Ryan Milne
Customer support
Phone: +27-875-509-335
E-Mail: southafrica@troteclaser.com
Contact form Educational Laser Cutting for Universities and Research Projects
Laser Cutting 3D Models, Prototyping, Industrial Design and DIY at FabLabs
In FabLabs, Maker Spaces, universities or schools, Trotec laser machines are used for model making, industrial design, prototype construction, in research, and in many other DIY projects. The amazing and inspiring designs that laser technology offers are also ideal for product development in start-ups and small businesses.
Materials suitable for laser processing:
- acrylic
- film
- wood
- cardboard
- plastic
- MDF
- paper
- plastic
- PMMA
- polystyrene
- foam
- textiles and much more
In digital production many different materials are used -- from cardboard, paper, MDF, wood to acrylic. Textiles, plastics, polystyrene or film can also be processed with great results. In addition, it is not necessary to consider the diameter of the tool. Depending on the lens used, the laser beam is about 0.1 mm wide. Therefore almost any geometry can be cut using the laser.
Impressions
Application examples for laser cutting for FabLabs, universities and schools
Due to their flexibility and ease-of-use, lasers are a great tool for test setups and prototypes. Drawings and designs can be sent directly from the CAD or graphics program to the laser.
Applications
- Prototype construction
- Test setups
- Research projects
- industrial design
- digital production of 3D models
- DIY projects
- art projects
- design projects
Industries:
- Schools
- universities
- FabLabs
- Maker Spaces
- Laser physics
What is the point of buying a laser for laser cutting and laser engraving?
Do almost anything with the laser
The laser cutter is THE tool in digital production. In addition to the variety of materials that are processed in FabLabs, universities or schools, even the finest geometries can be produced with the highest precision. Laser cutting gives users complete freedom for developing and implementing ideas. Using engravings and cuts, inspiring designs can be produced with a Trotec laser in just a few process 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
"Sales experience was the best. After sales was the best. Support is brilliant and the machine is the best."- Elsabe Dalton, - University of Bloemfontein -
"Did extensive research, appeared to be the best in the price range. Works wonderfully! A variety of product and other material such as leaves, x-rays, pills, tissue etc has been successfully cut."- Peter Jenks - assistant lecturer / laser operations at University of Cape Town, Michaelis School of Fine Art -
Trotec product recommendation
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.