Laser Cutting

I taught myself to use laser cutters during 2003 and have used them regulary since. They appear to be miracle machines but before you invest £10,000 + please consider this.

• The range of materials they can cut is small, No PVC, Styrene and other common plastics (Therefore no Plastazote or Foamex)

• Even if the material can be cut, such as MDF, you are restricted on thicknesses.

• Cutting materials gives a sloping edge, this means pieces which are thick do not butt up accurately

• Cutting depth across the bed of the larger machines is inconsistent, especially if the material gives off lots of smoke (Wood based materials and card) as the smoke dissipates the beam

• EVERYTHING gets a burnt edge and on some materials this can produce unpleasant smells

• You cannot set and forget for materials as the performance will vary if the material alters thickness or the filters are getting near capacity

This is not to put you off, its just stuff I discovered I was not aware of until using the machines for quite a while.

I have produced loads of stuff using a 30W A3 and 50W A2+ laser and they are excellent (See the mechanisms course for two examples of how they can transform pupils work) so I have included these files and examples for you to play with

Gallery of photographs of a simple electronics product case using 3mm ply and 0.mm polypropylene

The following files are available:

Here are a few photographs of items I have developed using a laser cutter. I will add more over time.

Contact me for any further info.. training, CPD you require

Laser cut mechanism file in 2D designer for an unlaunched business idea a few years ago

Have fun!