Metal Laser Cutter - Revision history

Nsullivan: /* Documentation */

2025-09-23T21:30:53Z

Documentation

Nsullivan: /* Operation */

2025-09-23T20:29:49Z

Operation

Nsullivan: /* Operation */

2025-09-23T20:29:24Z

Operation

Justinj at 17:15, 17 September 2025

2025-09-17T17:15:14Z

Edejong22: /* Troubleshooting */

2025-08-12T16:45:52Z

Troubleshooting

Edejong22: /* Certification */

2025-07-15T22:59:22Z

Certification

Nsullivan: /* Certification */

2024-08-22T22:01:46Z

Certification

Nsullivan: /* Certification */

2023-08-26T07:12:25Z

Certification

Jsides22: /* Terminology */

2023-05-24T18:41:26Z

Terminology

Nsullivan at 19:37, 23 January 2023

2023-01-23T19:37:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 23 September 2025
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	[[Media:3D Fab Plugin Manual v2.1.pdf\|3D Fab SolidWorks Plugin Manual]]		[[Media:3D Fab Plugin Manual v2.1.pdf\|3D Fab SolidWorks Plugin Manual]]
		+
		+	https://www.reddit.com/r/lasercutting/comments/1jkckqd/fabcreator_software_from_fablight/

	==Training==		==Training==

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 The Fablight is a simple machine to use for cutting flat stock. A part is saved as a DXF file and then imported to FabCreater where features can be set to cut, engrave, raster, or just be reference geometry. In FabCreator, the material properties are set and tabs are added - so that the material doesn't fall to the bottom of the machine. Once the part is set up correctly it is saved to a USB drive to be transferred to the machine. Most of the interactions with the machine happen through the touchscreen which makes previewing and cutting the job a simple task. Cutting tube stock is more intricate. The Fablight Solidworks Plugin is used to make a 2D DXF out of the 3D Solidworks model by essentially unwrapping the tube until it is one flat piece. This DXF is then wrapped back up into a 3D part in FabCreater before being sent to the machine. Only use the Fablight Solidworks Plugin when cutting or engraving tube stock. When cutting tube stock you will want to cut as close to the chuck as possible to avoid waste.
-FabLight YouTube Tutorial Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpj81hTIgjFffXWzEtQGfXVJJ12mU_lJY
+FabLight Tutorial YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpj81hTIgjFffXWzEtQGfXVJJ12mU_lJY
 ====Demonstration====

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:29, 23 September 2025
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	The Fablight is a simple machine to use for cutting flat stock. A part is saved as a DXF file and then imported to FabCreater where features can be set to cut, engrave, raster, or just be reference geometry. In FabCreator, the material properties are set and tabs are added - so that the material doesn't fall to the bottom of the machine. Once the part is set up correctly it is saved to a USB drive to be transferred to the machine. Most of the interactions with the machine happen through the touchscreen which makes previewing and cutting the job a simple task. Cutting tube stock is more intricate. The Fablight Solidworks Plugin is used to make a 2D DXF out of the 3D Solidworks model by essentially unwrapping the tube until it is one flat piece. This DXF is then wrapped back up into a 3D part in FabCreater before being sent to the machine. Only use the Fablight Solidworks Plugin when cutting or engraving tube stock. When cutting tube stock you will want to cut as close to the chuck as possible to avoid waste.		The Fablight is a simple machine to use for cutting flat stock. A part is saved as a DXF file and then imported to FabCreater where features can be set to cut, engrave, raster, or just be reference geometry. In FabCreator, the material properties are set and tabs are added - so that the material doesn't fall to the bottom of the machine. Once the part is set up correctly it is saved to a USB drive to be transferred to the machine. Most of the interactions with the machine happen through the touchscreen which makes previewing and cutting the job a simple task. Cutting tube stock is more intricate. The Fablight Solidworks Plugin is used to make a 2D DXF out of the 3D Solidworks model by essentially unwrapping the tube until it is one flat piece. This DXF is then wrapped back up into a 3D part in FabCreater before being sent to the machine. Only use the Fablight Solidworks Plugin when cutting or engraving tube stock. When cutting tube stock you will want to cut as close to the chuck as possible to avoid waste.
		+
		+	FabLight YouTube Tutorial Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpj81hTIgjFffXWzEtQGfXVJJ12mU_lJY

	====Demonstration====		====Demonstration====

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
   |Has description=
   |Has certification=https://georgefox.instructure.com/courses/1316
-  |Has ace=Nathan Jonson;njonson19@georgefox.edu
+  |Has ace=Needed;Nobody
 }}
 [[{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icon|link=none}}|140px|left|top|{{#show: {{FULLPAGENAME}}|?Has icondesc}}]]

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 * The job runs but machine does not cut. Most likely the dry run process selected. Toggle dry run off.
 *  The machine does not cut, many sparks visible. The process table is not set correctly or the cutting head or optics are dirty. Ensure correct focal offset, cut speed, cut height, and gas pressure in process table. Check that the nozzle tip is clean, wipe off slag with Scotchbrite.
-*  Machine loses cut so that there crooked lines and gaps in the part. Again this is because the process table parameters14896  ''[Is this a true statement?]''
+*  If the machine doesn't cut all the way through a part, a possible reason is that the wrong profile was selected in FabLight.
 *  Incorrect or the cutting head/optics are dirty. Verify cut process parameters including cut speed, cut height, and gas pressure. Check nozzle tip is clean, wipe off slag with Scotchbrite.
 *  Cut does not go all the way through material. Select correct process. Reduce cut speed. Increase assist gas pressure up to 145 PSI. Verify process table is correct. Verify beam centering and focus test. Inspect nozzle tip.
 *  If your machine has a rotary you may encounter two homing errors. If the touchscreen says, “Idler (the chuck that holds the right side of the tube) not homed. Move idler to home”, open the door and move the idler all the way to the right. There is a sensor that detects when the idler is in its home position. Once the idler is in the home position, close the message and repress HOME THE MACHINE. If you encounter an error message saying that the rotary is locked; simply pull out the red pin, close the message, and repress HOME THE MACHINE.
 ==Maintenance==
 ====General maintenance====

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 Complete the <strong>Machine Shop - {{PAGENAME}} Module</strong> at the link below to gain access to the {{PAGENAME}}. The Maker Hub Canvas course pertains to all facilities and equipment contained in the Maker Hub; simply complete the quizzes for the facilities/equipment you wish to use in the Maker Hub. Please email <span style="color:blue">makerhub@georgefox.edu</span> if you have any questions.
-[https://georgefox.instructure.com/enroll/GH36RT Maker Hub Canvas Course]
+[https://georgefox.instructure.com/enroll/R6RF69 Maker Hub Canvas Course]
 ==Troubleshooting==

@@ Line 132: / Line 132: @@
 ==Certification==
-[https://georgefox.instructure.com/courses/1316 Canvas Course]
+[https://georgefox.instructure.com/enroll/G7CTPX Maker Hub Canvas Course]
 ==Troubleshooting==

@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
 ====Terminology====
 * Engrave - Removes a thin layer of material from the surface of the metal along an established line. This has great accuracy but only produces a thin line.
-* Raster - Very similar to an engrave but a raster is used to engrave a large area by passing over the area repeatedly. This works great for lettering, designs and such but does lose a little accuracy around the edges.
+* Raster - Very similar to an engrave but a raster is used to engrave a large area by passing over the area repeatedly. This works great for things like lettering and designs, but it does lose a little accuracy around the edges.
 * FabCreator - The software used to set up a cut from a DXF.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
   |Is used in domain=Metal
   |Has name={{PAGENAME}}
   |Has icon=File: Metal_laser_cutterIcon.png
   |Has icondesc=
@@ Line 11: / Line 17: @@
   |Has description=
   |Has certification=https://georgefox.instructure.com/courses/1316
   |Has ace=Nathan Jonson;njonson19@georgefox.edu
 }}
@@ Line 27: / Line 30: @@
 Location: Machine Shop
 __TOC__
 ==Safety First==
 [[File:Safety First HD2.png|left|150px]]