Laserkutter

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Epilog fusion edge 36
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Contents

Info

We use bookitlab schedule activities on the laserkutter. The laser cutter is an Epilog Fusion Edge 36 with a 60W CO2. The system consists of a HEPA filter unit, an air compressor and a workstation. It is located at 3102 - Studielaben.
The laser cutter is named Cyclops and has IP address 10.64.127.7. The laser cutter has a workspace of 914 X 610 X 254 mm.

Emergency numbers

  • Ambulance: 113
  • Fire department: 110
  • Security Operation Center: 228 56666

Required Safety Equipment

Hazards

When following our guidelines

When not following our guidelines

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is not yet finished


Operational Safety

  1. Do not operate the system without proper training, please contact Sonen or ROBIN engineering staff here for training.
  2. The laser system is never to be left unsupervised during operation.
  3. Do not operate the laser cutter if the interlocks are defeated.
  4. Know where the fire extinguisher and alarm is.
  5. In case of fire, stop the machine, assess the danger and respond accordingly.
  6. Ensure that the machine has undergone the required maintenance as described bellow.
  7. Only cut the following PERMISSIBLE MATERIALS.
    1. Organic materials.
    2. Wood.
    3. Plywood.
    4. Cardboard.
    5. Natural Leather (Tanned or synthetic leathers are not allowed).
    6. Acrylic PMMA.

If you are uncertain if a material is suitable for laser cutting - DO NOT PROCEED, ask Sonen or ROBIN engineering staff here.
If you want to use a material other than the ones listed above, please contact Sonen or ROBIN engineering staff here.

Standard Operating Procedure

Please follow the SOP to ensure the longevity of the machine and the quality of your part.

1. Empty the bed tray

If the bed tray is full of foreign objects, please empty the tray before operation.

2. Clean the lens and mirror

If contaminants are allowed to accumulate, they will reduce power and cause damage to the optics.

Use a cotton swap with Epilog optics cleaning fluid to clean the lens and mirror, let them dry completely before re-installing them.
For instructions see page 199 - 203 of the manual.

3. Ensure the laser cutter has been maintained

The auto focus plunger, under the cutting table, bearing rails and the interior work space of the laser cutter should have been cleaned within the past 7 days. The date of the previous cleaning is registered in a list in the lab.
If these haven't been cleaned, please do so before operation and register the cleaning.

4. Ensure that the auto focus is set to plunger

When preparing your part in Epilog dashboard, please ensure that auto focus is set to plunger.

5. Make sure the laser is focused

As an extra precaution, set focus on the laser cutter as well. This is due to point 5. is easily forgotten.

6. Open windows

Due to the exhaust of the HEPA filter not being tubed outside, please ensure that at least the window behind the filter is open. Preferably keep all the windows in the room open as long as the laser cutter is running.

7. Ensure exhaust, compressor and filter is switched on

Exhaust and filter is switched on with the power switch at the back of the filter and by pressing the power button.
Make sure the filter is switched on. If the screen on the filter is dark, it is still not on. Make sure you hear the compressor running while cutting your part. If the compressor is not running, stop the laser cutter and contact ROBIN engineering or Sonen staff here.

8. Ensure there is no fire

Observe the process at regular intervals to make sure that there is no fire in the laser cutter. In case of fire, stop the laser cutter, assess the danger and respond accordingly. Depending on the severity, contact engineering staff, the Security Operation Center tlf: 228 56666 or the fire department tlf: 113.

9. Clean up

Studielaben is a small room, as such it is important to keep it tidy both for the welfare of others and safety.

  1. Dispose of leftover material, small pieces not suited for reuse should be thrown away, larger pieces should be replaced in the shelf.
  2. Remove your finished part, Studielaben is not suited for project storage. Parts left in the lab will be disposed of.
  3. Sweep the floor if necessary.
  4. Return tools to Sonen.

How to use the laser cutter

A basic guide of how to create a part, from design to finished product is available in this guide.

Maintenance

Required Safety Equipment

Hazards

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is not yet finished

Operational Safety

isopropyl alcohol is a solvent and highly flammable. Thus the following safety precautions are important.

  1. Keep the lasercutter powered off during, and 10 minutes after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol.
  2. Keep at least one window open during and after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol.
  3. Wear nitrile gloves and protective glasses when handling isopropyl alcohol.
  4. Do not use an excessive amount of isopropyl alcohol.
  5. Know where fire extinguisher and alarm is located.
  6. Dispose of the nitrile gloves and paper towels that has been in contact with isopropyl alcohol in the flammable trash bin.

Weekly

Auto focus plunger

Why? Removing residue helps ensure precise focusing.
Materials: Soft cloth, mild household cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.

Use a soft cotton cloth and mild household cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the Auto Focus plunger until it is clean.
An alternative to alcohol is to use the optics cleaning fluid that remains on the cotton swab after cleaning the lens.

Under the cutting table

Why? Reduces any fire hazards by removing flammable debris that has fallen through the tray.
Materials: Small brush or vacuum cleaner.

Remove the Cutting Table and clean out the table tray using a small brush or vacuum cleaner.

Bearing Rails

Why? Improves the finished part.
Materials: Soft cloth, mild household cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.

Using the cloth with liquid, clean all of the bearing tracks.

Interior Work Space

Why? This keeps corrosive dust and debris from building up on interior surfaces.
Materials: Soft cloth and mild household cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.

Use the soft cloth to wipe all surfaces that are exposed to dust and debris.

Every 3 months

This maintenance is done by ROBIN engineering or Sonen staff.

Bearing Rails

Materials: Lubricant and syringe from the Epilog Accessory Kit.

After cleaning the rail (see weekly instructions above), place about an inch-long bead of Epilog-supplied grease into the top and bottom grooves of the x-axis rail.
After applying the grease to both grooves, run the X-carriage over the grease to work it into the bearing block and rail.
Turn the machine off to easily move the x-carriage back and forth over the grease.

Every 6 months

This maintenance is done by ROBIN engineering or Sonen staff.

Exhaust

Materials: Wire brush.

Make sure the exhaust blower you are using receives proper maintenance. Periodically clean the exhaust blower and duct system to remove built-up debris.

Every 12 months

Every 12 months book a technician for preventative maintenance and service.

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