Laser Cutter Certification

Laser Cutter Certification
Version	0.1.0
Approval Date	Draft/NOT APPROVED
Prerequisites
Document/Printout	Laser Cutter Certification
Required For Tools/Shops	Laser Cutter

Student:
Trainer:
Date:
Version:	0.1.0 - Draft/NOT APPROVED: DO NOT USE

Certification required for: Laser Cutter (Digital Fab. and Electronics Lab)

DO NOT USE THIS PAGE AS A SIGN OFF SHEET

Please print the document from the download link in the top right of the wiki page instead!

Training Check-Off List:

Safety

Fire Hazard

Never place flammable materials or liquids on or in the Laser Cutter when it is on or in operation. Liquid acetone, alcohol, and other chemicals can release vapors that are flammable.

Pinch Hazard

When the printer is in operation do not put your fingers near any moving parts including belts, motors, or gears. Tie back long hair, jewelry, or clothing that can get caught in the moving parts of the machine.

Blinding Hazard

The GCC Spirit uses a CO2 laser to cut materials. The CO2 laser is not in the visible light spectrum, but can cause permanent damage to eyes. Do not disable any of the machine’s safety features, designed to prevent its operation while doors are open. This can result in damage to eyes.

If cutting a reflective material, use the laser safety glasses on the pegboard behind the laser cutter. These are special safety glasses that reduce the amount of infrared light you will see. Normal safety glasses won't work!

Electrical Shock Hazard

Don’t attempt to service the machine while the power is on.

Material Safety

Because the laser vaporizes/burns material to produce results its is important to never cut a material that releases caustic or poisonous gases. Refer to the Materials List for examples of what can and cannot be cut. If you are not sure what a material is that you wish to cut or your material does not appear on the list ask/contact a shop lead ([email protected]) or the CMS Director.

The list does not include all materials or materials that have “Trade Names”.

Never cut any variety of Polyvinyl Chloride/PVC/Vinyl or any other material containing Chlorine, as they will release chlorine gas, which will damage both the machine and anyone who breathes it.

Tool Anatomy

• User Interface
• Power Switch
• Laser Switch
• Exhaust Switch
• USB Port
• Belts
• Stepper Motors
• Lead Screws
• Lens
• Mirrors
• Bed
• Gantry
• Air compressor
• Air supply line

Operations Checklist

In order to be certified to use the GCC Spirit, you will cut out a tag engraved with your name (tag is to be 5" long and 1" high with a 1/4" hole at the end) to be hung in the laser area. You also must show that you:

• Are familiar with common materials that are safe to use.
• Can prepare a file for printing using CorelDraw or another software and export the file for printing.
• Confirm that your material is secured to the bed
• Can upload a file to the Printer
• Are able to focus the laser for a given material using the manual focus.
• Can start, pause, and stop a print
• Recognize irregular operation
• Know the location of the emergency shut off
• Know what to do in the event of a fire
• What parts need regular cleaning (and who to contact if the laser isn't working as expected)

Pre-Operation

• What material are you using?
• How would you determine settings for speed/power for a material?
• What does the software mean by Raster and Vector?
• Is your material flat/secured to the bed?
• Are you performing multiple operations at once (raster and vector)?
• How do you turn on the air compressor and exhaust?
• If you’re performing a Vector, are the line widths correctly set?
• In the event of a fire, what should you do?
• How do you clear the bed of debris after the cut is finished?

Operation

• Is your material safe to cut?
• Is the Laser Focused?
• Is your material secured?
• Is the head in the correct starting position based on your settings?
• Do you have the correct speed and power levels for your process?
• Is the Exhaust on?
• Is the Compressor on?
• If you are using vector mode, are the line widths set correctly?
• Have you chosen the correct mode for your operation?
• Are you engraving or cutting?
• From what position will the cut commence?

Post-Operation

• Did you wait for the machine to vent?
• Has the material been cut all the way through? If not, what do you do?

Advanced Operations Checklist:

The following are things an advanced user of the laser cutter should be familiar with.

• Confirm the Lens and Mirrors are Clean.
• How would you test an unknown plastic for chlorine?
• Proper use of the rotary cutter and engraver
• How to disable SmartGuard when cutting materials with high cut brightness
• Use of the pass through doors
• Advanced centering / home positioning options

Pass/Fail:

Comments:

Student Signature:		Date
Certifier Signature:		Date

Certifer: Please scan this QR Code to email info@claremontmakerspace.org, and include a list of students who have passed this test.

Then, return this form to the front desk (even if the student failed!).