Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- laser [2025/06/01 18:31] – Added link to material library 8c244b37-0747-c193-0a4e-0967254778dd
+++ laser [2025/07/19 21:15] (current) – update safety glasses to include CO2, still need pics 8c244b37-0747-c193-0a4e-0967254778dd
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 # Laser Cutting
-Cut and engrave wood, acrylic, foam, steel, aluminum, etc.
+TheLab has a few different laser machines which can cut and engrave wood, acrylic, foam, steel, aluminum, etc. Each machine is better suited for different tasks. See the machine list below.
 ----
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 - **Area Coordinator**: Jordan Olshevski (`@jordan`)
-- **Discord Channel**: [#co2-laser](https://discord.com/channels/690314626289631294/1149799124510716055), [#diode-laser](https://discord.com/channels/690314626289631294/1149799399082446898)
+- **Discord Channels**:
+ [[https://discord.com/channels/690314626289631294/1149799568532320426|All things lasers]]
+\\
+ [[https://discord.com/channels/690314626289631294/1149799124510716055|Trogdor: (100 Watt Thunder clone CO2)]]
+\\
+ [[https://discord.com/channels/690314626289631294/1382416119582818382|Shockwave: (OmTech 30 diode Watt Galvo) ]]
+\\
+ [[https://discord.com/channels/690314626289631294/1149799399082446898|Calcifer ( XTool D1 Pro 10 watt Diode)]]
+\\
+[[https://discord.com/channels/690314626289631294/1149799568532320426|Glowforge (40 Watt CO2)]]
 ----
+## Safety Considerations
-## Trogdor
+The laser machines are a little different from most machines found in TheLab. There are no obvious sharp spinning blades that catch ones eye as being dangerous. The danger from the lasers is not so much the motors running as it is the silent high intensity, mostly invisible laser light. If it can cut/engrave solid material it will do major harm to human flesh.
+Be sure to read this safety discussion before burning your first project.
-**[[checklist:trogdor| Instructions]]**
+* [[#A Word About Safety| A Bit About Safety First]]
-Sample material library, intended as a starting point for power/speed settings for various materials
+----
+## The driving software
+The various laser machines may use different software to actually drive the machine mechanism. Some may use a locally installable 3rd party product, others a proprietary cloud driven product. To date we have:
+### Lightburn
+Lightburn is used to drive the Trogdor (CO2) and Shockwave (OmTech Galvo diode) lasers
-* [[laser_material_library|Laser Material Library]]
+* **[[lightburn_basic_instructions|Lightburn Basics in TheLab, in progress]]**
+There is a Glowforge proprietary cloud product that drives the Glowforge laser
+ ??? is used to drive the Calcifer (XTool diode laser)
+----
+## The machines
+----
+### Trogdor 100 Watt CO2
+Discord channel: trogdor
+A couple of How-To docs. One for those who are familiar and just want a quick refresh and another more wordy version for those newer folks or those looking for more info.
+* **[[checklist:trogdor| Quick/Summary Instructions]]**
+* **[[laser_prestart_instructions|More Detailed Instructions]]**
+Sample material library, intended as a starting point for power/speed settings for various materials. Check the Lightburn section of the following page.
+* [[laser_material_library#Lightburn Materials Library|Lightburn Materials Library]]
@@ Line 24: / Line 62: @@
 {{:trog.jpg?400|}}
+----
+### Omtech LYF-30 Galvo Fiber
+Discord channel: shockwave
+Use of this machine requires a training session to be completed before use. Post a note to the TheLab.ms discord "Shockwave" channel if interested in a training session.
+OmTech Galvo 30 Watt
+{{laser:ohmtechgalvo.jpg?200|}}
+----
+### Glowforge 40 Watt CO2
+Discord Channel:   TBD
+TheLab has recently acquired one of the Glowforge laser machines. This section will be filled out as time and experience permit.
+* **[[glowforge_basic_instructions|Glowforge Basics in TheLab, under construction]]**
+Sample material library, intended as a starting point for power/speed settings for various materials. Check the Glowforge section of the following page.
+* [[laser_material_library#Glowforge Materials settings
+|Glowforge Material Library]]
+The Glowforge 40 watt
+{{laser:glowforgelaser.png}}
+----
+### Calcifer - Xtool D1 Pro Laser
+Discord Channel: calcifer
+Material to be added
+----
+## A Word About Safety
+####Lasers can be dangerous
+A general safety article from the good folks at Omtech and Video By Kerri Crafts It. There are many more available via the internet.
+ Just be Safe.
+* [[https://omtechlaser.com/blogs/tips/how-to-laser-engrave-safely-at-home| Laser Safety]]
+* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wFjprBOL9A| Kerri Crafts It Safety Video]]
+#### Electromagnetic Concerns for Electronic Implants
+The laser machines can emit strong electromagnetic waves that may interfere with implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators. If you have an electronic implanted device it is strongly suggested you consult with your medical providers before using or being in the vicinity of the laser machines.
+#### Laser light can blind a person
+Different types of laser can permanently damage your eyes and other parts of your body if you
+ took a direct hit from the beam. Reflected or scattered beams from shiny objects, metal in hold down clamps, screw heads, magnets, etc may also cause damage. Not all eye damage is immediately apparent, some can accumulate over repeated exposure to lower levels.
+ — so always follow the laser safety rules.
+**NEVER look directly at a laser beam — it will cause permanent eye damage.**
+A couple of general laser safety links:
+* [[https://laserengravingtips.com/laser-engraving-eye-protection/|Eye Protection]]
+* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX-EoUKqSFE| Laser Light is Dangerous]]
+#### Some local safety glasses information:
+Be sure the glasses are certified for the frequencies used by the laser you will be operating.
+The light wavelengths of the various local machines:
+\\
+Trogdor:    10600 nm
+\\
+Glowforge 10600 nm
+\\
+OmTech (Shockwave) 1064 nm
+\\
+Xtool D1 Pro (Calcifer)  455 nm
+TheLab makerspace tries to keep a set of laser safe safety glasses available for use. If you cannot locate them please post a note to the “laser-general” discord channel or purchase a set for your personal use.
+**NOTE: There are glasses currently available in TheLab. A couple sets that are certified for the OmTech and other certain diode lasers. Another set that is certified for the CO2 Trogdor and Glowforge lasers. It's not clear at this time the Xtool D1 machine requirement.**
+The following should be adequate for the Omtech Galvo and certain other diode machines whose laser wavelengths fall within the following ranges:
+\\
+-420 nm & 850-130 nm  OD6
+\\
+-450 nm / 800-2000 nm/1064 nm  OD6
+TheLab's Omtech/diode laser safety glasses cases and certification markings. Verify the proper type by checking the markings on the lens. These glasses have a tint to them, they are **NOT** clear.
+\\
+{{:laser:glasses_case.png?150|}}
+{{:laser:safteyglasses.png?200|}}
+\\
+\\
+For the Trogdor, Glowforge and Xtool D1 machines, the laser light should be contained by their respective enclosures. The laser “should not” fire if the access doors are open. It is imperative that one does not defeat/bypass the door interlocks such that the laser will fire with the door open. This is dangerous for the operator as well as anyone else who may traverse the immediate area.
+TheLab's CO2 laser safety glasses cases and certification markings. These glasses are clear, they do **NOT** have a tint. Verify the proper type by checking the markings on the lens they should be:
+\\
+\\
+- 11000 nm OD6
+\\
+   Pictures TBD
+\\
+\\
+Safety glasses may also be purchased from Amazon or other sources.
+\\
+\\
+**Be sure the safety glasses you choose are certified for the frequencies used by the laser you will be operating. Your vision may depend on it.**
+#### Lasers can start fires
+Never leave your laser project running unattended. Fires can start quickly.
+ * [[https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/uploads/default/original/3X/7/b/7b5325795dc19576dc35059f0f54752140eb9454.jpeg| Fires Can Happen]]
+There is a fire extinguisher located next to the large red Trogdor machine.
+* If a fire has started immediately turn off the laser main power switch. This should allow the fire to extinguish, if not you will need to resort to using the fire extinguisher. It’s a CO2 extinguisher so should not damage the machine.
+* Immediately notify TheLab discord channels and put a note on the machine to not use until it gets checked over for damage.
+#### Cutting/engraving certain materials can emit highly toxic gases
+A few lists of materials and their response to being cut/engraved. Always investigate how your target material will react when exposed to a high powered laser.
+This link attempts to assign levels of danger to multiple categories of materials. For instance some common species of wood can be dangerous.
+* [[https://db.lasereverything.net/materials| Laser Everything Materials List]]
+Other sources of info:
+\\
+ * [[https://lahobbyguy.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=16&sid=da989c8681ea6cad175f3bc06cd95ddf| One list of dangerous materials]]
+ * [[https://cpl.org/wp-content/uploads/NEVER-CUT-THESE-MATERIALS.pdf| More Materials]]