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Procedure

1. SAFETY: Make note of the nearest fire extinguisher.

2. POWER-ON: The Rabbit Laser’s rotary Power Switch (w/ key) should be switched to ON position. Leave this switch in the ON Position unless notified otherwise. If the Equipment Control Panel does not light-up, ensure the red Emergency Stop button is not activated. Twist the E-Stop to make sure it’s released.

3. HOME: Find and press the X-Y 0 Button. The lens assembly will travel to the top-right corner of the Laser bed.

4. PREP: During the HOME procedure, prepare your file in LaserCut. Download the file to the Laser Equipment.

5. MATERIAL PREPARATION: If necessary, remove protective layer from the top-side. If your material has a minimal ‘bow’ or ‘warp’, use Painters or Masking Tape to secure it to the Table as best as possible. *As indicated in Policy, do not attempt to laser excessively warped, non-planar materials.

6. MATERIAL PLACEMENT: Open the lid, make sure to minimize heavy collisions with the Laser Lens Assembly, and Vector Table. Place your material on the table. Make sure your Material is square with the table. *Recommendation: Laser power diminishes toward the front and right side of the table. Laser power is more reliable toward the rear and left side of the table.

7. MOVE XY: PRESS and HOLD the X & Y arrow keys to guide the Laser Lens assembly to ANY location above your material. IF the arrow keys do not work, find and press the ESC key, and retry.

8. MOVE Z-AXIS: From the Equipment Control Panel, lower the Vector Table by pressing and holding the ‘Z-Down‘ Arrow Button, located immediately above the ‘Z-0‘ Button.

9. SET Z-HEIGHT: Find and select the ‘Z0‘ button from the Control Panel. The equipment will adjust the table to the correct Z-Height after touching the top of your material.

10. TEST: Press the TEST button to have the laser outline the area it will cut. If the lens assembly travels off your material, adjust your home position with the X & Y arrow buttons (or just move and re-square the material by hand) and TEST again.

11. SWITCHES: Make sure all (3) Push Buttons, along the top of the Control Panel, are depressed.

     3.1 The red ‘Lighting’ Button controls internal Equipment Light.

     3.2 The green ‘Laser Power’ Button controls power to the Laser Tube.

     3.3 The green ‘Socket Switch’ button controls power to the Water Chiller, Air Pump, Filtration System and Fan Booster.

12. START: Close the lid slowly. Find and Press the green ‘Start‘ Button, to begin your Job.

X. PAUSE: Press the green ‘Start‘ Button to Pause your Job. Make sure the lid is closed, and press the green ‘Start‘ Button again, to resume your Job.

X. STOP: Press the red ‘Stop‘ Button to Abort the Job entirely. The Laser Lens assembly will return to its original starting location.

X. EMERGENCY STOP: Find the red ‘Emergency Stop‘ Button, and press it DOWNWARD. Complete any necessary Emergency Procedures required.

13. COMPLETION: When the equipment beeps, your file is complete. Leave the Equipment Lid closed for 15 seconds to allow proper extraction of hazardous fumes. Before removing your material, make sure your parts have been cut through completely. Remove your parts and pieces. Vacuum small debris from the table and Equipment. Place un-usable scrap in the TRASH; place usable scraps in scrap storage.

14. POWER-OFF: Turn OFF the (3) Push Buttons located above the Control Panel. Leave the Rotary Power Switch (w/ key) in the ON position.

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Policy

1. ACCESSIBILITY: Students are approved to use equipment, after attending an IDeATe Certified Course and/or Training Session. Approved Users must abide by Reservation, Facility & Equipment Policy and Procedure to ensure a safe, and successful working environment.

2. SAFETY: Improper Equipment use, posing a threat to the User, or others; will be grounds for Equipment and/or Facility Suspension. Users must remain AWAKE and ATTENTIVE in Laser Lab during Equipment Use and Reservation Time. Make sure you are aware of the nearest Fire Extinguisher Location.

3. PROCEDURE: The Laser Equipment involves several Procedural Steps that should be completed before, and after all operations. Equipment damages, due to improper completion or in-completion of indicated Equipment Procedure; will result in a Fine, and Suspension from the Facilities.

4. MAINTENANCE: You are required to clean up any leftover tape, dust, debris and scrap left in the Laser Lab. Plan on 5-10 minutes to complete all clean-up tasks at the end of each job. If the room and/or equipment is not sufficiently cleaned, the User is subject to a Cleaning Fee.

5. FASTENING: Material that does not sit PLANAR/LEVEL within the Laser Equipment, due to non-planar surfaces, warping or bowing; will be removed from the Work-Area and disallowed from Laser Output. Common problematic materials typically include Plywood: CDX Grade, Low Grade Birch, OSB, Carboard, Chipboard etc. Materials that have minimal warping, that can be corrected with Masking Tape- are allowable. All other Fastening Methods are considered unacceptable: Duct-Tape, Double-Sided Tape etc.

6. MATERIALS: Certain Materials cannot be processed on the Laser Equipment. These materials include; but are not limited to: Glass Mirrors (see Staff for mirrored Acrylics), Metals, Lexan Plastics, Foam Core, P.E.T.G., Styrene, PVC or PVC Based materials (Any materials containing Chlorine). Fabric Materials MUST be cut to size before Laser Cutting. (Max = 47″x35″) Materials greater than or equal to 3/8″ (9.5mm) in thickness are unacceptable. If you have a question about any material that you would like to cut, please ASK!

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Project 1

OBJECTIVE

Provide a unique, aesthetic, and complete clock that illustrates your ability to plan and execute a laser cut project, develop 2D and 3D geometry. Prepare the CAD and DXF files. Utilize LaserCut software for cutting, engraving and scoring techniques. Thoughtful completion of IDeATe gallery project portfolio (written and visual documentation). Rubric will be provided in advance of due date.

PROJECT: CLOCK

This design challenge requires critical thinking for the creation of a functional clock. Materials at your disposal include a clock kit, acrylic, plywood, and cardboard. You may choose to use any laserable material, like fabric, leather, or cardstock.

All clock projects must include laser cutting, engraving, and scoring techniques.

This first project should illustrate the user’s ability to properly prepare a CAD file, execute a project plan, and create a cohesive project portfolio.

DELIVERABLES
  • Project Plan
  • Project Documentation & Portfolio
  • Clock
  • Five Semi-professional Photos of Clock
  • Two Renderings
TOOLS
SUGGESTED MaTERIALS
  • (1) 12″ x 12″ x 1/8″ (305mm x 305mm x 3mm) Acrylic or Plywood Sheet
  • (1) Clock Kit
  • View all laserable materials here
RESOURCES