{"id":104,"date":"2020-01-23T19:18:29","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T19:18:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu\/makerspace\/?page_id=104"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:00:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:00:33","slug":"lasercutter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu\/makerspace\/lasercutter\/","title":{"rendered":"Laser Cutter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Images by Jody Culkin & Anna Pinkas. Used with permission.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

JUMP TO: Output Tips<\/a> | Production<\/a> | Materials <\/a>| Resources<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for project ideas, please check our Workshops<\/a><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A laser cutter uses a laser to cut away materials. There are many varieties of this machine, with many industrial applications. The machine we have, the Epilog Mini 24, can cut cardboard, acrylic(plexiglass), wood, fabric and other materials less than 1\/4 inch thick. In addition to cutting, it can also etch materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only the CLT, lab manager or your instructor can cut files presently, but it is important that you understand how the laser cutter works and that you set up your documents properly. It is also a good idea to understand the basic settings for cutting and for etching different materials.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Tips for Outputting For the Laser Cutter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Output Guides<\/a> | Templates<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Open source programs like Inkscape<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>or the browser-based Vectr<\/strong><\/a> are available to use if you don’t have Illustrator, otherwise please come to the Makerspace and familiarize yourself with the program on our computers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do not wish to set up a document yourself, visit the Templates page above for a ready made template for use! Otherwise please follow the Outputting Guide above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

General:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n