Laser Cutting
Focus your creative efforts.Laser cutters are a high fire risk, especially if the user inputs incorrect speed and power settings. Laser cutters must be supervised at all times while in use.
In addition, cutting the wrong material in a laser cutter can produce toxic, foul-smelling fumes and carcinogens. Any materials brought from home MUST be approved by an IRL staff member.
Prohibited Materials:
- Anything containing chlorine – vinyls, pleather, and PVC.
- Fiberglass
- Treated or stained wood
- Polycarbonates/Lexan
- Circuit board
- Carbon fiber materials
- HDPE plastics
- ABS plastic
Our Laser Cutters
We require that you take an authorization workshop with us prior to using the laser cutters.
Full Spectrum 40W Hobby Laser
- Capable of cutting and engraving thin woods, acrylics, and marking metals with Cermark or similar coatings
- 20″ x 12″ cutting bed
- Uses Full Spectrum RetinaEngrave software for interfacing
Full Spectrum 90W Pro Laser
- Capable of cutting and engraving thicker woods, acrylics, and can mark metals coated with Cermark or similar coatings
- 24″ x 16″ cutting bed
- Uses Full Spectrum RetinaEngrave software for interfacing
Provided Materials and Software
Available Materials
- 1/8″ Baltic Birch plywood, 12″ x 12″ and 12″ x 24″ sheets
- 1/8″ acrylic plastic, 12″ x 24″ sheets (when available)
Software
- Full Spectrum RetinaEngrave software and accompanying Print Driver
- Both are installed on all lab computers, and the software is also free to download and Windows compatible
Machine Instructions
If you need a refresher after your workshop, visit our Machine Instructions page for workshop syllabi.