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tools:laser_rabbit_1290 [2023/08/22 15:31] – [Regular Maintenance] cookienoyouseitools:laser_rabbit:start [2023/09/24 16:03] – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== Rabbit Large Format Laser  ====== 
- 
-  * Model: [[https://rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_QX1290.html|Rabbit QX1290]] 
-  * Manufacturer: [[https://rabbitlaserusa.com| Rabbit Laser]] 
-  * Manual: [[|Download]] 
-  * Clearance Required: [[clearances:rabbit_laser|Rabbit Laser Proficiency Based Clearance]] 
- 
-A laser cutter is used to mark, engrave, or cut a wide variety of materials. They work a lot like printers do, where you send a graphic to print. Instead of ink, the laser uses heat to transfer the image onto the material. 
- 
-The [[#tool_safety|Tool Safety]], [[#tool_care|Tool Care]], [[#laser_operation|Laser Operation]], section of this guide are what instructors use to ensure that you can use the equipment according to community expectations. 
- 
-====== Requirements ====== 
- 
-[[|Large Format Laser]] clearance or class equivalent is required before use. 
- 
-====== Warnings ====== 
- 
-🚫 Do not use any of the prohibited materials\\ 
-⚠️ Stay by the laser while it’s running 
- 
-See the [[#tool_safety|Safety Section]] for more information. 
- 
- 
-====== Tool Anatomy ====== 
-==== Laser Anatomy ==== 
-{{tools:large_format_laser_tool_tutorial_image14.jpg}} 
-  - Lid - Absorbs the laser radiation and must be closed when running a job 
-  - Exhaust - Allows for the efficient removal of fumes and particulate 
-  - Maintenance Tag - Manually tracks the usability status with Green/Yellow/Red cards 
-  - Lens Carriage - Houses the mirror, lens, and air assist 
-  - Cutting Bed - 1200 x 900mm (~47” x 35”) Consists of a removable, magnetic honeycomb tray. Seated properly, it should feel stable & secure 
-  - Emergency Stop - Reserved for emergencies. To deactivate and reset, you must twist the spring-loaded knob. 
-  - Power Switch - Key switch turns the machine on and off  
-  - Control Panel - LCD interface with commands to operate the laser 
- 
-====Control Panel==== 
-{{tools:large_format_laser_tool_tutorial_image10.png}} 
-  - Jog X-axis and Y-axis 
-  - Adjust Z-Axis 
-  - Exit Menu/Return to main screen 
-  - Select menu item 
-  - Set Job Origin 
-  - Trace the footprint of a job to check its size and placement 
-  - Reset machine, Abort Job 
-  - Pulse the laser to mark its precise location 
-  - Adjust speed (mm/sec) 
-  - Adjust power (0-100%) for the areas the laser approaches a node/edge 
-  - Adjust power (0-100%) for the areas where the laser is mid-cut/mid line 
-  - Retrieve file sent to the machine (job queue) 
-  - Start job, pause job, resume job 
- 
-====== Tool Safety ====== 
- 
-=== Personal Protective Equipment === 
- 
-==== Common Hazards ==== 
- 
-^Fire ^ Toxic Fumes ^ Lens Collision^ 
-| Listen for the exhaust. It should automatically turn on with the laser.| Be mindful of the safety of your cutting material. | Load material with care.| 
-|Vacuum beneath the cutting bed to prevent flammable build-up. | Avoid chlorinated plastics and other prohibited material on the list.| Be mindful when moving the cutting bed to vacuum.| 
-| Avoid foam and other prohibited material. | Off-gassing dangerous fumes like chlorine and cyanide is always a concern. | Ensure material is flat and will not collide with the lens carriage during operation.| 
-**Always pause the laser if you need to step away from the machine!** 
- 
-====Prohibited Materials==== 
- 
-^ Material ^Danger^ 
-| Chlorinated plastics (PVC, vinyl, artificial leather, Moleskine notebooks, polymer clay/Sculpey)| Emits chlorine gas| 
-|Polycarbonate/Lexan| Cuts poorly, absorbs laser, discolors, may catch fire| 
-| ABS| Emits cyanide gas, melts, bursts into flame| 
-| HDPE (milk bottle plastic)| Catches fire & melts| 
-| Polypropylene foam (foam core, Styrofoam) | Catches fire| 
-| Fiberglass| Emits dangerous fumes| 
-| Coated carbon fiber| Emits dangerous fumes| 
-| Pressure treated wood| Emits dangerous fumes| 
-| Galvanized metal| Emits dangerous fumes| 
-|Mirrored surfaces, including uncoated metal| Will not cut, reflects laser beam| 
- 
-===Permitted Materials=== 
-^Materials ^ Cut^ Etch^ Materials ^ Cut^ Etch^ 
-|Solid wood| X| X| Mylar sheet| X| X| 
-|Plywood| X| X| Organic Fabrics| X| X| 
-|MDF & LDF (fiberboard)| X| X| Leather & suede| X| X| 
-|Paper, cardstock, cardboard| X| X| Non-chlorinated rubber| X| X| 
-|Cork  | X| X| Glass|  | X| 
-|Acrylic| X| X| Ceramic tile|  | X| 
-|Mirrored Acrylic \\(reflective side down)| X| X| Stone| | X| 
-|Delrin sheet| X| X| Anodized & surface-treated metals|  | X| 
- 
-===== Inspection ===== 
- 
-Before you start using the tool you are expected to do an initial inspection and assess its readiness for use.\\ 
-===== Setup ===== 
- 
-**RASTER VS. VECTOR** 
-Rastered data is an image that is made of pixels. Much like an inkjet printer, the laser will scan the artwork on a scale from black to white. The laser will vary the number of dots it fires depending on the tone of each pixel.  
- 
-Common file formats like .jpeg, .gif, and .png are all rastered data. 
- 
-Vectored data is made of paths that form lines and shapes. They contain mathematical data that allows the laser to trace the path like following coordinates on a map. This allows the laser to cut or score a line as well as etch a filled shape. 
- 
-Common file formats like .ai, .dxf, and .svg are all vectored data. 
- 
-  - Power on the laser 
-  - Import your file into Lightburn 
-  - Set the job origin in Lightburn 
-  - Check the layer mode 
-  - Adjust the speed and power settings 
-  - Send your file to the Laser 
- 
-===Lightburn Setup=== 
-{{tools:large_format_laser_tool_tutorial_image18.png|300}} 
-Lightburn accepts a range of file formats. 
- 
-Supported vector files:  
-.ai .pdf .dxf .svg .lbrn 
- 
-Supported image files: 
-.jpg .jpeg .png .tif .tiff .bmp 
- 
-  - {{tools:large_format_laser_tool_tutorial_image11.jpg |200}} Import your file into Lightburn. 
-  - {{tools:large_format_laser_tool_tutorial_image1.png |200}} Set the job origin. 
-  - {{tools:large_format_laser_tool_tutorial_image9.png |200}} Check the layer mode: 
-      * fill—fills a vector shape to etch 
-      * line—traces along a vector line 
-      * images—will only etch and optimize for a rastered photo 
-  - Adjust the speed and power settings. 
-  - {{tools:large_format_laser_tool_tutorial_image12.png |200}}Send the file to the laser, keeping the filename “LIGHTBRN”. This saves over old job files and helps maintain a manageable memory in the machine’s job queue. 
- 
-===Common Cut Settings=== 
- 
-^Material ^Thickness ^Power(%) ^Speed (mm/s)^ 
-| Bass Wood| 1/8"| 50| 15| 
-|Balsa Wood| 1/8"| 50| 45| 
-|Birch Plywood| 3/16”| 70| 10| 
-|Acrylic| 1/4"| 55| 12| 
-|Leather| 1/16”| 70| 12| 
- 
-===Common Cut Settings=== 
- 
-^Material ^Thickness ^Power(%) ^DPI^ 
-|Acrylic| 55| 300| 391| 
-|Anodized Aluminum| 25| 325| 391| 
-|Cermark| 50| 300| 362| 
-|Granite| 85| 150| 299| 
-|Glass| 12| 350| 462|  
-|Leather| 45| 325| 299| 
-|Powder Coated Metal| 25| 325| 299| 
-|Romark| 12| 325| 254| 
-|Wood| 14| 350| 300| 
- 
-===== Operation===== 
- 
-  - Listen for the exhaust to ensure that it is on 
-  - Check that your material is safe to cut 
-  - Load material 
-  - Focus the lens on your material 
-  - Set the origin on the laser 
-  - Check the footprint of your job 
-  - Start your file 
-  - Monitor the machine until the job is complete and cleanup 
- 
-==== Focusing the Lens ==== 
-  - Select Z([[#Control Panel|Control Panel 2]]) to change to bed height control. 
-  - Use ↔ [[#Control Panel|Control Panel 1]] to align the lens carriage to the focus gauge (Right raises bed, left lowers) 
-  - Select Esc([[#Control Panel|Control Panel 3]]) to return to the main menu. 
-====Setting the Origin==== 
-  - Use the directional arrows([[#Control Panel|Control Panel 2]]) to jog the lens carriage to the desired location. 
-  - Optional: Press Pulse([[#Control Panel|Control Panel 8]])to verify the exact location. 
-  - Select Origin([[#Control Panel|Control Panel 5]]) to set the Origin 
-  - Select Frame([[#Control Panel|Control Panel 6]]) to check the footprint of job. (framing can also be managed from Lightburn control) 
- 
- 
-===== Cleanup===== 
-  - Power off the Laser 
-  - Reset any modified computer settings to default 
-  - Vacuum the interior so material does not build up beneath the honeycomb 
-  - Note any maintenance needs or concerns on the tag and at protohaven.org/maintenance 
-  - Recycle waste in the single-stream scrap bins 
-  - Empty the bin when full 
- 
- 
-===Scrap Breakdown=== 
- 
-There are two black scrap bins reserved for laser waste. Maintaining these is a shared, communal responsibility. 
- 
-When you notice the scrap bins are full, it’s time to take it to the dumpster out back. Feel free to enlist a helping hand.  
- 
-If you notice valuable material while emptying the bins, use your judgement to selectively save a few pieces or take it home for your personal use.  
- 
-==== Maintenance Requests ==== 
-If you encounter any of the issues listed in the Inspection area or have any other issues with the tool not working properly: 
- 
-  * Update the physical Maintenance Tag at the machine 
-    * 🟢Green can be used without issue 
-    * 🟡Yellow can be used withcaution 
-    * ⛔Red cannot be used without hazard to either the user or the equipment 
-  * Record issues at [[https://protohaven.org/maintenance|protohaven.org/maintenance]]. This notifies our staff and volunteer maintenance crew of any issues. 
- 
-===== Troubleshooting ===== 
- 
-^Problem ^Likely Cause ^Potential Solution^ 
-|Cut does not go through the material | The speed is too fast or the power is too low | Use a scrap piece of the same material to make a series of tests with incremental adjustments until you find the sweet spot| 
-|:::| The lens or mirror is fogged| Alert the staff or volunteer on duty to the issue| 
-|Slop in the frame| The origin in Lightburn is not set appropriately| Adjust the origin point in Lightburn| 
-|:::||The artwork is too large for the cutting bed: 1200 x 900mm (~47 x 35”)| Adjust the overall artwork size| 
-|Burn marks on the back of the material| Hot debris is scorching the edges of the cut lines| Lay a sheet of paper beneath the material and the bed or line it with a laser-safe vinyl free tape| 
- 
-===Special Setups=== 
- 
-  * Register your material on the cutting bed using magnets or tape when doing a production run. 
-  * Use the front pass-through door for extra long pieces. 
-  * Use surface treatments like Cermark  or paint to etch designs onto metal surfaces. 
- 
- 
-=====Additional Resources===== 
- 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DuzFsrUwONbw&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576857324&usg=AOvVaw3fqAIYWnIUkK-WcwCZTQS3|Lightburn Basic Features Walk-through]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?\\v%3DnybhYtjElQU&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576858120&usg=AOvVaw3ovUDl9YgTdBEsKfJazd2v|Lightburn Cut Settings]]\\ 
-[[https://forum.lightburnsoftware.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576858851&usg=AOvVaw0jkL3xpvsNb-NW-pUP9axb|Lightburn Support Forum]]\\ 
- 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D8oGsjLSHol0&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576859579&usg=AOvVaw0Mofk-UIhHuonHEgs9OY93|Inkscape: The Basics]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DY_MpPc30M6A&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576860257&usg=AOvVaw3KqgR4GFQx6TIOO5K2lntj|Inkscape: Hand Trace Images]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DVQ97Y35qO9A&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576860853&usg=AOvVaw38lTV4jEBTzdILP2L7jKpD|Inkscape: Auto-trace images into vectors]] 
- 
- 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D91fhkXQs9vU&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576861558&usg=AOvVaw2L6e4aeJ4ErUm63aQlJsVM|Corel Draw: Anatomy of Vectors]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D31nldmLpwfc&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576862188&usg=AOvVaw1NdbKv_ugdMXIJDXSJB2-c|Corel Draw: Vector Tracing Tutorial]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D9d4vBfc-mQQ&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576862782&usg=AOvVaw2rabJd7727fbQbiGqJe5xm|Corel Draw: Envelope & Perspective Tool]] 
- 
- 
- 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3D3GzumUieDPY&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576863547&usg=AOvVaw0WG5CuyVPuNbaTaToVwYl9|Adobe Illustrator in 5 minutes]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DVPQ8i5BQaDE&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576864169&usg=AOvVaw2o623Wj39F-qOnm7GgyO-Q|Adobe Illustrator: Turn Images into Vectors]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DF-bhWYC3EVY&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576864801&usg=AOvVaw31i-qsXqjXNQ9YQTdVnLCk|Adobe Illustrator Pen Tool Tips]]\\ 
-[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DzryY_AjHC-U&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1676742576865378&usg=AOvVaw1uGZc1Y__IkJ1sYCi7amiY|Adobe Illustrator: Turn Type into Shapes]] 
- 
-====== Staff Use ====== 
- 
-|⚠️ AUTHORIZED MAINTENANCE GROUP ONLY| 
- 
-If you are part of the maintenance group please log on to the #maintenance channel of our Discord server to: 
- 
- 
-  * Perform a Maintenance Action 
-  * Request a Maintenance Purchase 
-  * Review complete Maintenance Logs for each machine 
-  * Generally chit-chat about maintenance 
- 
- 
-===  === 
- 
-===== Tools ===== 
- 
-The following should be in a Maintenance tool kit for the.... 
- 
- 
-  * item1 
-  * item2 
- 
- 
-===== Regular Maintenance ===== 
-See the [[https://protohaven.org/wiki/maintenance/rabbit_laser_maintenance|Maintenance page]] for more information. 
  
tools/laser_rabbit/start.txt · Last modified: 2024/06/08 00:42 by workshop