Laser technology is an indispensable production method in many industries. Within schools, laser cutters are constantly being integrated into the curriculum as a way to give students transferable skills for their future careers.
Laser cutting in secondary education serves a range of different curriculum requirements. Commonly found in design and technology classes, the diversity of a laser machine offers a wide range of application possibilities beyond the subject including use within arts, textiles, engineering and more.
What materials can be processed with laser technology?
Bringing a laser cutter into your school opens a wide range of creative avenues for students. Materials which you could not process easily by hand can now be processed effortlessly by students and staff alike, enabling the creation of stunning projects.
Materials suitable for laser processing:
Paper
Acrylic
Wood
Textiles
Plastic laminate
Metal
Foam
Check out how to use a laser in schools
Project ideas for laser education
Due to the range of applications that are possible with a laser cutter, it can be overwhelming at first for students to begin using the machine. Trotec constantly develops new application ideas for laser users, many of which can be created within schools. Some examples of school project applications are:
"In our opinion, the Trotec laser is a superior machine to all others we researched. It is used in industry and the quality of the engraving is far more enhanced than other systems."
- Pippa Conley - Faculty Leader of Design and Technology, Sale Grammar School -
Advantages of laser cutting in schools
A laser cutter offers a range of benefits regardless of which class it is used by.
Learn transferable skills
Thanks to the processing capabilities of Trotec laser technology, the laser machine can be used in a wide range of subjects. With the technology becoming increasingly important in many industries, exposure to laser machine technology within schools can give students essential skills for their future career.
No learning curve
Trotec laser machines are compatible with most common design programs, allowing students to easily send their design to the laser and turn their designs into finished projects in minutes. The intuitive laser software contains a built-in materials database, allowing each student to store their material settings for re-use.
No additional costs compared to other technologies
As a contactless technology, laser cutting and engraving does not require regular tool changes unlike competitive technology such as mechanical engravers. The accuracy of the laser machine also helps to reduce material wastage.
Subject specific benefits
Laser cutters offer unique benefits to certain subjects. Examples include perfectly sealed cut edges for textiles and being able to produce photographic engravings for arts and graphic classes.
Benefits for both students and staff
A laser machine not only gives students transferable skills, it allows staff to create internal projects such as awards for students, school signage and much more. This can save both time and outsourcing costs.
Integrating laser technology into schools - Which laser is best?
Why choose a Speedy laser over a DC source laser?
In our video we showcase the advantages of purchasing a Speedy laser machine over an alternative entry level laser machine. Among the many benefits of the Speedy laser are a ceramic laser tube, compatibility with a range of programs and the speed of processing. As you will see, a Speedy allows the user to be more productive, reducing wasted time and allowing students to be able to complete their projects in minimal processing time.
Laser technology is also commonly found in universities. The same benefits apply to university students, although the range of applications is broader. In subjects such as architectural design, laser technology allows highly detailed laser engraving results to be produced for models, while the speed of processing also allows for high throughput allowing them to make the best use of their allotted laser time.
An additional way that some universities make use of laser technology is to include "fab labs" within the university. These spaces offer students and members alike a creative outlet where they can use the laser machines at any point.
From student project work to internal applications for staff, a Trotec laser cutter makes a perfect tool for processing a wide range of materials and substrates.
Read our customer stories to see how our university customers utilise their laser machine:
When you're looking to add a laser cutter to your school, safety will be on the top of your priority list to ensure that students and staff are protected whilst using the machine. Trotec offers a wide range of laser machines, most of which fall into the class two safety bracket. These models are most suitable for schools. Class 2 lasers are fully enclosed machines, meaning that there are no special measures required for the operators such as the need to wear protective goggles. This is thanks to the interlocked safety system. When the machine's lid is raised, the laser will cease firing and the laser head will stop moving, protecting the user.
In contrast, class 4 lasers are open and present numerous potential safety risks to students and staff. These machines require a number of additional safety features to be in place, prior to operation. Typically, a class 4 laser is used for specialised applications in the manufacturing industry, or for processing large workpieces which will not fit in a standard bed size.
Contact us
Contact us for a more detailed look at laser cutting and engraving in schools. We are happy to help you with for information about laser processing for education.
