PRINT PROCESS PRACTICE: LASER CUT

Laser cut is a process were a small laser beam which is controlled by a computer cuts, etches or burns a design onto a substrate.

To learn about the laser cut process I decided to do a workshop as I think primary research would be the best way for me to learn and experiment with the process. Our induction was held by Matt were he told us the basic steps of what to do and not to when using a laser cutter.

In my studio development time I booked a induction and tried out this process and recorded the steps it took for me to complete this, to see the outcomes and also as a guide for future reference.

Materials

Just about any materials can be laser cut from delicate to solid e.g

• Acrylic: best results, although the fumes when cutting are harmful. To avoid contact with them leave the windows open or have a break every 15 minutes or so.

• Tissue paper
• Tracing paper
• Wood
• Card
• Cardboard
• Lino

Primary Examples:

Materials that can't be laser cut are

• Metal 
• Mirror: The laser would reflect and bounce of it. A way around this is to use acrylic mirror but put in face down and flip the design.
• Glass: engraves only on a low heat or it will crack

Instructions

After discussing the materials and options we could work with we were then given a step by step booklet of how to use the machine.

I found this booklet really useful, in regards to remembering the steps we was taught in the session as a reference point.

Artwork

Artwork can be generated using Illustrator and then upload to a programme called Ethos were it connections to the laser cutting machine and etches out the design. Due to the majority of my work including this software it was useful to know how easy it was to transfer designs to the machine.

Settings

I found the laser cut fairly easy to use with the four cutting methods:

1. Cut through
2. Engrave
3. Kiss cut
4. Raster

We explored these four methods, when doing this laser cut induction and cut this small typographic piece cut on a 3mm piece of acrylic.

Evaluation of process:

I found the laser cutting process really interesting and straight forward to use. The materials and methods you can use in this process are varied which is something I would like to experiment further with after my induction.

The induction was very hands on so I wasn't able to take a lot of notes due to the screen shots of the instructions.

The price of this process in LCA is completely free which is valuable information for me when considering what I want my design for print book to include aesthetically.  Wood and paper materials are free to use however the acrylic is more ranging from £8 -£16 depending on size.

The process also varied on time depending on what is being cut, our test piece took no longer than 2-3 minutes which is also helpful information when it comes to the production of my book as I want to keep my work within a good time frame.

Now I have had this induction I intended to explore and experiment further with this process as it's something I enjoy and feel confident in doing again.