12x20 Full Spectrum Laser

As of May 2017 The laser is alive and well. Development of a tutorial guide is underway. For information, please contact Matt Plonski (matt@tralfazsolutions.com), Pete Soper (pete@soper.us) or Michelle Mayfield (molamoladiver@yahoo.com)

STEP 3

    Analyze.  Does your raster not look dark enough?  Increase power, or decrease speed if you want it to look darker, or the opposite to achieve the same.  Does your Vector Cut and Mark?  Slower speeds and higher powers cut thicker materials.  The cleaner line markings will happen at faster speeds (70-85%), deeper marks/cuts will happen at higher power, and/pr slower speeds.  The longer the laser is in an area (the slower the speed) the more the material will burn, melt, or mold.

STEP 4 Record and repeat. Repeat the steps as needed to dial in your material after making adjustments to the recommended settings. Keep a log of your jobs, so you can mimic your success, and avoid your mistakes. Soon, you'll be a laser cutting EXPERT. There are millions of materials, so use the guide to decide what settings would be a good starting point to dail yours in even if you don't see it below. Laser cutting and marking is a skill you must develop. Just because you own a guitar, doesn't mean you're going to be Jimi Hendrix ;-)

Settings are based on a 45w laser tube, adjust accordingly for other size tubes.

Recommended Power Settings for Material Test:

Material Test Settings (based on 45w laser tube, vector speeds for cutting, not marking) Material Raster Power Raster Speed Vector Power Vector Speed Vector Current Notes 3mm Birch Wood 25 100 100 30 100 Will vary with quality 1/8" Acrylic 30 100 100 30 100 Will vary with quality 3/16" Cardboard 15 100 50 85 75 Will burn, use caution Paper 2 100 15 100 50 Will burn, use caution Glass 80 85 N/A N/A N/A Will not cut Granite 100 80 N/A N/A N/A Will not cut NOTE: Vector marking: start at 2-5% power and progress from there at 85% speed for bet results.

As of 1/7/2015 We have moved into a new space and the laser is not currently hooked up & vented.