Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- tools:laser_rabbit:start [2023/09/24 16:03] – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
+++ tools:laser_rabbit:start [2024/12/28 18:03] (current) – [Maintenance Requests] airtable -> http://protohaven.org/maintenance kathryn.mazaitis
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+====== Rabbit Large Format Laser  ======
+  * Model: [[https://rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_QX1290.html|Rabbit QX1290]]
+  * Manufacturer: [[https://rabbitlaserusa.com| Rabbit Laser]]
+  * Manual: [[:start|Download]]
+  * Clearance Required: [[tools:laser_rabbit:clearance|Rabbit Laser Proficiency Based Clearance]]
+  * As of Dec 2024, Laser 1: 100W, laser 2: 80W
+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 ======
+[[:start|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 with caution
+    * ⛔Red cannot be used without hazard to either the user or the equipment
+  * Record issues at the [[http://protohaven.org/maintenance|Tool Report]]. 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|
+|No visible cutting happening| Lid safety switches not engaged, or software issue|Confirm the lid safety switches click when the lid closes. Turning the machine off and on again may also help if that isn't the problem.|
+===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/tools/laser_rabbit/maintenance|Maintenance page]] for more information.