Laser Cutter Policies
Use of the A² Fab Lab is restricted to faculty and upper-division students enrolled in appropriate courses, including juniors, seniors, and graduate students. After completing orientation (required each semester), users have 24-hour access to the lasers, limited only by the reservation policies below.
The A² Fablab currently has two laser cutting/engraving systems from Universal Laser Systems. One laser (Larry) is a VersaLaser 660. The second laser (Moe) is a Professional Laser Series 660. Both laser cutters are equipped with 50-watt CO2 lasers and are ideal for cutting and etching a range of materials across their 32" x 18" honeycomb cutting bed. Though the basic operation of the lasers is the same, the PLS 660 has a more advanced interface, which allows for adjustments to strength and speed during the cut - the VLS 660 does not permit these adjustments on the fly.
For nearly all users, both lasers will work equally well and either one may be reserved.
In order for you to use the lasers you must (1) be registered as a junior or higher in your major coursework and (2) have completed the fablab orientation. Orientations will be offered regularly and can be signed up for at the Fablab in groups of no more than 10.
Your GatorOne card will be activated on the card swipe lock once these requirements are complete of these. Access to the laser computers will be managed using your GatorOne account.
Laser usage by faculty is allowed and will follow the same procedures as the students, including reservations and orientation.
Reservations
Reservations are made here on the A² Fablab website. The schedule is blocked out in one-hour sessions. The maximum reservation period is 2 hours within a 24-hour period. All reservations must be made at least 6 hours in advance. Each user is limited to a maximum of 6 hours of reservation time per week.
Open periods within this schedule may be used on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will be limited to a maximum of 1-hour blocks.
You are expected to be on time for your reservation. Tardiness of more than 15 minutes will forfeit your entire reservation.
You are expected to be prepared and efficient with your use of the laser cutters and supporting computers. Check your files carefully and check the estimated cutting time. Do not begin a lengthy cut at the end of your reservation period, as your cut will be stopped for the next scheduled user. Extensions of your reservation time will not be allowed unless the period following your session is open.
Materials Preparation and Usage
The lasers can cut or engrave a number of materials. These include: chipboard, museum board, mdf, plywood, basswood and other common modeling woods, acrylic and Plexiglas. Use flat materials only. Surfaces that are not flat may block the movement of the laser head assembly or the airflow of the nose cone, both of which may damage the laser cutter.
Materials not allowed are: trace paper/similar thin paper, vinyl, lexan, polycarbonate, PVC or other synthetic materials that may have chloride in them. If your plastic is unlabeled or you cannot confirm that it is acrylic or Plexiglas, do not use it.
If you want to use a material that is not listed, please consult with the fablab GA's or coordinators before you start cutting.
Cutting and Scoring - Vector-based Files
Before you begin cutting:
Check to see if the laser cutter needs maintenance or cleaning at the beginning of your reservation period. If maintenance or cleaning is required, notify the GA's and/or faculty immediately. Reservation time that is lost due to maintenance will be prioritized and rescheduled as quickly as possible.
Place your material on the bed, check for flatness and focus the lens using the focusing tool. Confirm that the air-assist is on and working, and that the blower is on.
Check that your files are loaded and open within the primary software and that the cuts are within the laser bed boundary and at the scale you need. When you are ready to cut, send the file to plot or print and set the printer to the laser (either VLS 660 or PLS 660).
Open the laser software (you don't need to exit the primary software). This is where you can review the cut and adjust the settings for the laser. A number of basic material settings are provided within the software and you use these as a good benchmark for your first cut. If you are scoring a material and you are uncertain of the strength and depth of the scores, please refer to the sample boards in the lab.
One you are ready, click on the send button within the laser software to start the cut. The lid needs to remain closed throughout cutting. The laser will stop if raise the lid. When the cut is complete, the laser will return to its home position.
Policies and Penalties
You are responsible and accountable for the use and care of the laser during your reservation. Any policy violations and penalties will be directed to you during this time.
You must be present for all cuts - leaving the room during a cut is unacceptable. This applies to individual work and group work.
You must use the lasers only during times that you have reserved. Reservations cannot be transferred or exchanged between students, or reserved for other students. Do not allow other students into the lab on your account, and do not ask other students to let you in - both scenarios will lead to penalties described below.
The computers are for use of the laser only. Do not use these computers for work not associated with the lasers.
Beverages and food are not permitted in the lab.
Penalties and fines for improper usage:
Failure to operate the laser safely will result in (1) loss of access to the lasers and (2) fines covering any damage to the machine.
The computers that are attached to the laser cutters have all of the necessary software to perform the cuts and/or etch and should only be used for running the lasers. Attempting to hook up a personal computer to the laser will result in (1) immediate loss of access to the lab for the remainder of the academic year and (2) a $250 fine to your ISIS account.
Access to the lab is controlled through your student account and reservations are not transferable. Any attempt to use another student's account to gain access or to give access to another student to the lab and lasers will be severe. Penalties for this type of infraction will result in (1) immediate loss of access for the remainder of the academic year and (2) a $250 fine to both students.
Unauthorized usage of another student's account to gain access to the lab may be referred to the Dean of Students Office or the University of Florida Police Department.
The scheduling process will be monitored carefully. Operating the lasers in violation of reservation policies will result in incremental penalties, in this order:
1st infraction - loss of all reservation time and access for a period of one week
2nd infraction - loss of all reservation time and access for the remainder of the semester
3rd infraction - loss of access for the remainder of the academic year
 |
 |
Site by Daniel Tankersley and Michael Truluck
Last modified April 28, 2012 - Kenneth Wilson
University of Florida