This shows the laser cutter station (Station #2), which features three devices, the Universal Laser Systems VLS 2.30 laser cutter a
Bofa Air Filtration System that will be connected to the laser cutter by a hose, and a desktop computer. The laser cutter will come with a cutting
table (used with flat items) and a rotation unit internal attachment so that cylinder shaped items such as a jar or glass can also be etched. One Touch Photo
software will be included so that you can etch a design that is generated from a photo.
CorelDraw software will also be provided to use with the laser cutter and other devices so that users can
design their own creations.
The laser cutter, BOFA filtration system and the desktop computer will be set up as a unit. The setup will vary based on the BOFA unit that is delivered to the library. Three of the Studios will be provided the larger BOFA Advantage C180. The Laser cutter will sit on top of this BOFA unit that will sit on the floor. A table that can accommodate the desktop computer must be adjacent to the BOFA/Laser Cutter unit. The library that will be provided the BOFA AD350 unit will need a 6’ x 3’ table or larger that the Laser Cutter and computer will share. This smaller BOFA unit will sit on the floor next to or under the table.
Each of the three devices will need to be plugged into electricity. A multi-outlet surge protector will be provided. The computer will need internet access, ideally through a hard-wired port. Ideally you would want to allow a minimum of 12 inches between the devices.
Note about fumes, dust, and cleanup: Because the laser cutter will be connected to an air filtration system attached by a hose, the library should not experience an issue associated with fumes and small particles (assuming the user remembers to turn on the filtration system prior to operating the laser cutter). After someone is done with their project, there will be chunks of material inside the laser cutter that are part of the "cutout." This will need to be cleaned up by the user. If there are smaller pieces, use the portable vacuum that is normally kept next to the CNC Router station. Generally after a year of heavy use, the filter inside the filtration system will need to be replaced. There will be an indicator on the machine to indicate when the filter is nearing its capacity.
More information about the Universal Laser Systems VLS230 here
More information about the BOFA AD Base C180 here
WHAT CAN IT DO?
VIDEO OF THE DEVICE IN ACTION
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