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Dallas Makerspace DMS Source
Archived from the legacy DMS wiki — content may be outdated.

Full Spectrum Laser Cutter

Full Spectrum Laser Cutter

Current Status

Section titled “Current Status”

This tool is no longer available for use. It has been supplanted by the new Thunder Laser

What is a laser cutter?

Section titled “What is a laser cutter?”

A CNC laser cutter is a computer controlled tool for engraving and cutting. It uses a high-powered laser to burn through material, leaving a very crisp cut.

Materials

Section titled “Materials”

Please see the list of Laser Cutter Materials for materials that are not allowed to be cut on the machine.

Laser Capabilities

Section titled “Laser Capabilities”
  • 120 Watt CO2 Laser
  • 36” x 24” work area
  • Can cut up to 0.75” thick materials
  • Laser mechanical resolution is 0.001”
  • Laser spot size is approximately 0.001 to 0.005”
  • Works with most Windows software, show up like a printer
  • Best vector file formats are SVG, EPS but will read just about all file formats
  • Best bitmap format is 1 bit BMP at 250, 500 or 1000 DPI
  • Printer driver supports the following page sizes:
    • Tabloid: 11”x17”
    • A3: 11.69x16.535
    • CSHEET: 17x22
    • DSHEET: 22x34
    • ESHEET: 34x44

Who can use the laser?

Section titled “Who can use the laser?”

Dallas Makerspace members that have been through the training class.

Laser Usage Fee

Section titled “Laser Usage Fee”

To allow for purchase of consumables and upgrades, there is a $1 per 5 minutes usage fee (rounded up, so 5:01 minutes = 10 minutes of usage).

Training Materials

Section titled “Training Materials”

The laser training materials can be found here:

(NOTE: Do NOT attempt to troubleshoot the laser - unless you are an authorized laser maintainer. If there is a problem, open a ticket (https://dallasmakerspace.org/helpdesk). Thanks!)

Laser Committee

Section titled “Laser Committee”

Want more information? Want to help others learn? Join the Laser Committee.

Laser Classes

Section titled “Laser Classes”

Laser classes are held at the space on a as needed basis. Email the laser committee or mailing list to sign up for the next class.

Member Submitted Hints and Tips

Section titled “Member Submitted Hints and Tips”
  • add useful info here
  • and more here
  • thanks!

Migrated from the legacy DMS wiki: original page