Laser cutters are versatile pieces of equipment that can be an asset to a CTE classroom or makerspace. Students can create precise and intricate designs with a variety of materials and learn valuable digital fabrication skills along the way.
Here are some steps to take if you are wondering how to teach laser cutting in your classroom.
Plan the Applications You’ll Cover in Your Curriculum
Because a laser cutter’s power allows it to cut through a wide range of materials, it’s one of the most versatile pieces of fabrication equipment a school can have. The applications, from K-12 to community college to university, are endless.
Some of our favorite options include:
- Architectural models
- Art and design
- Graphic imaging
- Packaging development
- School branding and personalization
- Signage
- Woodworking
Check out our blog post on ways to use a laser cutter in education for more details on these applications.
Know Your Equipment Options
There are many options and features to choose from, but the best laser cutter for your classroom or makerspace comes down to a few key tips.
- Ease of use— Calculating the power, speed and pulses per inch for a laser to cut through material can waste time, is often unreliable and can waste materials as users test and retest what works on different materials. That’s why we always recommend selecting a laser system that offers the ability to select preset materials from a software database. This will ultimately save time so that you can focus on all the other aspects of learning.
- Optics protection— Ideally, laser systems should have the ability to check and clean the optics quickly and easily. If you expect heavy use of the laser system, you should consider a unit that has air assist with optics protection – which blows clean air on the optics while the system is in use. This protects the optics and reduces maintenance requirements.
- Laser wattage— The optimal wattage for your laser depends on a) the type of material you plan to cut most frequently; and b) the thickest material you ever plan to cut. Keep in mind that every 10W of power provides about a tenth of an inch of cutting depth in most materials. If you think your program will grow or your needs will change, consider a system that allows you to easily swap out for a more powerful laser tube later.
Find the Right Software
A significant part of teaching laser cutting is knowing the ins and outs of the software program you choose to use with your system. Knowing your software options is an important step to selection. So how do you know which software is right for you?
That depends on your design and output requirements for laser processing, how you plan to use the software, and the learning curve you’re willing to accept. Consider both the ease of use and how quickly you can get yourself and your students going on the software. There are a variety of training resources available from classroom to online to become more proficient with your design software of choice.
There are several different types of software programs to choose from when designing graphic files for laser processing. These include text, graphic design and layout, photo editing, and CAD/engineering design software. We have a short list of commonly used software programs for laser cutters on our blog.
Choose Materials Best Suited to Your Applications
There are several different types of materials that can be cut, etched or engraved with a laser system. Here are some common options we’ve seen used in education.
- Composites— Composites are formed by combining two or more materials with different properties to form a new material (the composite) with properties that are superior to those of the individual components. Examples include carbon fiber, fiberglass sheets, foam core board, and Velcro.
- Elastomers — Elastomers are organic materials characterized by their ability to deform and then return to their original shape. Examples include rubber and photopolymers.
- Foams— Foams are usually made from polymers, but they can also be made from ceramics or metals.
- Glass and Ceramics— The key difference between these two types of material is that glass is completely amorphous, while ceramics are crystalline.
- Metals— Metals can be bare (like aluminum, brass, copper, iron, nickel, pewter, silver, stainless steel, titanium, and zinc) or coated (like anodized aluminum, powder coated metal, or painted metal)
- Natural (inorganic)— Naturally occurring inorganic materials like stones and gems are hard, non-metallic minerals. Examples include jade, mother of pearl, granite, marble and slate.
- Natural (organic)— Naturally occurring organic materials like wood and leather are derived from plants or animals.
- Paper based— Paper-based materials include card stock, cardboard, construction paper, matboard, silk paper, and rice paper, among others.
- Plastics— Common plastics include ABS plastic, acrylic, nylon, PEEK, PLA, polycarbonates, polyesters, and polyethylenes, among others.
- Textiles and Fabrics— Common textiles include cotton, denim, felt, fleece, nylon fabrics, and polyester, among others.
The materials you have access to will impact the projects that students are able to create. Choose materials that compliment your classroom’s curriculum and learning goals and allow you to achieve the applications you imagine for your system.
Plan Engaging Projects
Effective laser cutter projects for the classroom can get students started with the technology and encourage their creativity throughout the making process. If makers are just getting started, they can get their feet wet with projects like 3D puzzles, customized key chains, or laser cut boxes.
The rotary function of a laser cutter alone adds many possibilities of what can be created. Projects can include customization of tumblers, cups, phone cases, and laptop covers; inventory management and asset tagging; laser cut assemblies like bird houses and display stands; and crafts and creations like shadow boxes, artwork, and ornaments.
In a recent webinar, Amtek Company’s Jake Shortt demonstrates how to utilize the rotary fixture on a Universal Laser System to engrave designs on cylindrical objects like water bottles. Throughout this webinar, Jake walks through tips and tricks as you embark on your own projects.
Utilize Resources
If you get stuck or run into common problems, our website or YouTube channel is a great place for tips and tricks. Here are some recent laser system how-to’s we have covered specific to Universal Laser Systems:
- Initial Setup of a Universal Laser Desktop System
- Seating the Cutting Table Properly in a Universal VLS Desktop System
- How to Reset the Z Axis on a Universal Laser When the Up/Down Buttons on the Machine Don’t Respond
- Measuring Laser Power | Gentec Laser Power Meter
- How To “Wake Up” or Exercise a Universal Laser Tube
You can also always contact us if you have questions too!
