Laser Cutter - Trotec Speedy 300

[Makerspace (SLMS)]

This machine may not be operated without induction.
Only approved materials may be cut or engraved.
This machine may not be left unattended during operation.
Users must perform the maintenance tasks after use.

Table of contents

• About our laser
• How to get inducted
• Further learning
• Materials you can cut and engrave
  – Permitted, forbidden and unlisted materials
• Obtaining materials
  – Our shop
  – Free materials in the space
  – Buying your own
• Using the laser
  – Important maintenance tasks
  – Laser control software
  – Cut and engrave settings
  – Rotary attachment
  – Your scrap
• Getting help
  – Technical issues
  – Resetting your Ruby password
• Risk assessment

About our laser

This is a Trotec Speedy 300. It is a professional-grade laser cutter and is a very high-quality machine. It is used for cutting and engraving many materials including plywood, acrylic (perspex), card, leather, some plastics and many others.

Cutting area : 726 x 432 mm
Maximum cut depth: 12 mm
Maximum work piece height: 200 mm
Accuracy: 5µm

Trotec Operation Manual (generic, doesn’t include information about our specific laser and how we use it, but does fulfil the function of a datasheet).

We also have a Rotary Attachment for cutting and engraving cylindrical objects (e.g. glasses or waterbottles).

How to get inducted

You must not use the laser cutter without being inducted first. Improper use can cause serious damage to the machine. The laser has a Tool Control system that will only turn the laser on for inducted users.

To get inducted:

1. Watch the Induction Video
2. Add yourself to the waiting list for the practical induction
3. Look out for scheduled inductions on the calendar - list view | calendar view (login to see these)
4. Open the calendar entry and follow the link to apply for a place on the induction

Further learning and resources

The induction mainly covers safe use of the tool.
It doesn’t cover other essential skills for general or specific laser uses.

To assist you in the learning journey, here are some suggestions:

• Explore these laser resources (and add your own).
• Activities:
  – Your First Laser Project - emphasises a simple workflow from design to cut.
  – Brendon’s Book - deep dive into laser cutting with lots of examples and learning activities.
• Community - ask for these on Discourse if you don’t see them advertised.
  – Introduction to Ruby course - workshop run by the lasertechs
  – Inkscape for laser cutting - workshop run by @Brendon_Hatcher
  – Adobe Illustrator for laser cutting - ask @charlesmein
  – Affinity Designer for laser cutting - ask @Martyn_Thomas
  – Project help - ask for a MakerBuddy

Materials you can cut and engrave

Note: The laser cannot cut metal, but it can engrave anodised metals and mark others.

Permitted

• Laser grade plywood
• Perspex / acrylic
• Glass (engraving)
• Laser grade rubber
• Non-treated woods
• Anodised metals (engraving)

Forbidden

• PVC
• Polyurethane foams
• Polycarbonate
• All non-laser-rated wood
• Food
• Fibreglass
• Circuit boards

Unlisted

If your material is not explicitly permitted or forbidden, then do the following, in order of operation:

1. Look at the datasheet for the product and see if it is specifically listed as “laser safe”.
2. Look at the Trotec youtube channels (USA, Canada) and see if they cover the user of the material.
3. Look at the official Trotec materials shop or download their catalogue for an equivalent material.
4. Please start a thread in #discussion:private to get everyone’s opinion before attempting a cut
5. If you are still unclear, ask the @lasertechs for “permission” to experiment

Obtaining materials

Our Shop

• Sheets of ply and acrylic in various thicknesses are available in the shelves below the Laser PC.
• Purchase online via the online shop at southlondonmakerspace.org/shop or via the QR code on display at the laser station
• Sheets are approximately 405 x600mm

Free materials in the space

• Cardboard is available in the store shelves for test cuts, jigs and cool cardboard projects
• The scrap pieces in the clear boxes under the mini-CNC are free to use.

Buying your own

• Purchase your own (must be laser-grade) - see our Suppliers List

Using the laser

Important maintenance tasks

It is important the the following checks are done before and after each Laser Session.
Failure to do so may damage the laser.
If you need a refresher on these steps, please watch the induction video.

• Nozzle - unscrew the nozzle and clean any residue
• Lens - check for any dust or scratches, and clean if needed
• Mirror - check for any dust or scratches, and clean if needed
• Bed - remove any material left on the surface, in the honeycomb, or underneath the bed

Laser Control Software

The laser runs on software called Ruby.
Our Ruby manual provides more detail as well as link to external resources.

JobControl (the original Trotec software) is being phased out by Trotec and may become unsupported at short notice.
More details on how to use Jobcontrol can be found here

Cut and engrave settings

You need to set the power and speed in order to achieve the engrave or cut that you want. The settings are determined by the type of material and the sheet thickness.

• Please refer to the Ruby manual to see how to set these.
• We also have recommended settings for common materials listed here.

Rotary attachment

See our guide to using the Rotary Attachment.

Your Scrap

Please contribute usable scrap pieces left over from your sheets. Place these in the clear bins underneath the mini CNC (to the right of the Laser PC).

Getting help

Technical issues

Contact @lasertechs on Discourse if you are having any problems with the machine.
Please include screenshots or error messages.

Getting access to Ruby

If you were inducted before we started using Ruby, request a Ruby account and training from the lasertechs.

Resetting Your Ruby Password

On the Laser PC:

1. Go to Desktop / Reset Ruby Password
2. Enter your email
3. It will confirm you’re found and your temporary password has been set (or say not found).
4. Login using password Aaaaaaa1
5. You will then be prompted to change the password.

Maintainers

• Laser and ventilation system - lasertechs
• Laser PC - system and backups - unknown
• Tool control and access - systems
• Shop - lasertechs (currently Martyn)
• Ruby updates, member access, database - lasertechs
• Discourse usergroups (laser and Ruby) - lasertechs

Risk assessment

Description of Task

Using a high powered computer controlled laser burning process to cutting blank stock material such as wood and plastic to a pattern from a digital file.

Hazard	Risk Rating	Control Measure	Residual Risk
Fire	Low	Users required to use approved materials only, correctly set speed & power settings for the material and never leave machine running unattended. CO2 fire extinguisher provided.	Very Low
Exposure to laser light	Low	Machine enclosed and lid fitted with interlock not to be overridden, according to Type 1 laser regulations.	Very Low
Electrocution	Low	Servicing restricted to authorised and trained personnel.	Very Low
Harmful/toxic fumes	Low	Users advised to use approved materials only. Strictly no PVC or polyurethane foams.	Very Low

Disposal

• The fume and dust-control systems must be properly maintained, tested annually and the filters changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Used filters should be sealed into strong plastic bags before placing them in the waste.
• Cleanup and machine maintenance must be performed as described in the induction.

For lasertechs

Our restricted access manual is here.