# Laser Cutting Guide

## Overview 

Laser cutting can be used in the fabrication of architectural models, site models, 1:1 prototypes, decorative objects and more. The precision and speed of laser cutting enables clean outcomes and the production of shapes which can be assembled into presentation quality models.

Laser cutting is a process where a high-powered laser is directed by computer software to cut, etch or raster various types of materials. The Fab Lab laser cutters process **flat sheet** materials of varying thickness, and are able to achieve three types of outcomes: 

| Operation  | Result                                                                                                                                                                |
| ---------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Cut**    | Vector lines burned through the material with a laser to create 'cuts'. Often results in a scorched edge finish to be eliminated during post processing.              |
| **Etch**   | Vector lines/patterns scored in varying depths onto the material surface.                                                                                             |
| **Raster** | Filled areas scored to create patterns on the material surface. Slower process involving the laser moving side-to-side to create solid scored patterns on the surface |

![CUT, ETCH and RASTER examples](/files/-M6Cd1wghsbsETgE7eHF)

<figure><img src="/files/RJFej34Y4wKRZwecucVs" alt=""><figcaption><p>CUT, ETCH (curves) and Raster (hatch) geometry is set to the correct layer in the Fablab Rhino template</p></figcaption></figure>

## Our Laser Machines

Demand increases around key submission deadlines throughout semester and during these peak periods, jobs can take several days to process. Please keep this in mind and submit jobs well in advance during these times. You can see the length of the job queue by clicking 'submit/track a job on our [website](https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/maker-spaces/fablab)&#x20;

### Machine & Material Capabilities

For an up-to-date materials list please see here:

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhGe491CgJNxbHFoMPn" %}
[Fab Lab Materials](/the-fablab/job-submission/fab-lab-materials.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

You are also welcome to supply your own material either from offcuts from our offcut bin, or from material purchased externally. If you have purchased material from a store/external supplier, you'll need to prove that the material is safe to cut (we cannot cut PVC, acetate, or other materials that produce toxic gases when cut).&#x20;

#### Epilog Laser Fusion M2 40

The Fab Lab houses 3 x Epilog Laser Fusion M2 40.

* Materials: Timber, Acrylic, Card, Polypropylene. For more materials consult Fab Lab Staff.
* Cutting Area (in millimeters): **900L x 600W** x 8H

#### The Epilog Laser Fusion Pro 48

The Fab Lab houses 1 x Epilog Laser Fusion Pro 48

* Materials: Timber, Acrylic, Card, Polypropylene. For more materials consult Fab Lab Staff.
* Cutting Area (in millimeters): **1219L x 914W**&#x20;


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