Laser Cutting and Engraving

Jessalyn Mailoa
Swan Ferraro: engraved cotton & denim. Photo by Andrew Sharp
Swan Ferraro (photo by Andrew Sharp)
Kate Schnepp

strong use cases:

  • cutting intricate paths and/or precise patterns
  • fabricating designs that require a zero clearance tool width
  • fabricating matching components
  • engraving wood or rubber to make stamps
  • creating sculpture using stacked boards

not useful if:

  • material thickness to be cut is greater than 1/4″ (or 1/2″ if you are willing to make two passes)
  • material to be machined is not 100% organic

Epilog Zing Laser

  •  40 Watt Laser
  • Bed Size: 16″ x 12″
  • Material Thickness up to 1/4″ cut in 1 pass; 1/4″ – 1/2″ cut in 2 passes
  • download the Epilog Zing Manual

Epilog Helix Laser

  • 50 Watt Laser
  • Bed Size: 24″ x 18″
  • Material Thickness up to 1/4″ cut in 1 pass; 1/4″-1/2″ cut in 2 passes
  • download the Epilog Helix Manual

CAN BE CUT & ENGRAVED WITH  NODELAB LASERS

  • paper
  • matboard
  • chipboard
  • corrugated cardboard sourced from the UW Markerspace
  • provided plywood
  • hardwood and softwood
  • natural felt it’ll smell like burnt hair for a long time!
  • 100% wool fabric
  • 100% cotton fabric
  • Any 100% natural textile / fabric
  • Leather (increase frequency to compensate for leather density)
  • Glass etching only

DO NOT USE WITH NODELAB LASERS

  • corrugated cardboard NOT sourced from the UW Markerspace
  • random store-bought plywood
  • any material coated or sealed with plastic, acrylic, poly, urethane, oil
  • synthetic felt
  • all synthetic textiles / fabrics
  • plexi or acrylic sheets
  • vinyl, pleather, PVC, most metals, painted and inked surfaces