Site3’s Laser Training!
In this course you will learn how to create basic vector documents with an eye towards their use in laser etching/cutting, including formatting, sizing, and other nuisances of making sure your file prints right every time. Similarly, you will learn how to use the laser etcher at Site3, including safe turning on and off; where to touch and where not to touch; materials to use and which to never use; and the strange alchemy that is behind making a cut work properly.
By the end of this course, every participant will have created a ‘proof of laser use’ design, and may cut their own version of the project to keep, using a vector program (Illustrator or CorelDraw ideally, though any vector-based program should work. All participants are asked to bring a laptop, loaded with whichever vector software is preferred, (Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape, CAD) for faster course completion, and in case troubleshooting specific cases are required.
Laser safety will be covered extensively, to ensure the continued happy life of the laser, and you! We highly recommend looking up LightBurn tutorials online before attendance, as familiarization with the laser software will assist.
Requirements:
- You must have a basic understanding of vector illustration in order to take this class.
- Acrylic is supplied for this class. If you wish to laser something else, you must clear it with the event host before arrival.
- PVC and ABS plastics, Lexan or other polycarbonate, and things which are apt to let off a lot of foul smoke are not permitted in the laser