Laser Cutter Resources
Overview
The Department of Architecture maintains a laser cutter shop with a Jamieson Laser Cutter model CMA and an Epilog Fusion M2 40. Students are trained as part of the digital technology sequence in the first year of the graduate program and in selective undergraduate studios.
The laser cutter should be thought of as a plotter. It cuts two ways: Vector or Raster cutting. Vector based cutting follows lines, circles, etc. Raster based cutting is used with digital images.
Each laser cutter operates with its own software/ driver. See individual equipment pages for more information.
If you are interested in using the laser cutter, contact the TA or see the FabLab Schedule to schedule a time to be trained. Once you have been trained, it is important to cut your files for the first few times with a monitor or TA’s supervision.
As with all Design Building spaces, all Fab Lab users must follow UMass Covid Protocols.
There is no laser cutter use between 10pm and 8am.
Materials
Epilog max dimensions = 40″ wide x 28″ high
Jamieson max dimensions: 29” wide by 31” high
- Chipboard up to ¼” thick
- Butterboard
- Bristol board and papers
- Photo mat and card stock
- Soft and Hard Wood up to ¼” thick
- Plywood up to ¼” thick
- Acrylic (Must be labeled as laser cutter safe and TA approved)
You are responsible for procuring your own materials. Don’t forget to bring your material to your cutting appointment.
NOT ALLOWED
- Leather
- Foamcore (it works but is not recommended; melts the inner foam)
- ABS (melts)
- HDPE (milk bottle plastic – melts)
- PVC – emits chlorine fumes – POISONOUS
- Polystyrene foam (catches fire & melts)
- Polypropylene foam (catches fire)
- Fiberglass (emits fumes)
Resources
To create dashed lines for laser cutting: