Our available laser cutters include the Universal Laser Systems VLS 2.30 (with rotary attachment), Universal Laser Systems VLS 4.60, and Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60.
Training for the laser cutters can be done by registering to a training session on Hopkins Groups, or by walk-in during open lab hours.
“Becoming an Authorized Laser Operator” & “Proper Laser Cutter Operations” on MyLearning.com under MyJH are required before you can begin in-person training at the Makerspace.
VLS 2.30
This laser cutter is fitted with a rotary attachment so you can etch on surfaces. We are currently only allowing acrylic etching, as glass etching produces fine dust that may be dangerous to inhale.
Work Area: 16″ x 12″ x 4″
Max Part Size: 18.75″ x 14.6″ x 4″
You can find the manual here.
VLS 4.60
Work Area: 24″ x 18″
Max Material Thickness: 0.375″
Laser Dimension: 36″ x 38″ x 36″
Z-Axis Lifting Capacity: 40 lbs.
You can find the manual here.
VLS 6.60
Work Area: 32″ x 18″
Max Material Thickness: 0.375″
Laser Dimension: 44″ x 39″ x 36″
Z-Axis Lifting Capacity: 40 lbs.
You can find the manual here.
What is laser cutting?
Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to vaporize materials, resulting in a cut edge. As you can imagine, this will produce fumes. While we do have a ventilation system, we do limit what type of materials that you are allowed to cut at the Makerspace for toxicity concerns.
What materials am I allowed to cut?
Please refer to this document for the list of allowed and not allowed materials.
Gaining access to the laser cutter
There are 2 steps to gain access to the laser cutters:
- Finish “Becoming an Authorized Laser Operator” & “Proper Laser Cutter Operations” on MyLearning.com under MyJH
- Come for in-person training at the Makerspace. Remember to show the tech your certificate of completion.
Laser cutting specifications
We use 2 programs to cut with our laser cutters: Universal Control Panel, CorelDraw X7
Our laser cutters work using RGB, which is why we use CorelDraw to generate the files. The operations are as follows:
Cut: Red (255, 0, 0)
Raster: Black (0, 0, 0)
Vector Engrave: Blue (0, 0, 255)
Use Hairline Line Thickness For Cut and Vector Engrave.
After adjusting the settings correctly, you can send the file to Universal Control Panel to cut with the laser cutter.