Laser cutting

Our improved SOP

Activity: Operation of the laser cutter

Start-up of the laser cutter	Turn on the Air compressor (Skip for fusion Pro) Turn on the fume extractor. Turn on the laser cutting machine Turn on the PC
Operation of Corel draw	Open CorelDraw on the computer Import desired  BMP, PNG, JPEG, DXF file, or SVG file into CorelDraw  Click on the cursor tool on the left panel and select desired line/shape Change the colors of line/shape to the desired operation  (Red=vector / Green=engraving) Send the imported file to print (Ctrl-P) then press print.
Operation of epilog dashboard	On the Epilog Dashboard, choose Autofocus: Thickness (Pro) / On (M2) on the top of the right panel Turn on Air Assist on the bottom of the right panel Load Material Library to choose what material is being cut/ engraved Add final adjustments to the material's position and the speed/power/frequency desired. Check with the personnel in charge if unsure  (For both machines, position the object to cut at the top left corner so that the laser need not move too far to start cutting) Press the print button
Operation of 3D printer	Check the file’s name and estimated time to cut on the LED Touch screen(Pro) / LCD screen(M2). Once confirmed, press the PLAY/GO button to start cutting.
Shut down of laser cutter	Clear all material from inside the laser cutter Turn off the laser cutter Turn off the fume extractor Turn off the air compressor Shut down PC

Our last SOP was missing critical information, such as the operation of Corel draw, the fact that the Pro machine did not have an air compressor, and just being too messy to follow to be useful.

Hence in our improved SOP, we decided to split it into categories of steps (Startup of the laser cutter, Operation of Corel draw, etc) We also used the new knowledge we gathered to come out with a more comprehensive procedure to follow in Corel draw and in the epilog dashboard, by including the positions of the buttons on the software and what tools to use, etc.

In the end, we came out with a few designs for our parametric construction kit, such as hexagons and triangles. But in the end, we only chose the circle, rectangle, and squares as we realized that the material needed to print all the shapes will be unreasonable and that those 3 shapes are plenty for us to come out with multiple creative designs.

All in all, I passed my competency test in operating the laser cutter and I'm also more confident in using it to cut out my prototypes in the future. I have tested my knowledge on operation, Kerf, and the use of parametric infusion 360 in the sessions. By using parametric, we found it much easier to compensate for kerf on the spot. It was best represented when we used the wood of 4.5mm in thickness rather than the 5mm plywood we centered our calculations in, but the use of parametric meant that changing the slot thickness is much easier. It was also very exciting and fun to finally be able to operate the laser cutter, which will also help us in the future of our CPDD journey as it will help in making prototypes in the future. Initially, I thought that the operation of a laser cutter was simple, and just click and go. It was indeed simple, however, there were still more procedures than I thought there would be in the practical. After the experience, I have both a deeper understanding and appreciation of laser cutters and software related to their relative beginner friendliness and also their potential for experienced users.