Laser Cutting / Engraving

Laser cutter/engraver is a computer-controlled cutting device that provides higher precision levels and edge quality than traditional cutting methods. It enables us to cut or engrave complex shapes and design into various materials.

LaserCuter2

Book Now@iBooking

You may also make a consultation appointment to have an introduction to the service

i-Space consultation services appointment

 

Location

Digital Makerspace, 4/F North Wing

 

Laser Cutter Information

Model GCC LaserPro Mercury III
Work area 635 x 458 mm
Maximum speed 42 IPS
Engraving capability 256-level greyscale
Service charge $20 per 15-minute
Material pricing
Size Dimensions Price
Acrylic (black/clear/white) 2mm
S 300 x 200mm $25
M 400 x 300mm $50
L 600 x 400mm $100
MDF 3mm
S 300 x 200mm $7
M 400 x 300mm $14
L 600 x 400mm $28
Plywood 3mm
S 300 x 200mm $20
M 400 x 300mm $40

 

Eligible Users

  • PolyU/CPCE staff and students enrolled on programmes leading to PolyU/PolyU-SPEED/PolyU-HKCC awards

 

Reservation Policy

  • One session for non-authorised laser cutter users from 3:00 - 4:00 PM is available from Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
  • Reservations can be made 7 days in advance starting from 8:30 AM via the iBooking System.
  • Duration of each session is 1 hour.
  • Users can only reserve one facility for the same time session.

 

Check-in & Check-out

  • Users are required to check in or check out their reserved facility at the Technical Support Desk (i-Space, 4/F).
  • All sessions in the same reservation record will be cancelled and released to other users if users do not check in the room within 10 minutes after the booking session starts.

 

Special Note

  • If your project runs exceed your booked session, we will continue to let it run until completion before 6pm or one hour before library closes whichever is earliest.
  • Materials for Laser Cutting / Engraving sold by the Library should be used for teaching and learning purpose only.
  • You are not allowed to use your own materials for Laser Cutting / Engraving.

 

User Guidelines

  • The use of facilities shall comply with Library regulations. Users who violate the regulations will be subject to disciplinary action.
  • Any unattended belongings will be removed after the reserved session so that the facility can be released to other users. The Library will not be responsible for any loss or damage to your personal belongings.
  • The Library reserves the right to allocate any available facility to users, or remove facilities from service as needed such as maintenance purposes and events.

 

Templates

Format Size
.ai S M L
.eps S M L

 

Instructions

  • You can use vector editing software such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW to create artwork for laser cutting. Adobe Illustrator CS 6 are installed at i-Space for printing artwork to the laser cutter.
  • We are using Adobe Illustrator CS 6 in the Digital Makerspace. If you use newer version of Adobe Illustrator to create artwork, please save the file to CS 6 version. Otherwise, we may not print your file properly.
  • You must well prepare your files in advance to ensure you can fully utilize your booked session.
  • Please follow the recommended file specifications for Adobe Illustrator below:
    Colour mode RGB
    Margins Leave at lease 5mm margins from all edges of the artboard
    Stroke weight for cut lines 0.1 pt
    Convert all text to outlines first.
    Do not create clipping mask.
    Include all linked files when you save your file.
    Include only one artboard in a single file.
    Avoid duplicated paths stacking on each other or the same path will be cut multiple times.
  • You can refer to our material test boards for reference result of laser cutting & engraving on different material.
  • Please do not hesitate to ask questions and seek assistance from our staff at the Technical Support Desk.

 

Health and Safety

  • You must wear laser goggles for extra protection of your eyes.
  • While the laser cutter is operating, be aware of its status and you must not leave it unattended.