Laser cutters are powerful subtractive manufacturing tools that use a powerful laser beam to cut or engrave designs and patterns into materials.
The Makerspace has two Universal PLS 6.75 CO2 lasers which can cut up to 1/4" thick materials (most commonly wood, acrylic, cardboard, MDF, or fabrics) and engrave on many others (most commonly glass, acrylic, wood). We have a rotary attachment to the PLS for engraving shot glasses, wine glasses, etc.
We also have one 20W MOPA laser. MOPA stands for Master Oscillator Power Amplifier. This is a metal marking laser, capable of vaporizing the anodization and surface oxidation, as well as some ablation of metals such as steel or aluminum. The most common place you'd have seen a tool like this is at a pet shop for your pet's nametag.
Using Our Shop
Access and Safety
Our CO2 and Fiber lasers each have their own Safety and Basic Use Training that is required prior to use. Those can be found here. They include an online and in person portion.
Purchasing Materials
As with most of our machines, you are welcome to bring your own materials to use. Please double check with our staff if you have any questions about whether a material can be used in the machines. Our store does have stock of some materials that can be used with our lasers. We also have a small pile of scrap materials left behind by other users who had excess after completing their own projects.