ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

From sandbox
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Category:Tools]]
[[Category:Tools]]
{{Tocright}}
{{Tocright}}
''This page is currently under construction.''
 
[[File:ULS-Laser.jpg | center | 400px | Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]]
[[File:ULS-Laser.jpg | center | 400px | Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]]




==Description==
==Description==
The Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 is a laser cutter / engraver  
The Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 is a 60 watt laser cutter / engraver capable of cutting a range of wood and plastic materials up to 1/4" (6.3mm) thick


==Safety Concerns==
==Safety Concerns==
The laser cutter is safe when used by properly trained makers following our SOPs and cutting only approved materials. Used improperly, laser cutters present several risks that need to be understood by all makers. The most important safety concerns specific to laser cutter use are [[Laser_Safety_Concerns| Fire, Fumes, and Laser Radiation.]]
The laser cutter is safe when used by properly trained makers following our SOPs and cutting only approved materials. Used improperly, laser cutters present several risks that need to be understood by all makers. The most important safety concerns specific to laser cutter use are [[Laser_Safety_Concerns| Fire, Fumes, and Laser Radiation.]]


===Fire===
==Training==
Use of this tool requires the completion of a safety and usage training module. This training may be found on the Sandbox Canvas course  [https://myelms.umd.edu/courses/1274047/pages/uls-laser-introduction?module_item_id=9702615| in this module]. If this link does not work for you, ensure that you are enrolled in the course by going to [https://ter.ps/Learn2Make ter.ps/Learn2Make] and clicking on the 'Join this Course' or  'Enroll' button.


In normal use a laser cutter is able to cut and engrave combustible materials such as wood and paper with little risk of fire. If the ventilation systems aren’t working correctly small flare ups may occur. Scraps from earlier jobs can increase risk of fire. Fire safety is discussed in the training.
''Self-training via this wiki, user manuals, or other sources is encouraged but '''does not substitute for the online training module'''. Students found using this tool without completing the Canvas training module are subject to disciplinary action which may include termination of Sandbox access.''


===Fumes===
==Trained Managers==
It is critical that you are aware of what materials you are using in the laser and understand the potential for some materials to create irritating, harmful, and potentially lethal by-products of combustion. The laser ventilation system is important but is not designed for the evacuation of hazardous fumes and is not a substitute for identification of unsafe materials. If staff is unable to identify a material as laser-safe you will not attempt to use it in our laser cutters.
The managers that have adopted this tool and can help you with using. Keep in mind these are not the only managers that know how to use this tool, feel free to ask any. Full list of adopted tools can be found here [[Manager Tool Adoption | here]].
<!-- This is for populating a list of all managers that have this tool as their adopted. -->
{{#get_web_data:
url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/1OWqoa5hGArO427buM7213HOFsia-I8W9aUs01hW2Gpo/gviz/tq?tqx=out:csv&gid=0&tq=select%20F%20where%20G%20%3D%20%22ULS%20Laser%20Cutter%22
|format=CSV
|data=Manager=1
}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Manager  {{#for_external_table:<nowiki/>
{{!}}-
{{!}} {{{Manager}}}
}}
|}


===Laser Radiation===
==Tips & Tricks==
*[[Using the ULS Laser Control Panel]]
*How to markup a file in Adobe Illustrator (or other illustration software) to indicate what to raster engrave, vector engrave, or vector cut
*Tips and tricks for using Adobe Illustrator to prepare graphics for laser cutting
*Manually Focusing
*Using the [[Rotary Laser Cutter| Rotary Attachment]]
*[[Laser_Box_Generator_Programs| Design and cut a finger-jointed laser box.]]
*[[Laser Engraving a Photograph]] How to adjust a photographic image file for best laser engraving.
=== Helpful YouTube Videos===
*[https://youtu.be/eXiR55ZYhIc?si=jJS9fLkbD5QnOgX4 Adobe Illustrator for Laser Cutting 101! (& Easy DIY Holiday Ornaments)]
*[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB Adobe Illustrator (Basics) for Laser Cutter]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=50 00:50 Setup]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=208 3:28 Colours for Raster, Etch & Cut]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=732 12:12 Laser Cut Example]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=810 13:28 Scaling & Moving]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=1402 23:22 Combining Shapes]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=1912 31:49 Image Trace]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=2735 45:43 Changing Points in Images]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=3570 59:28 Radials & Repeats]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=4218 1:10:16 Ear Rings]
**[https://youtu.be/sJay_Kml8K8?si=4-FJIPUyW1uWp9aB&t=5019 1:23:45 Outro]


The danger of injury from laser radiation is very low when correctly operated with all safety interlocks in place. It is never permitted to operate a laser cutter with any interlock bypassed to override a safety feature. While our laser cutters protect your vision from laser radiation, the cutting process does produce an intense light. Looking at this bright light for extended periods of time can cause damage to your vision.
*[https://youtu.be/6AXRj2QXxtM?si=Sl9zIGnUj6IY4nCK Preparing Your Text for Laser Cutting in Illustrator]
*[https://youtu.be/5NtpDLCr3Og?si=GIj95mnP_UWneu5v Adobe Illustrator — How to Thicken a Font for Laser-Cutting]
*[https://youtu.be/3I5VKNEfZFs?si=0SIVL5cyGrvnPUlI How to Join Letters for Laser Cutting Names in Adobe Illustrator]
*[https://youtu.be/Gb7QLfGKxps?si=CJ_GQLASeTnLfs-r Name Cut Outs in Illustrator Laser cutting]
*[https://youtu.be/hn8_3uUUE1o?si=ruPqfOyKV0H_EljN Adobe Illustrator: Making a Name with an Offset Path]


==Training==
*[https://youtu.be/ny3Or1PDKQQ?si=cIa0r9xQueGWQBiD Adobe Illustrator — How to Create a Keychain Design Using Offsets & Knockouts]
Use of this tool requires the completion of a safety and usage training module. This training may be found on the Sandbox Canvas course  [https://myelms.umd.edu/courses/1274047/pages/uls-laser-introduction?module_item_id=9702615| In this module ] If this link does not work for you, ensure that you are enrolled in the course by going to [https://ter.ps/Learn2Make ter.ps/Learn2Make] and clicking on the 'Join this Course' or  'Enroll' button.
**This video is a complete walk-through for how to create a custom digital design using Adobe Illustrator. Tools / Techniques Reviewed:
 
*** Selection Tool (V)
''Self-training via this wiki, user manuals, or other sources is encouraged but '''does not substitute for the online training module'''. Students found using this tool without completing the Canvas training module are subject to disciplinary action which may include termination of Sandbox access.''
*** Direct Selection Tool (A)
 
*** Eraser Tool (Shift+E)
==Tips & Tricks==
*** Group (Cmd/Ctrl+G)
*** Ungroup (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+G)
*** Undo (Cmd/Ctrl+Z)
*** Redo (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Z)
*** Ellipse Tool (L)
*** Pencil Tool (N)
*** Arrange (Bring to Front/Send to Back — Cmd+Shift+[ or Cmd+Shift+])
*** Compound Shape (Cmd/Ctrl+8)
*** Pathfinder Unite
*** Pathfinder Minus Front
*** Swap Fill and Stroke (Shift+X)
*** Adding/Expanding Stroke
*** Creating Outlines from Text/Fonts


*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIVTP3sgtA0 Printing to a Universal Laser System using Adobe Illustrator]
*[https://youtu.be/izXuzEvXHb0?si=ZnoZcJIIfSvHQTH3 Beginner intro to using Adobe Illustrator for laser cutting]


==Accessories==
==Accessories==
Line 36: Line 87:


==Manuals==
==Manuals==
A downloaded copy of the VLS manual [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Kct3rB6VmdqyHl4M8leaEFXWNj-KUDop can be found on our shared drive]


== Manufacturer's Web Site ==
== Manufacturer's Web Site ==

Latest revision as of 23:18, 19 September 2023

Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter


Description

The Universal Laser Systems VLS 6.60 is a 60 watt laser cutter / engraver capable of cutting a range of wood and plastic materials up to 1/4" (6.3mm) thick

Safety Concerns

The laser cutter is safe when used by properly trained makers following our SOPs and cutting only approved materials. Used improperly, laser cutters present several risks that need to be understood by all makers. The most important safety concerns specific to laser cutter use are Fire, Fumes, and Laser Radiation.

Training

Use of this tool requires the completion of a safety and usage training module. This training may be found on the Sandbox Canvas course in this module. If this link does not work for you, ensure that you are enrolled in the course by going to ter.ps/Learn2Make and clicking on the 'Join this Course' or 'Enroll' button.

Self-training via this wiki, user manuals, or other sources is encouraged but does not substitute for the online training module. Students found using this tool without completing the Canvas training module are subject to disciplinary action which may include termination of Sandbox access.

Trained Managers

The managers that have adopted this tool and can help you with using. Keep in mind these are not the only managers that know how to use this tool, feel free to ask any. Full list of adopted tools can be found here here.

Manager

Tips & Tricks

Helpful YouTube Videos

  • Adobe Illustrator — How to Create a Keychain Design Using Offsets & Knockouts
    • This video is a complete walk-through for how to create a custom digital design using Adobe Illustrator. Tools / Techniques Reviewed:
      • Selection Tool (V)
      • Direct Selection Tool (A)
      • Eraser Tool (Shift+E)
      • Group (Cmd/Ctrl+G)
      • Ungroup (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+G)
      • Undo (Cmd/Ctrl+Z)
      • Redo (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Z)
      • Ellipse Tool (L)
      • Pencil Tool (N)
      • Arrange (Bring to Front/Send to Back — Cmd+Shift+[ or Cmd+Shift+])
      • Compound Shape (Cmd/Ctrl+8)
      • Pathfinder Unite
      • Pathfinder Minus Front
      • Swap Fill and Stroke (Shift+X)
      • Adding/Expanding Stroke
      • Creating Outlines from Text/Fonts

Accessories

  • Rotary Accessory
  • Focus Gauge
  • Thickness Gauge

Manuals

A downloaded copy of the VLS manual can be found on our shared drive

Manufacturer's Web Site

ULS VLS 6.60 Platform

Specifications

  • Laser Power: 60 Watts
  • Laser Material Processing Area (W x H): 32 x 18 in (813 x 457 mm)
  • Maximum Part Size (W x H x D): 37 x 23 x 9 in (940 x 584 x 229 mm)
  • Rotary Capacity Max Diameter: 8 in (203 mm)
  • Motorized Z Axis Lifting Capacity 40 lbs (18 kg)
  • Available Focus Lenses
    • 2.0 in (50 mm)
    • HPDFO™ (High Power Density Focusing Optics)
  • Laser Platform Interface Panel Five button keypad
  • Computer Requirements Requires dedicated PC with Windows® 7/8/10 32/64 bit and one available USB port (2.0 or higher)
  • Optics Protection Available with Optional Air Assist
  • Cabinet Style Free-Standing
  • Overall Dimension (W x H x D) 44 x 39 x 36 in (1118 x 991 x 914 mm)
  • Weight 325 lbs (147 kg)
  • Power Requirements
    • 110V/10A
    • 220V-240V/5A
  • Exhaust Requirements
    • Two 4 in (102 mm) ports
    • 500 CFM @ 6 in static pressure (850 m3/hr at 1.5 kPa)
Retrieved from "https://wiki.umiacs.umd.edu/sandbox/index.php?title=ULS_VLS_6.60_Laser_Cutter&oldid=2809"