Overview
Laser cutting is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses a focused laser beam to cut, engrave, or score materials. It works with a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, paper, and fabric. The process offers speed, consistency, and the ability to produce intricate shapes with minimal physical contact.
Laser cutting is full service. Patrons will use our provided template to create a design file, then submit a ticket. Staff will verify the file and communicate any potential issues. If adjustments are needed, patrons will need to edit and resubmit the file by replying to the ticket email. To learn the basic software, visit the MakerLab How-to Guide page or request a consultation if you have more specific questions.
Patrons then provide the materials for the project by dropping them off at the MakerLab during open hours. A list of approved materials is available below.
Completion time will depend on complexity and current demand for the equipment. Please submit projects at least 1 week ahead of time. When the cut is completed, patrons will be notified via email. Completed projects will be held for one week. After that, unclaimed items will be discarded.
Equipment
Glowforge Plus HD
The Glowforge Plus HD is a high-precision CO2 laser cutter and engraver that can cut, engrave, and etch wood, acrylic, leather, and more. It features an external air filter, and autofocus capabilities for precise and efficient cuts.
Maximum Cut Area: W x D, 19.5 inches x 11 inches (0.25鈥 margin needed)
Max Cut Thickness: 0.25 inches
Required file units: inches
Download Template
Adobe Illustrator or is needed to open and edit the template. If you do not have access to Adobe Illustrator, the software is available on the computers in the in the MakerLab.
The lab also supports , a free and open-source design program. Please download the software before accessing the template. To download the template, click "MakerLab Laser Cutting Template (INKSCAPE)", then right-click the file and select 鈥淪ave As鈥 to save it to your computer.
If your design only requires cutting, you can submit a .dxf file exported from your CAD software.
To learn the basics of the software, visit the MakerLab How-to Guide page.
MAKERLAB LASER CUTTING TEMPLATE (INKSCAPE)
Approved Material Types
Patrons can bring in materials from the list below. Alternatively, materials can be purchased from the .
- Acrylic 鈥 physical or electronic receipt required for staff safety
- Plywood, MDF and other woods 鈥 must be unstained and unfinished
- Cardboard / Chipboard
- Paper
Other materials may be hazardous to cut with a laser. For any questions about materials not on this list, contact the MakerLab Coordinator Chungmin Park by emailing cpark27@binghamton.edu.
Design Considerations
Kerf (Laser Cut Width)
- Kerf is the material removed by the laser鈥檚 beam - typically ~0.1 - 0.2 mm, depending on material and laser settings.
Joints & Fit
- Use press-fit (snap-fit) joints for friction-fit assemblies.
- Test-fit tolerances: ~0.15 mm clearance for tight fits, ~0.2 - 0.3 mm for easier slide fits.
- Include tabs and slots with fillets or dog-bone reliefs to reduce stress points and avoid burning corners.
Cut vs. Engrave vs. Score
- Cut (vector cut): Follows the path to fully slice through material.
- Score (vector engrave): Light, fast line without full cutting
- Engrave (raster engrave): Fills an area with a pattern (like an image or text)..
Minimum Feature Sizes
- Thin lines can burn away.
- Avoid features <0.3 mm wide for best results.
- Text should be 鈮6 pt for visibility when engraved.
File Preparation
- Strokes are hairline (~0.001 in) for cuts
- No overlapping lines (which may double-burn)
- Paths are joined/closed for shapes