Laser Cutting / Engraving

Laser Cutting Process

1. Once your file is completed, please submit it by emailing to modelshop@otis.edu. Please include your name, phone number, and any special instructions.
2. Next, bring your material to the model shop and drop off on a shelf provided, and sign the sign in sheet. You will not secure your place in line until you have dropped off material, and signed the sheet.
3. Files are printed in the order they are received. Typical turnaround for pick-up is after 5:00 p.m. the following day, under usual laser cutting demand. Allow more time during finals and other times of heavy demand.
4. All files will be paid for using the papercut system. Once the file is complete we will charge your account.
5. Once the file has been paid for, you will receive an email letting you know that your file is done, and the shelf you can pick up from.

Pricing

The cost of Laser Cutting is $3.00 for the first minute and $0.50 for each additional minute. There is a cap of $35 for prints up to 2 hours, and a second cap of $70 for prints up to 4 hours. For print jobs containing more than 10 files or artboards, an additional charge of $1.00 per file or artboard will be added to the total print job. The balance is due at pick-up. Cuts will not be released without payment. This payment should be paid through your PaperCut account online or through the 4th floor computer lab.

Laser Cutting Modes

Raster Engraving

Typically BLACK shapes/lines/text

The laser head goes back and forth, line by line to create a filled image. This is used for files where there are solid shapes, photos, or lines with width. It is used for engraving only, not to cut all the way through material.

Vector Engraving

Typically GREEN or BLUE lines, STROKE WEIGHT = 0.1pt

The laser head follows the vector lines of the file. This is an engraved line (similar to a score) that does not cut all the way through the material. Unlike Raster Engraving, this cannot create lines with thickness greater than the kerf (thickness) of the laser.

Vector Cutting

Typically RED lines, STROKE WEIGHT = 0.1pt

The laser head follows the vector lines of the file. Unlike Vector Engraving, Vector Cutting will cut all the way through the material. It cannot create lines with thickness greater than the kerf (thickness) of the laser.

Using Fonts

All typefaces should be “outlined”(converted from live text to shapes). To do this:

Select Text > click TYPE menu > select “Create Outlines”

File Setup

All files should be 2D only. No extruded models will be accepted, as the machine cannot read them. Your file must also be to scale. We cannot cut your file unless the following are met:

Illustrator:

1. Create a New Document in Illustrator
   - Document Size = size of your material (can not exceed 32” x 18”, and must be horizontal
   - Color Mode = RGB (use colors specified below in “Printing Information and Tips”
2. Registration must be exactly as you would like it to appear on your material (meaning your artwork should be placed where you want it to cut/engrave on your material in relation to the upper left origin)
3. Vector Cutting, Vector Engraving and Raster Engraving must be set to separate colors.- Typically Black is for Raster Engraving, Red is for Vector Cutting

Rhino & Autocad:

1. File must contain a 32” x 18” rectangle.
2. Inside that rectangle, aligned to the upper left corner there must be a rectangle that is the same size as your material. Position your artwork within the material rectangle and verify that it will fit.

Material Guidelines

The maximum cutting size is 32” x 18” (horizontal). The laser cutter accepts most wood, paper or plastic material. The material must be flat with no protruding parts to avoid damage to the machine or distortion of the file during printing. If unsure please consult a shop technician before purchasing.

Acceptable Materials for Cutting:

• Acrylic up to 3/8”
• Plywood up to 1/8”
• Paperproducts
• Hardwood up to 1/4“
• MDF up to 1/4”
• Leather
• Fabrics (natural and synthetic)
• Cardboard
• Illustration board

Acceptable Materials for Engraving:

Same as cutting with the addition of:

• Marble/stone
• Anodized and coated metals
• Glass
• Rubber stamps

Unacceptable Materials Include:

• Resin
• Polystyrene
• PVC based vinyl
• Metals

*For other materials please inquire.

Printing Information and Tips

The laser cutter reads only 8 RGB colors. Any lines not matching these colors cannot be cut. Each of the colors can be assigned a different setting. For simple files use Black for Raster Engraving and Red for Vector Cutting.

Colors Must Match These RGB Numbers Exactly: