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Laser Cutters

[1–2 sentence overview: what the laser cutting area is for, and when to use it vs. the CNC.]

Machines

Monport Effi 16s

Location: [where in the shop] Training required: [yes/no — link to sign-off form or certification process]

Overview [bed size class, laser type/power, typical use cases]

Key Specifications

Spec Value
Bed size
Laser type/power
Max material thickness
Software/controller

Basic Operating Steps

1. 2. 3.

Manuals & Resources

  • [ ] Manufacturer manual (link)
  • [ ] Internal SOP / checklist (link)

Monport Mega

Location: [where in the shop] Training required: [yes/no — link to sign-off form or certification process]

Overview [what's different vs. the Effi 16s — bigger bed, higher power, when to use this one instead]

Key Specifications

Spec Value
Bed size
Laser type/power
Max material thickness
Software/controller

Basic Operating Steps

1. 2. 3.

Manuals & Resources

  • [ ] Manufacturer manual (link)
  • [ ] Internal SOP / checklist (link)

Software

Lightburn

Used for: [primary laser control software — layout, power/speed settings, job execution] Access: [license notes / where installed]

Basic Workflow [import/design → assign layers to cut/engrave settings → frame → run]

Resources

  • [ ] Getting-started guide (link)

Inkscape

Used for: [vector design/prep before sending to Lightburn] Access: [free/open source — install link]

Basic Workflow [design vectors → export/save as SVG → open in Lightburn]

Resources

  • [ ] Getting-started guide (link)

Materials

[Approved materials list, thicknesses, and prohibited materials — laser cutters have hard safety limits here, this section matters a lot.]

Material Max thickness Notes

Never cut these materials

[e.g. PVC/vinyl, chlorinated plastics, ABS, any material of unknown composition — these release toxic/corrosive fumes.]

Tool Settings

[Reference table of power/speed/pass settings per material and thickness, once tested.]

Material Thickness Power Speed Passes Notes

Safety

Required before first use

[Certification/training requirement, sign-off process]

  • PPE: [safety glasses appropriate for the laser wavelength if door is open, etc.]
  • Ventilation/exhaust: [must be running any time the laser is firing]
  • Fire safety: [never leave running unattended, location of fire extinguisher, what to do if material ignites]
  • Material approval: [always confirm material before cutting — see Materials section above]
  • Emergency stop: [location on each machine]
  • Emergency procedures: [who to contact, incident reporting process]

FAQ

Q: [How do I know if a material is safe to cut?] A:

Q: [What do I do if the laser doesn't fire / air assist doesn't turn on?] A:

Q: [Can I bring my own material?] A: