The following are some random notes for the laser cutter, there are more general safety notes by the laser guru and can be found on the class homepage.
- The Dimensions of the Laser Cutter are 18" x 32" - The focal length should always be adjusted to 2" for what we need to do - Make sure you are always queued to the last input file - When working with the cardboard, use 90% of the power - Try not to inhale the fumes that come out of the laser cutter
The general procedures for using open software to create files for the laser cutter are as follows:
- Create a .sxd file in OpenDraw which is a part of OpenOffice - After you are done, save a separate copy as a .svg file (.svg files may not be modified) - Open cam.py in a command window. - Open your .svg file in cam - Change the output type to foo.uni - When you have changed all the power, strike settings click "Write Toolpath" - Open another command window and type foo.uni -> lpt1 - Go to the laser cutter and open the protective glass - Press the green button to allow the laser to show you where your cuts are going to be made - If everything is OK, close the protective glass and press the green button again