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Laser Cutting Guide

The Fab Lab is home to 3x Epilog Laser Fusion M2 40 and 1x Epilog Laser Fusion Pro laser cutters.

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

Our Laser Machines

Our laser cutters are some of the most highly utilised equipment in the Fab Lab, processing over a thousand jobs each semester. Demand increases around key submission deadlines throughout semester and during these peak periods, jobs can take several days to process. Please submit jobs well in advance during these times.

Machine & Material Capabilities

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

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: 900L x 600W x 8H
Epilog Laser Fusion Pro 48

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: 1219L x 914W