Laser Cutting
High-precision parts in minutes, not hours.
A laser cutter is one of the quickest high-precision tools in a robotics shop, allowing you to turn flat sheets of wood, plastic, or metal into complex parts. In this Tech Crest you will learn to take a 2D vector design and "print" it into a physical component, finding a balance of speed, power, and focus to achieve clean cuts while keeping safety your top priority.
What you'll do
Some requirements are independent; others you'll do with your trainer. Check off items as you go — your progress is saved in this browser.
This Tech Crest is designed with a CO₂ laser cutter. If your shop has a fiber laser rather than a CO₂ laser, you can still complete this Tech Crest with slight modifications.
Safety
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1. Address all safety and risk considerations:
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1a. Identify potential safety hazards involved in operating a laser cutter and explain how you will mitigate these risks.
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1b. Identify potential risks of machine damage that can occur during operation of the laser cutter and explain how you will mitigate these risks.
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1c. Explain what safety equipment should be kept near the laser cutter and show its location in your shop.
Materials & Machines
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2. Understand laser types and material interactions:
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2a. Explain the difference between a CO₂ laser cutter, a fiber laser cutter, and a laser engraver. State which of these machines are available in your shop.
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2b. Explain how the laser tool(s) in your shop interact with different materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
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2c. Explain the laser cutting properties of the following materials: acrylic, plywood, acetal, and cardboard.
Components & Support Equipment
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3. Identify and explain each component:
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3a. Identify the following components of your laser cutter and explain the function of each: motion system, laser tube, mirrors, and lens.
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3b. Identify the following pieces of supporting equipment on your laser cutter. For each, explain what it does, why it is needed, and how to confirm it is functioning properly: air pump, water chiller, exhaust fan.
Maintenance & Operation
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4. Demonstrate maintenance and safe operation:
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4a. Demonstrate proper care and maintenance of the laser cutter's optics.
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4b. Explain the procedure and importance of maintaining thermal safety.
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4c. Explain the procedure and importance of ensuring proper ventilation.
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5. Set up and run a cut:
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5a. Demonstrate how to determine the proper cutting settings.
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5b. Tell what design file types are compatible with your laser cutter and demonstrate importing a design file into the laser cutter software.
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5c. Demonstrate how to align the workpiece to the toolpath.
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5d. Produce a part with both cutting and engraving passes.
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6. Explain how to recognize and resolve common cut issues.
Find your trainer. Make a plan.
A trainer is a coach, mentor, or more experienced student with content-area expertise and your coach's approval. Ask your coach to help identify an eligible trainer for Laser Cutting.
- 1 Identify your trainer with help from your coach
- 2 Meet to discuss your plan of work and timeline
- 3 Complete requirements; check in periodically
- 4 Present yourself for review at completion
- 5 Trainer submits the Tech Crest completion form
