How to Use a Laser Cutter: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

John Zhao Updated On Jul 14, 2024

Laser cutters have changed the world, quite literally. From rapid prototyping to helping in product design to just getting everyday tasks done quicker, lasers are making lives much easier.

So, you’re interested in using a laser cutter to engrave something permanent on your belongings? But it’s just a bit too scary to “start”?

Well, this article comes to your rescue. We will discuss everything you need to know about using a laser cutter in this guide. From the precautions, you need to take the exact steps, as well as figuring out the right laser cutter. This guide will tell you all from A to Z!

How to Use a Laser Cutter

Coming to the meat of everything, the part for which you read the article in the first place, how should you proceed?

Choose the Right Material

The first step is choosing the right material since different materials react differently to laser cutting. Consider the following factors.

Compatibility: First, we need to decide if the material we are thinking of is compatible with laser cutting. Some common materials suitable for it include acrylic, fabric, wood, paper, and leather.

Thickness: Some types of lasers, such as CO2 lasers, can cut at more thickness than other lasers. You need to determine if the thickness of your material is suitable for the laser cutter you have.

Fumes: Some materials and lasers can generate more fumes than others. If your ventilation system isn’t well-equipped, then the fumes might overwhelm it. Research the amount of fumes that will possibly be generated and whether it’s practical to do it.

Consider these points. OMTech laser cutting machines have advanced capabilities. It can help you achieve professional-grade results. These results will bring life to your cutting on acrylic, wood, leather, rubber, paper, plastics, fabric, cardboard, foam, and MDF.

You may need to learn the use of your laser cutter. However, with OMTech’s reliable performance and support, your use will be more convenient and your creations will truly shine.

Design The Graphic

Of course, with everything being digital, you need to create the design you want to create in a digital format as well. There are a plethora of software options available that can help you do it, including Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape.

If you’re new to all this, you can learn everything from online forums and YouTube videos. And if you want to make things even easier, you can hire a freelancer to create a vector graphic.

Transfer the Design File

By this time, you probably have the design in a digital format prepared somewhere. Make sure you have it downloaded somewhere, or at least loaded on your device before we go on.

Setup the Laser Cutter

Once you have prepared a design and selected the optimal material, you need to set up the laser cutter, which is a crucial step.

Align the Laser Beam. The first thing to do is do a laser beam alignment. This is necessary so that the laser performs as well as it possibly can. Consult the user manual for more specific instructions on how to do it with your particular laser model.

Each time you engrave items, you might need to use different settings depending on the material you use. These settings affect the laser’s speed and power, among other things.

Most common models come with pre-set configurations for common materials, details of which should be present in the manual.

Preview the Cutting Trajectory

Your laser will most likely have a control panel that helps you preview a cutting path based on the design you loaded. Always double-check to make sure it is the same as what you expect.

Begin the Process

Once it’s confirmed that the path is exactly as you imagined, use the control panel to initiate the cutting process.

Monitor it throughout

For the best outcomes and to ensure safety, it’s best to monitor the cutting process by yourself, especially if it’s the first time you’re trying it out. The settings being off by a bit could potentially scorch the material, which you could spot quickly if you’re visually monitoring.

Unloading

Once the process is finished, you need to carefully remove the cut pieces from the cutting bed and delicately remove any debris left over. Finally, you might need to put a few finishing touches, such as sanding and painting, if needed.

Safety Should be Your First Priority

Just like with everything, safety comes first. Since you’re working with something powerful that can be damaging if not harmed carefully, we need to consider all safety precautions to take when operating a laser cutter. Keep in mind: When uncertain, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Following are some safety elements you should prioritize when working with a laser cutter:

Protect Your Eyes: When operating a laser cutter, wear laser-specific safety glasses that provide appropriate protection for the wavelength your laser is operating on. Go through your laser’s manual, or consult a reliable safety equipment supplier such as OMTech Laser to guarantee you have the proper gear.

Proper Ventilation: Since laser cutting results in particles in the air as well as fumes, it’s vital to maintain a ventilation system that can remove these substances from your working area.

Fire Safety: While the risk is low, if everything is done properly, you should exercise proper fire safety since lasers can ignite flammable materials. Avoid putting combustibles in your workspace, and always keep a fire extinguisher ready.

Read the Manual: While it’s a basic necessity, a lot of users underestimate its importance and skip reading the manual for whatever laser they are using. Most guides, even this one, contain general tips and techniques.

However, there’s some variation in all models of lasers. Thoroughly going through the laser’s manual on your own can help you understand those discrepancies, as well as the ideal way of operating it.

Conclusion

So, these were the safety precautions, as well as a detailed guide on how to use a laser cutter to engrave leather and other items. If you want a reliable laser that won’t give up on you, and also comes with proper safety guidelines, look no further than OMTech Laser.

OMTech is a state-of-the-art laser with a control panel that comes with advanced features and can support the most common materials that you will probably ever work with.

You can find out everything about lasers and their latest developments on our blog, so make sure to keep following us.

FAQs

What must you never try to cut on the laser cutters?

Avoid cutting PVC, vinyl, or synthetic leathers with a laser cutter due to the release of harmful chlorine gas. Exposure to this gas can cause respiratory issues and damage the cutter's components, even with protective gear.

What are the basics of a laser cutting machine?

Laser cutters utilize a concentrated laser beam to penetrate and cut materials, creating precise patterns and geometries as instructed by designers.

What are the three main types of laser cutters?

The three main types of laser cutters are CO2 laser cutters, fiber laser cutters, and diode laser cutters.

CO2 Laser Cutters: These machines utilize CO2 gas combined with other gases such as helium and nitrogen.

Fiber Laser Cutters: Fiber laser cutters are a type of laser cutting machine that utilizes a fiber optic cable to deliver a high-powered laser beam to the cutting head.

Diode laser cutters: Diode laser cutters use semiconductor diodes to produce the laser beam. They are effective for engraving and cutting thinner materials, plastics, and some types of wood.