Author: Santiago Ricoy Email: ricoys1@unlv.nevada.edu
Date: Last modified on 2/4/17
Keywords: laser cutter engraving etching burning cutting vector raster

The photo above depicts our lab's laser cutter engraving text on a stainless steel water bottle. Should lab members need permanent marks on stainless steel (and possibly other metals), this is a frugal way to achieve a decent end result.

This tutorial's motivation is to teach a student new to the laser cutter how to prepare, check, and run the machine. The tutorial assumes the reader has the following background:

* Has experience using laser in raster mode, vector mode, and with the rotary tool
* Perhaps also know how to work with vectorized images in Inkscape, Illustrator, or another related program

The rest of this tutorial is presented as follows; all students must understand the warnings section:

• Items Required
• Application
• Setup and Laser Settings
• Extra Tips
• Final Words

To complete this tutorial, you'll need the following items:

• Computer running Windows 7 or higher with RetinaEngrave3D installed and ethernet connection to laser
• Material of choice to cut/engrave
• Laser Cutter Manual
• RetinaEngrave Manual
• Nearby fire extinguisher (there are a few placed about the lab)

PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Since each job will likely be very unique in their sizing, I will leave the up to the reader.

• NEVER leave the system unattended during operation
• Keep the area around the machine clutter free
• ALWAYS use air assist while cutting
• MONITOR all vector cuts, as rapid ignition occurs most often while vector cutting.
• CHECK AND CLEAN the laser system before each use (i.e. remove honeycomb, check vent, wipe up dust/debris) as lasers pose a fire hazard in themselves; do not allow the danger to compound
• DO NOT OPERATE the machine with panels removed. It has a Class 4 laser system inside. Furthermore, it produces INVISIBLE radiation; you will not know there will be a problem before there is one.

This tutorial's objective was to get a student up and running with the FSL Pro 36×24 Laser Cutter.

Speculating future work derived from this tutorial, you may want to consider reviewing 3D projects created using a laser cutter, and an alternate post discussing engraving and cutting a variety of materials. In the big picture, the problem of disseminating knowledge about the laser cutter can be solved with this tutorial.

For questions, clarifications, etc, Email: ricoys1@unlv.nevada.edu