This guide is a quick way to refresh yourself on the laser cutters. This guide is not a certification and you will need to complete that separately. This guide should be used to do a final review of your file before laser cutting. This guide is a truncated version of the full course, which will explain in depth file creation and laser cutter usage.

Document verification

Files for the laser should be created in Adobe Illustrator and should be no larger than the size of the laser cutter 39" x 24".

All documents must be in RGB mode.

The Trotec can support up to 16 colors and has a slightly different order, for maximum compatibility we highly recommend using these colors below as they will automatically assign your cut when you load the file into Ruby.

Category	Color	Order	Process Mode	Red Value	Green Value	Blue Value
Raster Engraving	Black	1st	Raster Engrave	0	0	0

	Cyan	2nd	Vector Engrave Light	0	255	255
Vector Engraving	Magenta	3rd	Vector Engrave Medium	255	0	255
	Yellow	4th	Vector Engrave Dark	255	255	0

	Red	5th	Vector Cut	255	0	0
Vector Cut	Green	6th	Vector Cut	0	255	0
	Blue	7th	Vector Cut	0	0	255

Vocab reminder:

Vector mode vs Raster mode.

- Point + path based designs, typically generated in Illustrator	- Pixel based images, typically generated in Photoshop
- AI or SVG files	- JPG or PNG files
- Cutting or engraving a thin line along a path	- Engraving images, text, gradients or filled objects
- Laser head will follow the path of the design	- Laser head will etch back and forth to fill the engraving area

When you have completed your design, save it as an Illustrator file (.ai) or export it as a PDF or SVG file.

Importing into Ruby

After you have completed your file and either made a reservation or checked in with staff for a walk-in appointment, download your file to the laser cutter computer.

Turn on the laser cutter and allow the Ruby software to load.

Import your file on the Manage tab of Ruby.

The next tab in Ruby is the design tab. We recommend you fit your window to your design. This will make for easier placement in the next stage.

On the Design tab, double check :

✓ Each color layer has a number, not an explanation point " ! "

✓ Fit to Design

Next up is the prepare tab. This is where you'll assign your power settings by selecting a material or manually entering the settings (speak to staff first if you want to use custom settings).

On the Prepare tab, double check :

✓ Material is selected for correct thickness

✓ Power and Speed are correct - ALWAYS DO A SMALL TEST CUT and reference our recommended settings

✓ Positioning is set, cutting within material area

✓ Calculate Job Time

The final tab is the produce tab. This is where you'll verify your job.

Note: If you are using the new laser cutters at the Advanced Output Center, you will not be able to start/stop the job on this page. You'll do this on the machine itself.

On the Produce tab, double check :

✓ Correct job is selected with correct power and speed

✓ Queue is cleared of other jobs

✓ Make sure material, power, and speed settings are correct

✓ It is okay to click out of the Produce tab while the machine is running

Laser cutter setup

Operating the machine

The power switch is located next to the machine. It will look like a light switch. Location may vary on lab. Talk to staff if you can't find it.
With the lid closed, turn the key on the right-hand side of the machine to the "On" position. The machine can take up to a minute to warm up.

Turning on the power switch and turning the machine on.

Place your material on the cutting bed. Due to the ventilation system, it is best to not place your material against the edges of the laser bed, but to give yourself a margin.
- Paper may need to be taped down to keep it from moving.
Move the laser head over your material, and hang the focusing gauge on the side of the laser head.
Slowly raise the bed until your material comes in contact with the focus gauge and the gauge falls off.

Now that the machine is ready, if Ruby is open on the computer it will automatically connect.

Open the browser to access Ruby. If it does not load up right away, speak to staff.

You can now prepare your job or start cutting in Ruby.

After focus is set and your file is on the laser cutter, it may be a good idea to have staff verify everything.
Otherwise hit "Play" to start cutting.

While cutting

Hazards

Because the laser cutter is an automated tool and a fire hazard, it’s extremely important to never leave the machine unattended while running a job. You’ll need to be ready to react to the many scenarios which can result in a damaged tool or a serious fire.

These include but are not limited to:

Laser head colliding with material
Material becoming warped or out of focus
Machine malfunction

While cutting

You must stay within the marked area while your job is running.

We also ask that you limit your activities to:

Reading
Listening to headphones

Other activities like using social media and talking on your phone can be too distracting and take your attention away from the laser cutter. If a staff member thinks you’re too distracted, you’ll be reminded to pay attention to your job.

If you need to leave the area or take a phone call while your job is running, be sure to pause the machine first.

What you may see while cutting

When doing cuts and deep engravings, it’s normal to see smoke inside the machine’s enclosure.

 If you see large amounts of smoke, pause the job and wait for the smoke to clear. Double check the laser’s focus by verifying the bed is at the correct height. If the cutting table appears to be at the correct height, ask a staff member for help.

With some materials, it’s normal to see sparks and tiny flames. Make sure these flames are not large enough to reach the laser head or gantry, and that they’re only occurring where the beam is hitting your workpiece. Larger flames, and flames which spread beyond the beam will need to be stopped immediately.

In case of a fire

First, open the lid. This automatically shuts off the laser.

Next, grab the water bottle attached to the front of machine and use it to extinguish the flame.

Get the attention of a staff member. They’ll help you figure out what went wrong and how to avoid the same mistake in the future.

After a Job Ends

After your job ends, remember to wait at least 15 seconds before opening the lid or turning off the power switch, so that the ventilation system can extract any remaining smoke and fumes inside the machine’s enclosure.

After cutting

When you are finished laser cutting, power off the laser cutter by turning the key first, then flipping the light switch.

Check out with staff after cleaning up your materials.

Fines

Laser cutting fines are $50 or more based on the type of damage done.

These fines can be issued for:

Leaving the machine unattended while running a job
Cutting a non-approved material
Failure to extinguish flames immediately
Letting excess smoke escape the enclosure
Damage caused to equipment through negligence

Access Policy

Read carefully!

Once completed, your certification will last for four years. To renew your certification, you can take a short course to review your knowledge and get updated on any new information.

Machine Access

All laser cutters are free to use at both facilities.

Reserving a Laser Cutter

Reservation times are preset to match each facility’s operating schedule.
Reservations can be made online through Acuity only. The Advanced Output Center Acuity page

Links to an external site. can only make reservations for the AOC and the 280 Digital Fabrication Studio page can only make reservations for 280DFS, so make sure you are looking at the correct page.
You can reserve a total of 12 sessions per week, which is 6 hours of cutting. Reservations must be made at least 1 hour before your intended start time.
- There is a fine for overbooking a session. If more than an hour is not utilized, there is a $10 fee for blocking the machine from other prospective patrons.
There is a $10 fee for not showing up for a reserved session.
- If you need to reschedule your time or cancel your appointment, let us know at least 1 hour before your session starts to avoid a fee.
For first time users, we recommend reserving at least an hour for the first time. This will give you extra time with staff to review setup and cutting procedures.
Patrons can reserve the laser cutters 2 weeks in advance.

Booking through Acuity

To book through Acuity, go to this link for the AOC https://sites.saic.edu/aoc/acuity/

Links to an external site. or this link for 280DFS: https://saic.instructure.com/courses/2422820/pages/laser-cutting
You must complete this certification before making an appointment. If you show up without certification , you will be turned away at the door.

Walk-In Access

When a machine is available, certified users can use the machine without reserving as a “walk-in”.
Walk-ins are generally discouraged as another user can reserve the time 1 hour after you start. If you are concerned you need more time, it is encouraged to make a reservation.
Unlike reservations, there is no limit on the amount of usage for walk-in access.
Whether you make a reservation or walk-in you’ll need to make sure you’re able to finish your job within the time available, as you’ll need to stop cutting for other reservations, maintenance periods, or closing time.

General Access Policies

You should be ready to cut as soon as you check in. If you are not cutting by 10 minutes into your session you will need to forfeit your check-in. This may be considered a cancellation and a fee may apply.
- Buy materials and do file prep in advance of your session. It is best to be ready to go at least 30 minutes before your session starts.
If you leave the room without notifying staff of where you are going, you will be given 10 minutes to return before your session is forfeited.
- Make sure you notify staff if you are leaving to purchase additional materials or do something related to your session so it is not given up.