All lasercutter users are required to sign a policy statement prior to being granted access to the lasercutters.
If you have not successfully completed a Certification Session, you are explicitly prohibited from using them in any way. Starting with 2005 Summer Session I, users that have not attended a college-provided certification session will be denied access. This policy extends to all users (students, faculty and staff). To attend a certification session, download and install the Design Laser System client, and register.
In order to schedule reservations for the lasercutters, you must create an account in the Design Laser System. The client program is available here, and on all Design computer lab and cluster workstations (both PCs and Macs). You must be certified to create reservations.
Users are responsible for insuring that the lasercutters are clean before cutting, and then vacuumed after use. This will help insure that excess soot and debris do not cause problems in the future.
Some types of synthetic materials (PVC, etc.) can produce toxic gases. You should seek the advice of one of the Materials Lab staff members (Jim Dean, Jack Lancaster) prior to cutting these types of materials. For more information about qualified lasercutter materials, click here.
Certain types of materials occasionally flare up a bit while cutting. However, if your cut produces a large amount of smoke and soot, you need to stop IMMEDIATELY. Adjust your speed and power settings (increase speed and/or reduce power) or seek assistance. Excessive soot and debris can cause the laser to destroy the lens ($250 replacement cost).
Watch your lasercutter while it cuts. If your machine is left unattended during a cut, you will be asked to immediately leave. Multiple infractions will result in loss of access to the lasercutters.
We have implemented the AirAssist option on the lasercutters. Please do not open the cutting head or touch the lens unless you suspect there is a problem.
Have your work completed before you come in to use the lasercutters. If you have a particularly large job to finish (something that will take several hours to finish), break it up into several parts.
The usage policy regarding the lasercutter is maintained by the Information Technology Lab and the Materials Lab. It uniformly applies to all lasercutter users, including all students, faculty and staff members of the College of Design. Non-Design users must seek approval of the IT Lab and Materials Lab staff prior to being granted access.
Direct questions about these policies to design_help@ncsu.edu.
Revised: May 22, 2006, by the Information Technology Lab