Location

The big red thing in the common area.

Features

Never let the machine run unattended especially when its cutting!
Always use approved materials. Some materials can release chlorine gas or catch fire.
Remember to pull bed leveling knob before running a job.
Run the machine with the interlock on. The interlock is a key switch that will override the option to turn the laser off when the door is opened.

A blow torch and copper wire will be needed for the test.

With a pair of pliers heat up the end of the copper wire and burn off any residue.
While still hot, touch a sample piece of the plastic you would like to cut with the hot end of the copper wire.
Place the wire back into the flame and burn the plastic. If the flame is blue/green the material is not safe and will emit chlorine gas when cut.

Note: If the material you want to cut isn't listed on this page, email the mailing list.

Material	Safe to use with a laser cutter?	Can you cut it?	Can you engrave it?
Acrylic	Safe!	Yes	Yes
Wood	Safe!	Yes	Yes
Paper/Cardboard	Safe!	Yes	Difficult
Steel	Safe!	No	Yes (oxidize)
Titanium	Safe!	No	Yields a rainbow of colors depending on power.
All other metals	Safe!	No	Yes, if you use Cermark or other marking chemical.
Glass	Mostly safe, don't breathe the glass dust.	No	Yes
Nylon	Not recommended.	Discoloration, low cut quality.	Melts, doesn't engrave well.
ABS	Not recommended.	Discoloration, low cut quality.	Slight engraving marks.
Polyethylene	Not recommended.	No. Lots of melting.	Slight marks with melting.
Lexan/polycarbonate	Black smoke and awful smell. DO NOT CUT.	No	No
PVC	Creates Chlorine Gas. DO NOT CUT.	No	No
Vinyl	Toxic fumes. DO NOT CUT.	No	No
Teflon/PTFE	Toxic fumes. DO NOT CUT.	No	No
CF/Carbon Fiber	DO NOT CUT.	No	No

Different materials and thicknesses will require different cut speed and power. Table below is a good starting point for some common materials.