Notice
- This machine should not be operated without induction.
- This machine should not be left unattended during operation.
About
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.
Technical specifications
Cutting area : 726 x 432 mm
Maximum cut depth: 12 mm
Maximum work piece height: 200 mm
Accuracy: 5µm
Maintainers
The @lasertechs are responsible for general maintenance, repairs etc.
Users need to perform some maintenance tasks at the beginning and end of their session (covered in the Induction)
Inductors
Current inductors are:
- The lasertechs
- @Naxxfish
If you would like to become a laser inductor, please contact the lasertechs.
Using the Laser Cutter
Induction
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.
- How to get inducted - general overview of the procedure for all inductions
- Add yourself to the waiting list
- See upcoming inductions - list view | calendar view - you will need to login to see these
Inductors: Here is a suggested induction presentation (status: mature - been used for several inductions).
Laser Induction v9.pdf (2.0 MB) - 10/03/2023
Costs
- Induction: £5
- Training: At the trainer’s discretion
- Use: Free
- Materials: See below
Laser Control Software
There are two options:
Rotary attachment
Giving back
- In return for the loan of the laser cutter, we have promised to promote interesting projects. Please consider writing up your project for our blog, or tagging @trotecuk and @ldn_makerspace on twitter.
- You can also volunteer to become a lasertech and help with maintenance, or run inductions and training sessions
Materials
Permitted
- laser grade plywood
- perspex / acrylic
- glass (engraving)
- laser grade rubber
- non-treated woods (max thickness depending on type of wood)
- anodised metals ONLY FOR ENGRAVING (contact @ lasertechs if you want to etch metals)
Forbidden
The following materials can cause serious damage to the machine, or to your health.
- PVC
- Polyurethane foams
- Polycarbonate
- All non-laser-rated wood
- Food
- Fibreglass
- Circuit boards
- cutting all metals
Unlisted
If your material is not explicitly permitted or forbidden, then do the following, in order of operation:
- Look at the datasheet for the product and see if it is specifically listed as “laser safe”.
- Look at the Trotec youtube channels (USA, Canada) and see if they cover the user of the material.
- Look at the official Trotec materials shop for an equivalent material.
- Please start a thread in #discussion to get everyone’s opinion before attempting a cut
- If you are still unclear, ask the laser techs 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 (login to see the shop)
- Purchase by taking a sheet and putting cash in the money box on top of the shelves.
- 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.
Alternatives
- Purchase your own (must be laser-grade) - see our Suppliers List
Your scrap
Please contribute usable scrap pieces left over from your sheets
Material 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 Job Control and Ruby manuals to see how to set these.
All previous settings saved by members are available in both apps. You could try one and see if you are happy with the result. Or, you can use the following tests to find a setting that suits you.
Note: These files and instructions are maintained and supported by @Brendon_Hatcher
Vector Engrave Test Cards
File: Test%20card%20-%20vector%20engrave|45x95
Instructions: SLMS Trotec Vector Engrave Test Cards.pdf (133.8 KB)
Vector Cut Test Cards
Coming soon-ish
Kerf test tool
File: SLMSkerf|20x70
Instructions: Kerf testing tool.pdf (177.3 KB)
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
Getting help
- Contact @lasertechs on Discourse if you are having any problems with the machine.
- 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).
Delete, update, or move the following
Maintenance log
Date of last maintanance: beam alignment only: 23/12/21
Move to an admin page: Cleaning the extractor filter
Logbook http://goo.gl/forms/UMfWzxXm5n - is this still used?
Trotec Speedy 300 Lens Holder Original.stl
Trotec Laserable Products Catalogue - from 2014!
Trotec Materials Catalogue - from 2015!
Maintenance log
26/07/2023 - lens replaced