Laser Cutters

How can I access the laser cutters?

Ensure the following steps are completed before booking the laser cutters:

• Complete the DMaF Lab Online Site Induction in your DMaF Lab Hub (Canvas).

• Complete the Laser Cutting Induction module in your DMaF Lab Hub (Canvas). The module introduces students to laser cutting file setup and safety of machine use. The module is compulsory for all new students who wish to use the laser cutters.

• Digital Fabrication inductions are open to all currently enrolled students at the Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning..

• We only run Laser Cutting Inductions during the first weeks of semester.

What do I need to bring to the booking?

Download the appropriate Rhino template , for the machine you have booked and follow the instructions provided for proper file setup.

USB flash drives are not allowed in DMaF Lab.

Best practice to transfer your files to our computers is to email them to yourself or to access them via an online storage site such as DropBox or GoogleDrive.

Remember:

• work in millimeters

• account for an offset tolerance for your drawing; the drawing cannot go to the exact boundaries of the equipment or material dimensions. Use at least the dimension of the thickness of the material as a margin, for example; 3mm ply should have at least a 3mm margin.

• set up drawings to fit on the material size you will be using not just the equipment bed size

• remove any double lines to prevent the laser cutter from going over twice

External Materials.

External materials are allowed. However, if the material is different to the ones we supply, you must contact one of our laser technicians at the lab and provide a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) to ensure the material is safe and not toxic. If you are bringing your own materials, allow extra time for the technicians to assist in setting the laser cutting power to work with the new material. MSDS Sample

• Regardless of type, your material must be flat (tolerance ±1mm).

• Maximum thickness for cutting is 8mm.

Terms & Conditions.

Laser Cutting Terms and Conditions exist in order to provide fair access to all students in the School. Should you feel that there is a reason you need additional time or special consideration beyond these rules, please contact the DMaF manager.

BOOKINGS

• Fully prepare print files before your booking. Any file preparation will come out of your booking time.

• Bookings are in 30 minute increments and each student can book a maximum of 60 minutes per week in total. Any additional sessions will be cancelled.

• In-class use is in addition to your 60 minute per week limit.

• A stand-by list is available during peak semester periods.

• Please arrive 10 minutes before your booking start time to check-in with staff and prepare materials.

• You must monitor your machine at all times while it is operating.

• Payment is to be made for the whole period booked.

• Please leave enough time at the end of your booking to clean up and pack away your work ahead of the next booking. (If you have a 12:30pm booking, you must be ready to leave DMaF for the lunch time shut down at 1:00pm.)

CANCELLATIONS

• Booking cancellations must be made at least 3 hours in advance of your booking time using the link provided in the booking confirmation email. If you cannot cancel your booking, please notify us as soon as possible.

• Failure to cancel your booking more than once results in a 2 week ban. Failure to cancel your booking in weeks 10-14 will result in a 2 week ban. No shows during this time must also pay a $10 administrative fee.