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.
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.
- Identify a trainer with your coach's approval and confirm their availability.
- Meet with your trainer. Discuss your plan of work and timeline.
- Complete the requirements at your own pace. Check off items as you go.
- When you have satisfied all requirements, present yourself for review.
- Trainer verifies completion and submits the Tech Crest Completion Form.
When all requirements are satisfied, trainers use this form to officially record the completion and provide feedback.
Tech Crests™ are developed by Scouting Robotics, Inc in partnership with FIRST Robotics Competition Team 321, the RoboLancers. Copyright is assigned to Scouting Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is provided freely for public review. Teams may implement the Tech Crests™ system if they agree to use the provided completion form to provide usage tracking data and feedback. Tech Crests™ is a registered trademark of Scouting Robotics, Inc.
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.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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1c. Explain what safety equipment should be kept near the laser cutter and show its location in your shop.NotesTrainer initials
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.NotesTrainer initials
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2b. Explain how the laser tool(s) in your shop interact with different materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.NotesTrainer initials
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2c. Explain the laser cutting properties of the following materials: acrylic, plywood, acetal, and cardboard.NotesTrainer initials
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.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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.NotesTrainer initials
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4b. Explain the procedure and importance of maintaining thermal safety.NotesTrainer initials
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4c. Explain the procedure and importance of ensuring proper ventilation.NotesTrainer initials
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5. Set up and run a cut:
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5a. Demonstrate how to determine the proper cutting settings.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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5c. Demonstrate how to align the workpiece to the toolpath.NotesTrainer initials
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5d. Produce a part with both cutting and engraving passes.NotesTrainer initials
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6. Explain how to recognize and resolve common cut issues.NotesTrainer initials