Laser Cutting Machines for Fablabs, Schools and Universities

Digital Fabrication of 3D Models, Prototyping, Industrial Design and DIY

laser cutting rapid prototyping 2

​Digitale fabrication of 3D models, industrial design, prototyping and DIY projects

Educational laser cutter for FabLabs and schools

At FabLabs, makerspaces, universities, colleges and any other education setting, Trotec's educational laser engraving machines are used for model making, industrial design, prototyping or all kinds of DIY applications. The possibilites that educational laser cutters offer to students and peers is endless and inspiring. Whether it be personal diy projects or simply assignments, lasers are always there to help.

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DIY projects made from a wide range of materials

Many different materials are used for tinkering, making or rapid prototyping: Cardboard, paper, MDF, wood and acrylics might be the most common ones in use. But also textiles, synthetic materials, plastics, polystyrene, foils, films, and many more can be perfectly processed.

plexiglass toy laser cut trotec
Cut creative designs made from plastic

Queens University | SparQ Labs

We're talking to Francis Campbell, director at SparQ Labs at Queens University. See the amazing tools and equipment they use at their research tech lab and how they use the Trotec's educational laser engraving machine for their projects.

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Impressions

architectural model laser cutting university
Presentation models made of different materials
book cover laser engraved
Theses and yearbooks laser engraved

What is the point of buying a laser for laser cutting and laser engraving?

Do almost anything with the laser

Laser machines are the most popular tools for digital production. On top of the wide variety of materials that can be used, the laser physics allow the most intricate details and geometries quickly and with extreme precision.  Laser cutting gives users complete freedom for developing and implementing ideas. With the help of laser cutting and engraving, inspiring designs can become products in just a few easy steps. 

Function and advantages of laser technology

One tool for all geometries

  • In comparison to milling, which requires a separate tool head for different materials, geometries and material thicknesses, the laser beam is a universal tool

Advantages of a Trotec laser

  • The laser beam is the universal tool for all geometries and material thicknesses. Depending on the lens used, the laser beam is about 0.1 mm wide. Thus, almost any geometry can be cut using the laser.

Maximum flexibility in terms of material and application

  • The CO2 laser source is ideally suited for engraving and cutting plastics, wood, rubber, leather and many other materials. The fiber laser is the right tool for marking metals and plastic.

Advantages of a Trotec laser

  • Speedy flexx laser machines: CO2 and fiber laser source in one machine for endless application possibilities

Fine tool

  • Small fonts and finest details can be engraved

Advantages of a Trotec laser

  • High-quality optics and best beam quality

Easy digital manufacturing

  • Designs are created in the usual graphics program and sent to the laser using a print command
  • Time-consuming programming as with CNC milling is not required

Advantages of a Trotec laser

  • JobControl® laser software: JobHistory and JobTime Calculator facilitate advance planning and possible necessary billing afterwards.
  • Lock mode for laser parameters is adjustable so that predefined parameters can not be changed retrospectively. Thus, all users find the same initial situation at any time.

No tool wear

  • No wear of the laser beam due to material processing
  • No costs for new tools compared to milling

Advantages of a Trotec laser

  • CeramiCore laser sources with particularly long service life

Contactless processing

  • No time-consuming fixation of material in contrast to milling
  • No distortion of the material

Advantages of a Trotec laser

  • Multi-functional table concept for easy handling
"The design and creation phase is incredibly valuable and the ability to create products (for personal and business applications) provides an added incentive to the classes. Student numbers continue to climb and we have seen a substantial increase in the CTS credits that are being earned."
- ​Scot Leys - Principal of High Level Public School -
"The Speedy 500 is the only laser machine that never fails in our prototype lab! I wish Trotec would make the other machines in my shop. Great customer service too. If I ever have had a question, Trotec has always answers it immediately."
- Darrell Currington - RP Lab tech at Ontario College of Art and Design -
"We've got the Speedy 100, the laser machine is very helpful for quick prototyping especially in places where you will need say one piece of a prototype multiple times. It makes it really easy to quickly push out these pieces, the machine has been extremely helpful. "
- Francis Campbell - SparQ Labs - Queens University -

Trotec product recommendation

Laser engraver and cutter

Speedy series: laser engraving and cutting machines for workpieces up to 40 x 24 inches

Product Details

Large-format laser cutter

SP series: CO2 laser cutter for large-format materials.

Product Details

Tips for laser cutting at universities and FabLabs

At universities or in schools and FabLabs, often many different operators work on the laser machine. Is that a problem?

Quite the opposite. The JobControl® laser software supports you with JobHistory and JobTime Calculator during advance planning and the possible necessary billing afterwards. In addition, a lock mode for laser parameters can be adjusted so that predefined parameters from the material database can not be changed retrospectively. Thus, all users find the same initial situation at any time.

See our lasers in action! Request a demo now
Request a demo now