Week summary
This week, we completed the full characterization of the Tauryc 9060 CO2 laser cutting machine at FabLab UNI. We began with a safety training session, followed by the identification of the machine's components and its calibration process. A parameter test template was then designed and executed on 2.6 mm MDF and acrylic, evaluating cutting, marking, and engraving across different speed and power combinations. Finally, minimum and maximum speed/power tests and a kerf test using a comb file were performed, determining the optimal cutting parameters for the evaluated material.
Group assignment:
- Do your lab's safety training.
- Characterize your lasercutter's focus, power, speed, rate, kerf, joint clearance and types.
- Document your work to the group work page and reflect on your individual page what you learned.
Group 1
- David Avila Pimentel
- Carmen Gutierrez Apolinario
- Jennifer Wong
- Esteban Valladares Granda
- Jianfranco Bazan
- Cindy Crispin Novoa
- Rocío Maravi Aguilar
- Mario Chong
- Grace Shawn
Process
Describe the workflow in 3 to 5 steps. Avoid long historical explanations and keep only the information needed to understand what was done this year.
- Safety training at the laboratory.
We were given a safety training session at FabLab UNI, led by instructor Jheferson Lados Villegas, in which we learned the importance of personal safety and the correct use of the protective equipment required to operate the laser machine, such as safety glasses, gloves, face mask, and ear protection. During the training, it was emphasized that these elements are essential to prevent accidents and protect the user's health from risks such as laser radiation, noise, and particle emissions.
Additionally, a tour of the laboratory was conducted to identify the signage, including the electrical panels — a main panel and an independent one for each laser machine. The work area boundaries were also explained, which must be respected to ensure safe operation and prevent unauthorized entry while the machines are running.
Finally, recommendations for the proper use of the laser machine were provided, such as verifying the material before cutting, correctly adjusting power and speed, never leaving the machine running without supervision, keeping the work area clean and organized, and always following the instructor's guidelines. These recommendations enable safe and efficient use of the machine, reducing risks and extending its service life.
Evidence gallery
Laser Cutting Machine Specifications:
Model: Tauryc 9060
Laser Type: CO2
Power: 100 W
Work Area: 60 x 90 cm
Controller: RUIDA 6445G
Manufacturing: China
Calibration Tests
First, the main parts of a laser cutting machine were described, including the laser tube, focusing mirrors and lenses, the cutting head, the work surface, the smoke extraction system, the control panel, and the power supply. Each of these components plays an essential role in the correct operation and precision of the cut.
Calibrating a laser cutting machine is a fundamental process to ensure precision, quality, and safety during use.
First, the work surface must be correctly leveled, adjusting the height of the table or the laser to achieve optimal focus on the work material.
Next, the mirrors are checked and adjusted. It is important to verify that the mirrors are clean and properly aligned, as any deviation affects the laser beam path. For this procedure, a marker or laser pointer can be used, ensuring the beam reflects correctly from each mirror all the way to the cutting head.
Next, the cutting head is aligned so that it is perpendicular to the work surface.
Any misalignment must be corrected to avoid irregular cuts or loss of precision during manufacturing.
Finally, the laser power and speed are calibrated. To do this,
test cuts are performed on reference materials, adjusting these parameters according to
the type and thickness of the material to be worked. This stage optimizes machine performance
and ensures consistent, high-quality results.
Parameter Tests - MDF 2.6 mm
We edited our laser cutting and engraving test template, first using Corel Draw to optimize it and add our header. The template includes cutting, marking, and laser engraving operations, in raster or bitmap format.
We then exported the template to the RDworks laser controller software, for which we first edited our grayscale bitmap palette to test the engraving.
We configured the speeds and powers for each color layer, optimizing the order of operations.
The machine took approximately 25 minutes to complete our template, and we obtained the following results on this MDF.
Results - MDF
The test was performed with the following general configurations for this material
- Bitmap engraving had to be configured in dot matrix mode because sending it as-is did not produce a visible grayscale.
- The power tower in engraving is not as stepped due to the burned finish.
- Minimum cut sizes appear well-defined in basic shapes.
- Letter sizes display correctly.
- The quick laser marking test shows optimal results in its shapes.
- The flexible pattern tests at 3 mm spacing show more flexibility in this material.
Results - Acrylic
The test was performed with the following general configurations for this material
- Bitmap engraving with the set power was very faint.
- The power tower in engraving starts very low and scales sharply.
- Minimum cut sizes do not completely fall through on small pieces.
- Letter sizes appear faint.
- The quick laser marking test shows optimal results in its shapes.
- The flexible pattern tests at 3 mm spacing had better results; at 2 mm it broke.
Minimum and Maximum Speed and Power Test
For this test, we first edited the circle colors and organized them into layers to control each configuration independently. We then defined a test matrix varying speeds and powers to identify the most stable working range on the material.
- Editing circle colors and assigning them to layers.
- Configuring minimum speeds from 10 mm/s to 55 mm/s.
- Configuring power levels from 10% to 100%.
- Running the test and comparing results per layer.
Test Results
It was observed that at lower speeds such as 10 mm/s, optimal cuts are achieved from 20% power. However, at higher speeds like 55 mm/s, only optimal laser marking is observed; only at 70% can an optimal cut be achieved. In some cases the cut does not release easily without some pressure, the range going from left to right.
KERF Test
The kerf (Cut Compensation) is the width of material the laser "eats away" as it passes. If you want a piece to fit into a slot, you must compensate for that loss. The basic formula is: Final Measurement = Desired Measurement + Kerf.
For this group test, we designed a comb file to test the fit. Since we already had the material thickness of 2.6 mm, we increased and decreased by 0.1 mm increments to obtain eleven divisions, ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 mm.
Test Results
In this test it was observed that the best results are obtained by precisely adjusting the kerf, considering approximately 0.2 mm of tolerance in the cutting parameters for 2.6 mm MDF. Speed = 24 mm/s and Power = 45%, achieving a proper fit between pieces. Fine adjustments allowed for compensating material loss and improving assembly precision.
Importance of Responsible Use of the FabLab Space
FabLab UNI provided us with an adequate and well-equipped space to carry out our group work safely and in an organized manner, which was essential for the correct execution of the planned activities. Having access to this laboratory allowed us to work with the necessary machines, materials, and tools, strengthening hands-on learning and collaborative work across different nodes.
The importance of respecting the shared space was also highlighted, so upon finishing our activities we left the laboratory clean and organized, following the established FabLab UNI guidelines. Maintaining the work area in good condition not only ensures user safety, but also contributes to the proper functioning of the laboratory and the care of equipment for future use.
Conclusions
- The Tauryc 9060 laser cutting machine at FabLab UNI was successfully characterized, identifying its main components and operating parameters.
- Calibration tests confirmed the importance of leveling the table, aligning the mirrors, and adjusting the cutting head to ensure precise cuts.
- On 2.6 mm MDF, better results were obtained at low speeds and medium power; acrylic requires higher power to achieve clean cuts.
- The kerf test determined an optimal tolerance of 0.2 mm with Speed = 24 mm/s and Power = 45%, achieving precise assembly of parts.
- The minimum and maximum test showed that at 10 mm/s from 20% power, optimal cuts are achieved; at 55 mm/s at least 70% power is required.
- The importance of responsible laboratory use was reinforced, applying safety standards and leaving the space in optimal conditions for future users.