OMTech

This page is a guide to understanding and using the OMTech Laser Cutter.

The official AMS SOP for theOMTech ZF3551 is attached below. The rest of the wiki page summarizes this and focuses on the basics to using the OMTech!

1MB

AMS OMTech SOP.docx

The OMTech Laser Cutter is the larger Laser Cutter in the space. It is located in the back-left corner of the main room, behind the Stratasys 3D Printer. This machine is incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of projects that involve laser engraving or cutting materials like wood, acrylic, cork, metals of some kinds, and glass.

Safety!

The main important part of using the laser cutter is to ensure safe operation of the machine to ensure the safety and maintenance of the machine, space, and everyone present there.

Environmental Safety:

• Firstly, ensure that the ventilation system for the laser cutter is on. It is a lever located behind the machine, as shown in the image, and can be reached using a large stick usually placed on the shelf beside it. Ensure it is turned towards the "On" side, and if you are not sure, check with a mentor!

Turn on Ventilation

Operational safety:

• Ensure that any material you might be placing inside the machine is safe to be used with the laser cutter, and that the thickness can produce the results you desire. While most wood and acrylic can be used, some forms of glass and metal cannot be used and can cause damage in terms of toxic hazards and may permanently damage the laser head. Always check with a mentor!

• While the machine is in operation, keep an eye on it! Make sure it's doing the right thing. If you see anything wrong, instantly hit the emergency stop and in case of a fire, use the fire blanket right beside on the shelf, or instantly alert a mentor.

• Keep your hands safe while closing the main lid and ensure your clothes are not inside. Do not look directly at the laser!

Design Preparation

Once you're ready to use the machine, you need a design that you would cut or engrave. This is done on a Software called LightBurn. This is setup on a computer station next to the laser cutter on which you'll operate.

First, bring a copy of your design either as a JPEG, PNG, .SVG or .DXF format. You can transfer this to the system by using a USB stick.

Next, you open LightBurn. On the main menu, click File>Import>Browse, choose your file and wait for it to show up on your workspace.

Shows location of file> import

If you do not have your own design and want to use the default shapes on LightBurn, you can use the text and shapes features to design your product on your workspace.

Shapes and Text Options

There are multiple features like centering, rotation, and flipping that you can use to align your design elements according to your requirements.

Centering and Alignment Options

Once you're satisfied with your design, it's time to cut!

Material Preparation

Once you're ready with your design, bring your material.

Turn the OmTech on by clicking on the "On" Button on the side panel and ensure the the laser key is plugged in and turned on. This makes sure the laser head is active.

Ensure that your material fits in the print bed.

Note: There are 2 laser heads inside the laser cutter, which means each can only fully move for halfway of the width of the bed but all the way through the height. Make sure that your material or design is small enough to cut that area. Any design larger than that would be out of bounds.

Use the lower and higher buttons on the side panel to adjust the height of the laser head so you can conveniently place your material inside.

Once done, use the brown transparent block attached to the key. Place it sideways on the material and lower the laser head until it mildly grazes the block with enough wiggle room to hear a slight hissing sound from the laser on it.

Check for the right height

Carefully remove the block.

Design Placement

Once your material and design is prepped, it's time to check if they work together.

• In lightburn, on the right hand bottom panel, click on the "Frame" option. This moves the laser head as a preview to show you the exact path of your cut. Make sure that this moves along the path you want and in the size you need.

Framing Option on LighBurn

Framing your design

• If the path is wrong, adjust your material until your design fits inside it. If the size is wrong, select the elements in lightburn and change the size until it fits inside the material.

• Use the power settings for your desired material. The exact product can be found in 2 ways: there is a reference cut for wood and acrylic that shows you the output for each power setting for a specific thickness of wood and acrylic. Otherwise, ask a mentor for the laser cutter documentation and look for the recommended power setting for your material.

Power Settings in LightBurn

Wood reference for Power Settings

• Check with a mentor to ensure you are not going over the recommended limit.

• Ensure the number of passes (number of times the laser head repeats the design) are as desired.

Cutting and Engraving

Once you feel everything is ready, close the lid of the laser cutter and hit "START" in lightburn.

Laser engraving design

Wait for the laser cutter to finish its operation, and wait for any fumes to settle down before removing the lid and removing your material. The laser head needs to be completely stationary before you remove the lid.

Congratulations! You now know how to use the OmTech Laser Cutter.