Kern Laser Cutter

Industrial Laser Cutter in the Sub Basement:

You Can Cut the Following Materials on the Laser Cutters as a walk up and use machine:

Chip Board (matte Board/Press board)
Corrugated Cardboard
Cork
Leather
Acrylic Plastic
Basswood
MDF
Plywood - up to 4 plys only

Metals can be cut by appointment only as the cutting bed and laser nozzle needs to be changed out and the oxygen or nitrogen gas needs to be connected to the machine in order to cut metal.  

Please see an Advanced Technology member to make an appointment for metal cutting. Appointments are Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm only.

It is your responsibility to make an appointment at least 2 business days in advance and to reserve the time on the machine.  Last minute appointments will not be accepted.

You Can Not Cut the Following Materials on the Laser Cutters:

Baltic Birch Plywood (5 plys or higher)
Foam or Foam Core
Glass
Highly Flammable Materials
PVC
Reflective Materials
Stone

If you are unsure, about cutting a specific material, please see an Advanced Technology staff member FIRST!

Rules of Operation - Failure to follow these rules WILL result in Disciplinary Action AND can lead to extended loss of access to this equipment.

High Risk of Fire - Do not leave this machine unattended while cutting for ANY reason.
 

DO NOT use the laser cutter outside of its operating hours of 8:00am to Midnight, 7 days a week.
laser cutters need a minimum of 8 hours each day to recharge the laser. Using a laser cutter after hours is also in violation of the University Fire Marshal requirements.

DO NOT Stare directly at the laser cutter beam while cutting.
If you stare directly at the laser cutter beam for any period of time, it can cause retinal damage to your eyes.

AVOID repeated visible flames while cutting.
If you see repeated flare-ups while cutting, stop the laser cutter and adjust the cut settings, increasing the speed
and/or decreasing the power.

Laser Cutter Reservations: 1 Hour Per Day Per Laser Cutter for a Max of 2 Consecutive Days
You can only reserve a laser cutter for a maximum of 1 hour per day per laser cutter for a maximum of 2
consecutive days.

If you see a Fire, you can USE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER located right outside the laser cutter room.