How to Become Laser Certified
- Schedule an in-person training on Calendly
- After the training, you will be able to schedule a certification test. Please plan to practice before taking your test.
- Practice using the laser cutter during open hours (M-F 12a-7p). Ask a TA to log you in, and check with a TA before sending any jobs to the laser cutter
- Return for your certification test. See the checklist below to be sure you are ready.
Laser Certification Expectations
Certified Laser users are able to run the Universal Laser Systems laser without TA assistance. Certified users are responsible for:
- running the laser safely
- using materials responsibly and efficiently
- keeping the laser cutter and the area around it tidy
- putting all accessory tools away
- shutting the laser and ventilation down completely when finished
Laser Checklist to review for your certification and for training new users:
In Corel Draw
New File Settings
[ ] RGB
[ ] 24 x 12”
File Setup
Cut lines are [ ] red and [ ] hairline
Etch lines are [ ] blue and [ ] hairline
Raster images are [ ] black fill and/or grayscale bitmap
Send to Print
[ ] File → Print or Click print Icon
[ ] Choose VLS3.60/75 as printer
[ ] Click the gear icon to access laser cutter settings
Laser Cutter Settings
[ ] Go to Manual Control
Set red, blue, and black settings correctly
[ ] Refer to the laser cutting chart on the wall for standard settings
[ ] Turn Z-axis OFF for all layers
[ ] Match power, speed and dpi settings to the chart, click “Set” after each color
[ ] Double-check your settings then click “Apply”
[ ] Click OK
[ ] Click Print
In Universal Laser Control
Before Opening ULC
[ ] Turn on fan
[ ] Turn on air compressor at wall - The orange-tipped valve, the regulator valve will be turned on later
This will give the fans a minute to get started
[ ] Use the red <> icon in the lower right corner to open
Check Laser Lens, Clean if Necessary
[ ] Move the laser to the center of the field
[ ] Place wood underneath to avoid dropping screws
[ ] Remove 3 front screws and stow in a safe spot
[ ] Inspect the lens for dust and debris
If the lens needs cleaning, follow these steps:
[ ] Remove the lens and mirror carriage, handle with care, avoid walking around
[ ] One drop cleaner on the lens, clean with Q tip
[ ] One drop cleaner on the mirror, clean with lens paper
[ ] Do not put pressure on the lens
[ ] Carefully return lens to laser head and replace screw
Place material and focus laser
[ ] Use only approved materials
[ ] Use scrap whenever possible
[ ] Place material on honeycomb bed being mindful not to knock the laser
[ ] Weight material if necessary (if it is bowing off the surface)
[ ] Move laser head to cutting area using the laser head tool
[ ] Find the focus tool in the left pocket of the laser cutter
[ ] Place it along the front edge of the laser head correctly
[ ] Adjust the z-axis so the lower edge of the laser head fits snugly in the notch
[ ] Return the focus tool to its place
Place cut job on material
Use the Nozzle tool to check the current location of your cut job
[ ] Leave the door open to keep the indicator light on
[ ] Move the laser to the top right corner, check space
[ ] Move the laser to the bottom right corner, check space
Use the move tool to move your job to an efficient and available space on your material
[ ] Move job and re-check with laser head
Use care to place efficiently: job can be within 1/8 inch of any edge
[ ] Avoid leaving more than 1/4 inch of space between the edges of previous cuts
[ ] Place job in the smallest area where it fits (avoid using a large space for a small job.
Send Cut
[ ] Turn on compressor valve at laser cutter (blue-handled valve behind the cutter)
[ ] Close cutter door
[ ] Click play
While Cutting
[ ] Do not leave while your job is cutting for any reason
[ ] Use the software to pause or stop the cut if needed
[ ] Small flares are ok, use fire extinguisher in the event of fire
[ ] Check that cuts are complete before moving material, you may re-cut if needed
Close Down
[ ] Remove material and any scraps
[ ] Turn off cutter using software
[ ] Close both compressor valves
[ ] Turn off Fan
[ ] Log Out