The Universal VLS 6.60 with a 40 watt laser, can hold a sheet of material up to 18” x 32”, but the recommended maximum sheet size is 17 7/8” x 31 7/8”.  There are separate sign ups for each laser cutter (labeled as 1 and 2).

 

Sign Up Procedures

 

Please see Hours + Sign Up.

 

Pricing

 

The cost for use of the laser cutters is:  .40 cents per minute

 

Debit dawg will be swiped prior to the beginning of the cutting to ensure that there is enough money in the account to pay for the allotted timeslot.  The payment will be charged to the card at the completion of the cutting.  The dfl does not allow for any tabs to accrue.  You must pay for all work at the time of cutting.

 

Materials

 

The following materials can be used in the laser cutter:

 

• museum board

• mount board

• mat board

• 1, 2, 3 ply chipboard

• cardboard

• wood

• plywood

• acrylic

• butterboard

• crescent board

• bristol board

• mylar

 

Cutting capacity varies depending on the material and its thickness.  The laser cutter has the ability to cut and/or engrave all of the listed materials.  It is recommended that you consult with the lab assistants prior to your cutting time if you have any questions about the materials you would like to cut, recommended or maximum material thicknesses, or if your material is something not listed in this document.  You also need to make sure that your materials lay flat on the cutting bed.  Materials that do not lay flat will not be accepted for cutting by the lab assistants. 

 

No cutting or etching of the following materials will be allowed under any circumstances:

 

• pvc

• polycarbonate

• lexan

• any metal

• foamcore

• paper

• styrene

• vinyl

• glass

• walnuts

• any other material not listed above

 

Template

 

The template for the laser cutter can be found on the dfl website.  Please note that the lab is now operating with AutoCAD 2019.  Please speak to one of the lab assistants to review proper procedures for setting up your cut file if you are uncertain of proper procedure.  Please note that some old procedures have also changed with the new upgrades in the lab.  Make sure you are familiar with the latest and greatest as far a template configuration goes.

 

VLS 6.60 Template | 18″x32″

 

Rules and Regulations

 

1:  The maximum number of slots you can sign up for laser cutter use in a single week is three (3).  Any additional timeslots signed up for after the first three will be automatically deleted.

 

2:  Jobs that exceed the 15 minute timeslot will be stopped at the 15 minute mark to start the project for the student with the next timeslot.  If the student with the next timeslot has not arrived or the next timeslot is open, your job may be allowed to continue at the discretion of the lab assistant.  Do not consider this luxury to be a certainty.  You are only entitled to your allotted 15 minute timeslot.

 

3:  You will be allowed one and only one missed timeslot.  The first failure to show for your scheduled cut time will result in a warning.  Any additional failure to show for a scheduled cut time will result in loss of all dfl privileges for the remainder of the semester.

 

4:  If you do not have adequate funds in your debit dawg account prior to the start of your cut time, you will not be allowed to cut until proof of payment ability can be properly shown.  In the event you do not have adequate funding at the start of your cut time, your timeslot will be lost and you will have to sign-up for the next available timeslot using the online sign-up sheet or sit and wait for a walk-in opening.  This lost timeslot will not count towards your three (3) allotted slots for the week.

 

5:  You are 100% responsible for cleaning up every scrap of mess you bring into the dfl.  You carry out everything you bring in or dispose of it properly per the lab assistant’s instructions.  

 

6:  The dfl is not a storeroom.  No projects, cut pieces, or materials will be stored there without permission of a lab coordinator (not a lab assistant).  Everything left in the dfl will be disposed of at the end of the day.  The dfl is also not a workspace.  You cannot work on, assemble, or finish your project in the dfl under any circumstances.

 

7:  It is recommended that you arrive at the dfl a minimum of 5 minutes prior to your cut time to allow the lab assistants to upload your cut file prior to the start of your cut time if possible.  Your allotted cut time starts per the sign-up sheet, not after your file is loaded and properly working.  Familiarize yourself with the cutting template prior to creating your file.  The lab assistants will not waste their time fixing your mistakes.  It is your responsibility to properly flatten, overkill, and PEDIT your file prior to entering the dfl and prior to uploading your file onto the dfl computer.  If your file is not configured properly, the lab assistants will not cut your project and you will forfeit your timeslot(s).

 

8:  The lab assistants are more than happy to answer any questions or help you better understand how to use the laser cutter.  This process cannot happen at the beginning of your cut time however.  If you have questions or would like quick instruction, please e-mail graduate assistants.

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Any violation of the rules and regulations of the Digital Fabrication Lab could lead to loss of lab privileges for the academic year.  Continued abuse of these rules and regulations will result in PERMANENT loss of lab privileges.