View source for Large 80W Laser

=Overview=
This is the quick guide for the large '''80W Laser Cutter'''.


==Size==
The cutting area is 1200mm x 800mm.

The largest material that will fit in the laser is 48"(w) x 32"(d).

''Material longer than 32" can extend thru the rear door flap.''


== What you can cut ==
These lists are not exhaustive. If your material is not on either list, ask first! 

* See the [[Laser Material Guidelines]] for a list of materials and common speed and power settings.


== Operation ==

=== Turn on the laser ===
# Turn on the machine
## Turn on the switch
## be sure to disengage the E-STOP
## Verify the following are up and running
### Laser Cutter
### Chiller
### Exhaust fan
### Air compressor

=== Start the software ===
# Start the [[LaserCut 5.3]]
## Communication Problem?
### Click download to regain communication
### Save work
### Exit LaserCut
### Restart LaserCut
## “SoftDog” dongle errors
### These are usually random
### retry

=== Load your files ===
# Create your design
## For more detailed discussion, checkout [[Inkscape]]
# Shapes, Text, Graphics
## Use [[LaserCut 5.3]] for simple work, or
## Import from Adobe Illustractor, [[Inkscape]], Corel, AutoCad, etc
# Assign objects to layers then values for:
## Speed
## Power
## Frequency
## Output
# Set drawing origin (Choose intelligently based on your design)
# Click Calculate
# Simulate (this can help you spot problems)

===Prepare the material===
# Lower the table so that material doesn't hit the laser head
# Position material in center of bed (use squaring blocks if necessary)

* [[Laser Focus|Focus the laser]]

==== '''If you run the head through the table hit the E-STOP and see [[Laser Cutter Emergency Guidelines]]''' ====

=== Send your design to the laser ===
# Download the design to the laser cutter
## Click “Download” then “Download Current”
## Close the download window

=== Make sure your design fits on your material ===
# Check design boundary
## Click "Run Box" to outline the extent of your design area without the laser powering on
### Don't use Clip Box or it will power on the laser

If the "Run Box" doesn't run and the machine gives you a "Soft Stop" it means it detected that the box would be outside of the laser area.  

[[Image:9000-soft-stop.jpg |250px]]

There are a number of things that can cause this:
*  You have set the origin and the current laser position in such a way that it will run out of table.
*  There is something in your design that would send the laser way off of where you expect.
**  The best way to find these is to make sure you run "Simulate" out of LaserCut to see what it's trying to do.
* Gremlins.

Once you've fixed your problem, or think you have, you can hit ESC on the machine control pad (lower right) and re-upload and try again.

=== Safety ===
# Remember your [[Laser Cutter Safety Training]]
## Locate water spray bottle
## Locate fire extinguisher
## Most flare-ups will self-extinguish when the laser stops
## Stay at the laser while it is running. If you must leave, someone else trained must take your place.
## If you need to suspend your job quickly, raise the hood. Cutting will resume when you lower the hood.
## Due to software bugs, do not use the Pause or Stop buttons on either the machine or software

=== Fire in the hole! ===
# Start the Laser
## Click 'Start'
## If you must suspend you can open the hood or click 'Start' again.
## Avoid using "Stop" or "Pause" if possible.


== Finishing ==
==== Power Down ====
# Power Down
## Wait for smoke/fumes to clear
## Wait for cooldown (<25°C)
## Turn off the '''Key-Lock''' switch ''(this '''automatically''' turns off attached equipment)''
# Verify the following have automatically powered down:
## Laser Cutter
## Chiller
## Exhaust Blower ''(exhaust blower remains on if '''either''' laser machine is on)''
## Air Compressor

==== Clean the Machine ''(with paper towels and alcohol)'' ==== 
# Rails
# Scraps
# Drawer
# Hood
# Lens Cone ''('''gently!''')''

==== Clean the Work Area ====
# Computer Desk ''(don't forget your '''Flash-Drive''')''
# Work Table
# Work Area
# Scrap Area
# Empty Trash

==== Document ====
# '''Enter''' your project using the [https://forms.gle/ieRTGmS3ipfLVE7Z9 80 Watt Laser Form]
# '''View''' projects using the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BpAYtyFIKQ4UoXv31mKC43YFxfBk34d_q-muw1SP2aU/edit?usp=sharing 80 Watt Laser Responses]

= Logs =
* [https://forms.gle/ieRTGmS3ipfLVE7Z9 80 Watt Laser Form]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BpAYtyFIKQ4UoXv31mKC43YFxfBk34d_q-muw1SP2aU/edit?usp=sharing 80 Watt Laser Responses]

== Old logs ==

* Work log to [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ld4T9pDXP6uqZbYmlebe9SxATHcP436kMobnhSQEKPI/viewform form]. 
* Work log [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoBMPvlNCqvldHl5SERwRHVjN09wRHEtODZzd2RXNWc&usp=sharing results]
* Log any issues. Redtag device if necessary.

= External links =
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC4RUOU0vTg Refresher video]
[[Category:Laser]]