Laser Cutting and Engraving
About the Equipment
Laser cutters are a great tool to start learning digital fabrication elements and vector drawing skills. 2D parts cut on the laser cutters can be assembled into 3D objects and lots more! Beginners will design simple projects in no time thanks to the Ruby software available on our laser cutters' computers. The MakerSpace has two laser cutters available for reservation.
Reserve Equipment
- Reserve up to four hours per week
- Reserving more than one piece of equipment is not permitted
- Equipment that is not reserved is available for same day reservations
Using the Equipment
Our two Trotec Speedy 300 laser cutters have a cutting area of 29" x 17" and use vector and bitmap files for laser cutting and laser engraving respectively. These machines can cut thin materials up to 1/4" thick, or engrave in materials up to 7.75".
If you are using a laser cutter for the first time, we recommend watching our in-depth Laser Cutter tutorial first, then making a minimum reservation time of two hours. This allows time for our staff to walk you through finding/preparing a design for the laser cutter, setting up your cuts, and time to cut your design.
What's Provided
- Computers with the Ruby cutting software already connected to the laser cutter
- Computers with software for creating vector designs, like Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Shaper Trace
What To Bring
- A design in one of these filetypes: *.pdf; *.svg; *.ai; *.png; *.jpg; *.jpeg; *.bmp; *.tsf; *.tld; *.tlj; *.zip; *.cdr; or *dxf.
- You can bring in your file on a storage device
- Material to cut or or engrave
- The MakerSpace does not sell materials. Materials can be found at most local craft stores or hardware stores.
- Some materials are too dangerous to cut or engrave and are not permitted. Please check our FAQ for a complete list of what materials you can and cannot bring, or contact our Makers.
Inspiration
From the Makers
First Day Nerves?
Tutorials and Resources
Maker Tutorial: Laser Cutter
Laser Cutter FAQs
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Yes, please allow proper drying/curing times before bringing it into the MakerSpace to avoid excess fumes. Most common water-based, acrylic, and oil-based finishes are acceptable.
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The short answer is No. Ruby has to be connected to our laser cutters to set up a job. Ruby is easy to use, and staff can help you get started. When you come into use the lasers bring in your art file in one of these filetypes: *.pdf; *.svg; *.ai; *.png; *.jpg; *.jpeg; *.bmp; *.tsf; *.tld; *.tlj; *.zip; *.cdr; & *dxf.
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Cutting: Generally most wood materials up to 1/4" can be cut on the laser cutter, acrylic up to 1/8". For all other materials, check in with staff beforehand.
Engraving: Max engraving thickness for flat material is 7.75".
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Yes! The rotary on the Speedy 300 can engrave cylindrical objects with a diameter of up to 7.25”, a length of up to 19” with a maximum weight of 6 lbs.
If you want to prepare for the process, you can watch this video of a rotary engraving on a similar Trotec model. Keep in mind the MakerSpace staff will switch over the rotary attachment for you, please do not try do it yourself!
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Yes! We help new patrons who have no experience with laser cutting, digital fabrication and / or vector drawing. Our MakerSpace facilitators can help you get started and give you additional resources and tutorials for you to keep building your skills.
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To make a file for cutting, you can download these software or use them in the MakerSpace:
Also available, the Shaper Trace in the MakerSpace: If you have a simple sketch or image you want to convert into a cutting file, you can use the Shaper Trace. Shaper Trace is a tools that helps convert images into vector paths suitable for cutting.
If you are making a simple drawing with text or basic shapes you do not need to prepare your files ahead of time. We will just show you how to create the file using Ruby, Trotec's design software. Ruby is easy to use and has to be connected to our laser cutters to set up a job. In other words, don't waste your time downloading Ruby to prep your files, it won't work!
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Please check in with our MakerSpace Facilitators before cutting or engraving your projects. If unsure of the material check for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any material you plan to laser engrave or cut.
NOT Allowed:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Artificial leather that contains chromium
- Carbon fiber / Fiber glass
- Polyvinyl butyrale (PVB)
- PTFE /Teflon
- Any materials containing halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine), epoxy or phenolic resins
Due to the CO2 laser limitations, uncoated/unpainted metal is unable to be engraved or cut.
Generally the materials below are approved to use.
Engraving:
- Wood
- Plywood
- Acrylic
- Fabric/Cloth (not multiple layers)
- Glass
- Coated/Painted Metals
- Ceramics (Including Tile)
- Delrin
- Leather
- Leatherette (must be laser safe, non PVC)
- Marble
- Matte Board
- Melamine
- Paper
- Mylar
- Pressboard
- Rubber
- Cork
- Corian
- Anodized Aluminum
Cutting:
- Wood
- Plywood
- Acrylic (No cast acrylic thicker than ~1/8")
- Fabric/Cloth
- Delrin
- Leather (only real leather, no synthetics)
- Matte Board
- Melamine
- Paper
- Mylar
- Pressboard
- Foam Core (polystyrene only, check in with staff before starting)
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Unfortunately, we do not sell materials for use in the MakerSpace.
You can purchase materials locally at home improvement stores, hardware stores, lumber yards, and craft stores. Many patrons also purchase materials from online resellers and suppliers. We don't recommend specific places to purchase materials.
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Yes! We created an in-depth video tutorial for using our laser cutter:
Here are the manufacturers PDFs for set up and use:
MakerSpace FAQs
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The Black & Veatch MakerSpace hours are slightly different than the Central Resource Library open hours. For up to date information about the MakerSpace, please visit the main MakerSpace page.
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The Black and Veatch MakerSpace is located at the Central Resource branch.
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You cannot create anything designed for or capable of causing harm, such as firearms, knives, swords, and other items that could be used to inflict injury or intimidate. If you’re unsure whether your project might fall under this rule, please ask a Maker staff member before starting. Library staff reserve the right to stop any print or job at their discretion if it is deemed unsafe, violates library policies, or is otherwise inappropriate.
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Questions? We're here for you.