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Facts on laser cutters

What is it?

Fast and precise cutting tool that can be used to cut simple and complex 2D shapes, which can either stand alone or be assembled to build 3D objects.

Advantages?

Fast for a digital fabrication device, with job and setup times much quicker than tools like 3D printers or CNC routers

Vocab

Vector Cut: follows the lines or outlines in the artwork, file must be saved as vector graphics file

Raster/Engrave: quickly passes the laser head back and forth and precisely turning on and off the laser to engrave

Kerf: the space that is opened up when the laser passes through a material

Parameters

Power: Describes total power output of the laser

Speed: Describes the speed of the laser head. This parameter has an effect on runtime. Detail in engravings is sacrificed if too low or too high. A lower speed burns deeper.

Passes: Describes how many times the laser will cut the same vector. Most materials will take multiple passes

Z Axis: Determines the z-position (i.e. height) of the materials bed. This parameter is important since it makes sure the surface of your material is at the right distance from the laser head for a clean cut.