Description and uses
Courtesy of Waterloo Environment Students Endowment Fund (WESEF), MAD has purchased a BOSS LS-2436 laser cutter to support academic and research activities at the Faculty of Environment. The laser cutter emits a powerful 100W CO2 laser, and it has a work area of 900x600 mm with an adjustable Z-table of up to 180 mm. The laser cutter can cut or engrave:
- Acrylic
- Cardboard
- Cork
- Foam
- Leather
- MDF
- Paper
- Plastic
- Wood
- and much, much more!
Using a series of mirrors, the laser is reflected into the laser cutting head, where a lens focuses the laser to a sharp point and cuts the material. The laser cutting head is connected and controlled by computer numerical control (CNC) and RDWorks software. Attached to the laser cutting head is a nozzle that shoots a stream of air to blow away any debris, and the fumes produced are channeled away into the fumes extractor to filter out any particulates.
The laser cutter is very versatile and can create a wide variety of projects. If you have any questions about the capabilities and constraints of the laser cutter, contact Dan Beaver (Workshop Coordinator).
Wall sign made from high-density foam for the Knowledge Integration eXhibition (KI-X) 2017.
Overhead sign made from high-density foam for KI-X 2017.
iPhone case made from clear acrylic and wood with a special slot at the top to insert/remove the iPhone for KI-X 2017.
Engraved cork coasters.
Terrain model of Elora, Ontario.
Further considerations
- Prior to using the laser cutter, locate the nearest fire extinguisher in case it is needed in an emergency.
- An operator must be present by the laser cutter and monitoring it at all times due to fire risk.
- Ensure the air compressor, chiller, and fume extractor are plugged in and turned on before starting the laser cutter.
- If the laser cutter losses its reference point (i.e. x,y,z of 0,0,0), then reboot the laser cutter.
- If the laser is not cutting through the material with the correct settings, then the mirrors and lens may need maintenance. Please report to Dan Beaver (Workshop Coordinator) or the MAD Service Desk.