What is it?

The LaserCAMM machine is a computerized, turn-key laser cutter which is capable of scoring or cutting two-dimensional CAD files, even intricate or miniature pieces, with a high degree of accuracy. An extremely fast means of cutting material and creating prototypes, this machine is a valuable resource to students who need several exact copies of a part, perfectly symmetrical parts, or highly detailed precision. Able to interface with many CAD systems, CAD files to be cut on the machine should be saved in the AutoCAD 2004 .dxf format, which the machine then converts to the .dmc format to read. The LaserCAMM can cut CAD work up to 48” X 24” on sheets of a wide variety of materials.

Use a CAD package like Rhino, Cobalt, Vellum, AutoCAD, and others, to create a 2-dimensional drawing, and export it to a PC-formatted floppy, Zip disk, Jump Drive, or CD as a .dxf file. You can also upload it to Filebox and download when you get to the LaserCAMM, or save on the Z: Drive for the Archserver. Your file should then be copied to your own folder on the Lasercamm computer under “Student Folders” on the “C:\” Drive. All pieces of the drawing you create must have positive x and y coordinates, so set the origin point (0,0) to be the lower left corner of the drawing.  LaserCAMM will abort your file should it encounter a negative coordinate during operation. Sometimes it is useful to set the part origin .125 to .125 inches in from the x and y axis so as to not leave any edges uncut or rough. If you need dimensionally accurate parts, you should compensate for the width of the laser beam in your drawings. The kerf is usually between .010 and .012  inches depending on the material setting, so offset your part .005 to .006 inches.