Laser Cutter Tutorial

 Laser Safety 

The laser cutter/engraver requires constant monitoring to ensure the safety of you and others in the makerspace. You must follow these rules when using the laser cutter/engraver:

1. Never leave the laser when it is operating. 

   • The laser requires constant supervision during the entire cutting and engraving process.  Exposure to the laser beam may cause ignition of combustible materials which can lead to a fire.+_

   • Laser cutters are only operable while staff with training are present to monitor.

   • Remember the buddy system- there must be a second person within earshot of you while working on the laser.

2. Be prepared with a fire extinguisher. 

   • Any operation of the laser system is a potential fire hazard.

   • Most, if not all, materials are combustible in certain circumstances. Acrylic is especially flammable when vector cutting. Wood, paper, and plastics can all combust.

   • Notify a technician immediately, even if a fire is small and easily extinguished. It’s important to know why it occurred, assess any damage, and prevent it from repeating. Any fire lasting more than half a second must be controlled. The first steps are to cancel the laser job and to open the door of the laser.

3. Clean the area and the laser. 

   • Clean around the machine and keep the area free of clutter. A buildup of cutting and engraving residue and debris is dangerous and can create a fire hazard. 

   • Regularly remove the Vector Cutting Table to clean any small pieces that have fallen through the grid.