OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL DESIGN LAB
LASER CUTTING
We have a Boss 65W laser cutter!
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This tool allows you to cut, score, and engrave a variety of materials such as cardboard, chipboard, plywood, acrylic, and leather. Click here for a full list.
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We have a limited supply of plywood and both black and clear acrylic, so we will usually make a cardboard prototype first.
1. Get Inspired!
If you don't already know what you want to make with the laser cutter, click here to get some ideas.
2. Understand the difference between cutting, scoring, and engraving.
Let's use the image below to show the difference between these three. These effects are achieved by changing the speed and the power of the laser beam.
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Cutting
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The laser slowly traces the outline of the design.
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The laser power is strong enough to cut all the way through the material.
ENGRAVING
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The laser moves back and forth at a very fast speed sort of like your printer at home.
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The laser power is quite low, so it barely "burns" the upper surface.
SCORING​
This is almost identical to cutting.
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However, the laser power is weaker, so it only cuts part way through the material.
EXAMPLE
SETTINGS
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Speed = 25 mm/sec
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Power = 60%
EXAMPLE
SETTINGS
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Speed = 350 mm/sec
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Power = 25%
EXAMPLE
SETTINGS
Speed = 25 mm/sec
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Power = 20%
3. Pay attention to specific colors for cutting, scoring, and engraving.
When you are working on a vector graphic that will be sent to the laser cutter, the colors you use are extremely important! These colors determine the laser's speed and power settings. Use the image below as a reference.
4. Get a vector graphic
In order to use the laser cutter, you usually need a vector graphic*. This is the special type of image file that is sent to the laser cutter.
There are three ways to get a vector graphic:
1. Design your own vector graphic.
2. Convert a regular (raster) image into a vector image.
3. Download a vector graphic from the Internet.
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Click the link below to learn how to do all of these things!
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*One exception - Raster images can be engraved.
5. Know the Laser Cutting Design Requirements
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Laser cut designs cannot exceed the cutting/engraving area of our laser cutter, which is approximately 340 mm x 480 mm (13.5″ x 19″). Smaller is obviously more ideal.
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Laser cutter jobs cannot exceed 30 minutes. This time limit is in place because Mr. Mularella must monitor the laser cutter during operation for safety reasons. This is only a concern if your project has a lot of engraving.
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Students may only use 1 sheet of plywood or acrylic for personal projects. If a larger size is needed, students will be asked to purchase additional materials. You are welcome to use as many scrap pieces as you want though.
Using Models Found Online
There are endless vector graphics available online. Students are allowed to submit one project for laser cutting each trimester that they find online. The vectors must be school appropriate and not violate any copyright laws. Mr. Mularella has a collection of vector files in a shared Google Drive folder for students to use as well.
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6. Submit Your File for Laser Cutting
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Click on this link to access the submission form. We will make a cardboard prototype first for most requests and then move on to the final material when ready. Make sure you add your correct email address if you want to be emailed when your laser cut project is ready.
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You can pick up your laser cut object any time. It will be located in the black book case located on the right when you walk into the Design Lab classroom.