small fan by pressing "FAST" on it's controller.

	The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front left. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.		The laser is controlled by the computer above it, and turned on using the key switch on the front left. When the laser is turned on, the large illuminated pushbutton can start a cutting job, so do not press it until you are ready.

TEM01: / What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser */

2026-01-02T16:59:27Z

What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:59, 2 January 2026
Line 185:		Line 185:
	\|Reflects laser, evaluate for 10um performance before etching.		\|Reflects laser, evaluate for 10um performance before etching.
	\|}		\|}
−	Additionally, avoid avoid overly reflective materials, or things that take a lot of energy to melt, such as metals. Remember, the laser has to either burn away the material or vaporize it, so in materials that will not burn or sublimate, there will be a liquid layer that then vaporizes. This causes interesting effects when engraving materials such as stones; sometimes leaving a layer of rock that was temporarily molten. Materials that do not burn or sublimate should not be cut on our lasers. Laser cutters used for cutting metals are upwards of 500W for a reason. When in doubt about a material, ask someone! There may be a solution to finish your project with a material that wouldn't normally be recommended if we think outside the box.	+	Additionally, avoid avoid overly reflective materials, or things that take a lot of energy to melt, such as metals. Remember, the laser has to either burn away the material or vaporize it, so in materials that will not burn or sublimate, there will be a liquid layer that then vaporizes. This causes interesting effects when engraving materials such as stones; sometimes leaving a layer of rock that was temporarily molten. Materials that do not burn or sublimate should not be cut on our lasers. CO2 Laser cutters used for cutting metals are upwards of 500W for a reason. When in doubt about a material, ask someone! There may be a solution to finish your project with a material that wouldn't normally be recommended if we think outside the box.

	=== Orientation and Safety ===		=== Orientation and Safety ===

TEM01: / Orientation and Safety */

2026-01-02T16:56:36Z

Orientation and Safety

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:56, 2 January 2026
Line 193:		Line 193:

	Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser with the keyswitch. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fireblanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.		Make sure to only cut approved materials on the laser, this will mitigate fire hazards and noxious fumes. The laser MUST be supervised continuously during operation. If the material being cut catches fire, or too much smoke is being generated, turn off the laser with the keyswitch. If the material being cut continues to burn, take the fireblanket out of the pouch on the wall, open the laser, and smother the fire.
		+
		+	===== Safety Checklist: =====
		+
		+	* Use approved materials
		+	* Make sure ventilation is running properly
		+	* Be aware of the location of the first aid kit, the fire blanket, aand fire extinguisher
		+	* Do not leave the machine unattended
		+	* Stop the machine if excessive smoke is generated or is building up in the machine
		+	* Don't stare at the bright cut spot
		+	* Dont open the machine while it is running. Wait a while after it's done for smoke to clear.

	=== Operation ===		=== Operation ===

TEM01: / What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser */

2026-01-02T16:52:11Z

What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:52, 2 January 2026
Line 102:		Line 102:
	\|-		\|-
	\|		\|
−	\|Plexiglass	+	\|Plexiglass/Polycarbonate
	\|✔		\|✔
−	\|✔	+	\|✖
		+	\|Not recommended, as it tends to be smoky and not cut well.
−	\|
	\|-		\|-
	\|		\|

OmtechLaser - Revision history

TEM01* at 02:22, 14 March 2026

TEM01* at 01:46, 14 March 2026

TEM01*: PETG Bad Actually

Girak: Made minor grammar edits, clarified some sentences and added the manufacturer recommended maintenance (but did not delete existing maintenance text).

TEM01*: Improved the operation section

TEM01*: /* Orientation and Safety */

TEM01*: /* Orientation and Safety */

TEM01*: /* What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser */

TEM01*: /* Orientation and Safety */

TEM01*: /* What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser */

TEM01: / Orientation and Safety */

TEM01: / Orientation and Safety */

TEM01: / What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser */

TEM01: / Orientation and Safety */

TEM01: / What Can I Cut or Engrave on the Laser */