Notice
- 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 before and after use.
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
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 aRotary Attachment for cutting and engraving cylindrical objects (e.g. glasses or waterbottles).
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)
If you would like to become a laser inductor, please contact the @lasertechs .
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.
To get inducted:
-
Watch the Induction Video
-
Add yourself to the waiting list for the practical induction
-
Book yourself on an upcoming inductions
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
- 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 or download their catalogue for an equivalent material.
- Please start a thread in #discussion:private to get everyone’s opinion before attempting a cut
- If you are still unclear, ask the @lasertechs for “permission” to experiment
Obtaining Materials
Laser 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.
-
Only logged in members have access to the Members Area.
-
Sheets are approximately 400x600mm
-
Laser Store is currently maintained by @Martyn_Thomas
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. Place these in the clear bins underneath the mini CNC (to the right of the Laser PC).
Using the laser
Important maintenance tasks
It is important 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
-
The induction video above covers the key steps in Ruby, more details can be found here.
-
Ruby uses colour palettes to assign laser actions, you can download files for popular vector software below:
– Adobe Illustrator - link
– Affinity Designer - Affinity Designer Trotec Palette.zip (554 Bytes)
– Inkscape - Inkscape settings.zip|attachment (11.3 KB) -
Some useful videos:
– How to use the Rotary Tool also Our guide to using the Rotary Attachment
– How to use the Stamp features
– How to engrave images
– Tips on using metal marking compounds –Important: We have a CO2 not Fiber laser, and always check with the @lasertechs before using metal
Our Ruby manual provides more detail as well as link to external resources.
JobControl - the original software - is being phased out by Trotec and may become unsupported at short notice, please make sure you are inducted on Ruby - 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.
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
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:
- Go to Desktop / Reset Ruby Password
- Enter your email
- It will confirm you’re found and your temporary password has been set (or say not found).
- Login using password Aaaaaaa1
- You will then be prompted to change the password.
Next Steps and Useful Links
Your First Laser Project
Trotec Ruby Software User Manual
Official Ruby guides
Brendon’s Book
makercase.com - Simple box generator
festi.info/boxes.py - Lots of different generators
Risk Assessment
Click To Expand
**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
Maintenance Log
Click To Expand
Date of last maintanance: beam alignment only: 23/12/21
26/07/2023 - lens replaced
06/10/2023 - service by Trotec engineer
- new belt
- new runner
- new ball bearings
- deep clean
- laser re-tuned (we’re now getting the full 60w, rather than 54w)
- Bed re-leveled
To Tidy Up
Note: These files and instructions are maintained and supported by @Brendon_HatcherVector Engrave Test Cards
File: Test%20card%20-%20vector%20engrave|45x95
Instructions: SLMS Trotec Vector Engrave Test Cards.pdf|attachment (133.8 KB)
Vector Cut Test Cards
Coming soon-ish
Kerf test tool
File: SLMSkerf|20x70
Instructions: Kerf testing tool.pdf|attachment (177.3 KB)
Move to an admin page: Cleaning the extractor filter