Laser Cutting and Engraving

All reservations stop 30 minutes before closing for cleanup.
Each laser cutter can be reserved for up to two hours per day, and four hours total per week. If a laser cutter is not reserved or being utilized by another patron, they are available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
About the equipment
Our Laser Cutters
Epilog Zing - 1 x 40 watt laser cutter (24" x 12" x 8" build area)
Epilog Helix - 1 x 75 watt laser cutter (24" x 18" x 8.5" build area)
⚠️Patrons can now purchase a variety of plywood and acrylic in the Friends Bookstore located inside the Central Resource Library.
For engraving: The Zing can engrave up to 24" in length x 12" width x 8" deep. The Helix can engrave up to 24" in length x 18" width, and 8.5" deep. The Zing can engrave cylindrical objects up to 19 inches long, at a maximum diameter of 5.25". The Helix can engrave cylindrical objects up to 19 inches long, at a maximum diameter of 8".
- 24" x 12" x 1/4" plywood cutting with many pieces: Approximately 20-45 min
- Engraving aluminum travel mug: Approximately 7 min
The laser cutters do not give estimated times for each job, so please overbook the time you think it will take when reserving.
- Thingiverse
- You can also do a search for images appropriate for cutting or engraving
Options are limitless!
To make a file for cutting, we recommend using CorelDRAW or another vector graphic software like:
(You can find these in the MakerSpace)
Check out this tutorial for more information on how to create files in CorelDRAW to work with the laser cutter. In short:
- you’ll use Hairline lines to cut materials
- All other images will be engraved in grayscale
- Once you have a file prepared, we will load it into CorelDRAW to print on the laser cutter for you
Don’t know how to use these software programs? Check out Lynda.com online tutorials free with your library card!
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Fabric/Cloth
- Glass
- Coated Metals
- Ceramics (Including Tile)
- Delrin
- Leather
- Marble
- Matte Board
- Melamine
- Paper
- Mylar
- Pressboard
- Rubber
- Wood Veneer
- Painted Metals
- Cork
- Corian
- Anodized Aluminum
Cutting:
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Fabric/Cloth
- Delrin
- Leather
- Matte Board
- Melamine
- Paper
- Mylar
- Pressboard
- Rubber
- Wood Veneer
- Cork
- Corian