Laser cuter quick guide
The laser cutter is from https://www.maskinfabrikanten.dk/ but not sold any more.
Quick guide
This page describes how to turn on the laser cutter and how to start the laser cut of your file.
1. Turn on the laser cutter
1.1 Switch on the power strip
1.2. Switch on smoke extraction system
1.3. Disarm the emergency stop on the laser cutter
1.4. Switch on laser source
1.5. Enable laser activation on laser cutter
2. Send your file to the laser cutter
The computer attached to the laser cutter is used to manage the laser cutter.
2.1. Open RDworks and either import your file or create a new design in RDworks.
2.2. Adjust the power and the speed: either use values for the manufacturer of the material, or, if you have tested the material, use your own values.
2.3. Organise cutting strategically, for example, starting with internal cuts and finishing with external ones.
- select a shape
- change the group of the shape by selecting a color
- adjust the “priority” of the group
2.4. Place you material in the laser cutter
2.5. Move the head of the laser in the right position according to your design
2.6. Close the lid of the laser cutter
2.7. Focus the laser cutter with the autofocus function
2.8. Click on the “start” button in RDworks
3. Recommended Settings for 3 mm Plywood
As a starting point for cutting and engraving 3 mm plywood, you can use the following recommended settings:
| Operation | Speed (mm/s) | Power (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | 30 | 80 |
| Engrave/Scan | 200 | 25 |
4. File Preparation and Safety Notes
For best results, it is recommended to use DXF files. They tend to be more reliable than SVG files, which may sometimes cause compatibility issues. Useful tools for creating and preparing your designs include:
- Inkscape – A free and powerful vector graphics editor.
- Boxes.py – A handy tool for generating laser-cuttable box designs and templates.
Important Safety Note: Vinyl must not be cut with the laser cutter. Cutting vinyl releases toxic fumes that are hazardous to health and can damage the machine.