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Laser cutting
What is it?
Laser cutting is a technology primarily dedicated to cutting, engraving, and marking materials.
What can I do with it?
You can make prototypes, add creative flourishes to items, and more! Use the laser cutter to cut or engrave materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, fabrics, and certain types of plastic. The laser cutter can engrave some materials, such as glass and stone, but not cut them.
Read our policies before coming in to use the machine.
How can I get certified?
New users can register for a certification, offered weekly. If you are unable to attend a certification session, please contact us to arrange an alternative training time.
Register for Laser Cutter Certification
Who can use it?
If you are certified, you can book time on the laser cutter in advance. Reservations are for laser cutting time only, not design setup. Please have your file downloaded and ready to be cut, or come in to CATalyst prior to your reservation for help preparing your file.
Priority is for UA students, faculty, and staff, but non-affiliates may also use the equipment, subject to availability. You're welcome to drop by the during our open hours where one of our staff members can help you with your project.
How much does it cost?
Each job costs $2 for every 10 minutes of cutting/engraving time plus the cost of materials (if applicable). The library has several materials available for purchase or you can bring your own material. A CATalyst staff member must approve any material you bring before cutting or engraving. See a list of acceptable materials below and email us if you have any questions.
Make your payment prior to pickup.
Not sure what material you should use? Come in during our open hours and a CATalyst staff member can help you decide.
Materials for purchase
|
Material type |
12x12 in |
12x24 in |
24x36 in |
|
Baltic birch plywood 1/8" |
$2 |
$4 |
$8 |
| Baltic birch plywood 1/4" | $4 | $6 | $10 |
| Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) 1/8" | $2 | $4 | Unavailable |
| Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) 1/4" | $4 | $6 | Unavailable |
|
Acrylic (variety of colors) 1/8" |
$4 |
$9 |
Unavailable |
|
Acrylic (variety of colors) 1/4" |
$7 | $15 | Unavailable |
Rapid prototyping materials such as cardboard ($0.50 per sheet) and miscellaneous scraps available.
Acceptable materials
All materials you bring in are subject to approval by CATalyst staff. The following list is just a guide, so it is not exhaustive.
|
Material |
Cut |
Engrave |
Notes |
|
Wood |
Yes |
Yes |
Most wood-based products, including solid wood and plywood, are excellent for cutting and engraving. Engineered woods, such as MDF, still work but might char more when cutting. Avoid oily or resinous woods. |
|
Acrylics |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Cloth and fabric |
Yes |
Yes |
No plastic-coated or impregnated cloth. |
|
Paper products and matte board |
Yes |
Yes |
High fire risk, monitor closely. |
|
Cork |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
Leather |
Yes |
Yes |
Genuine leather only. No "pleather" or anything containing vinyl. |
|
Rubber |
Yes |
Yes |
Only rubber that contains no chlorine. |
|
Polyester sheet (Mylar) |
Yes |
Yes |
Great for stencils. |
|
Anodized aluminum |
No |
Yes |
The laser can't mark bare metals, but it can burn away the anodizing to make designs. |
|
Glass |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Marble, granite, other stone |
No |
Yes |
|
|
Ceramics |
No |
Yes |
What are the laser cutter's technical specifications?
Work limits
- Cutting/engraving area: 36 x 48 in ( mm)
- Maximum cutting thickness (1 pass): .75 in (mm)
Filetypes
- Vector file types supported: DXF, AI, DST, PLT, LAS
- Raster file types supported: JPG, BMP, GIF, TIF, PNG, TGA
- The laser cutter may support other file types. Contact us if you have a specific need not listed here.
Laser
- Type: 80-watt max CO2 laser
- Wavelength: 10.6 microns (infrared, invisible to the naked eye)