A laser beam is focussed to the depth of the material and programmed via CNC to cut and etch 2D digital designs into sheet materials.
Our Machines
Trotec SP500, 3x
Available at the ProtoLAB:
Offcuts and cardboard sheets are freely available.
For access to other materials, show your design files to a technician to discuss material options and determine the best material for your purpose.
Material
Thicknesses
Max Sheet Size (mm)
Cardboard (Corrugated)
2mm
1200 x 600
Cardboard (White)
0.5mm, 1mm, 2.5mm
1050 x 700
Cardboard (Grey)
1mm, 2.5mm
1020 x 700
Polypropylene
0.6mm
1220 x 665
Plywood (Interior)
3mm, 5mm, 9mm
1200 x 600
Acrylic (Clear)
2mm, 3mm
1200 x 600
File Type: Adobe Illustrator .ai
Units: mm
Colour Mode: RGB
CutLine Settings
- Stroke Weight: 0.01mm
- Stroke Colour: R 255 G 0 B 0
ScoreLine Settings
- Stroke Weight: 0.01mm
- Stroke Colour: R 0 G 0 B 255
Ensure:
- NO Clipping Masks
- NO Swatch Patterns
Handbook
INDUCTION REQUIRED
Submit your file and your parts will be ready for collection in 7 days time. Refer to the "File Preparation Guide" to ensure you have selected appropriate materials and prepared your file correctly to avoid delays.
Mini 3-Axis Mill
A cutting tool is programmed via CNC to route 3D digital designs into a block of softer material (e.g. plywood, timber, linoleum, foam, circuit board).
Our Machines
Roland ModelAProII MDX-540, 2x
Available at the ProtoLAB:
Material
Thicknesses
Max Sheet Size (mm)
Plywood (Interior)
12mm, 15mm, 19mm
550 x 420
Formply
17mm
550 x 420
Assorted Timber
Extruded Polystyrene Foam
550 x 420
TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED
or
3-Axis Mill
A cutting tool is programmed via CNC to route 3D digital designs into a block of softer (i.e. not steel) material (e.g. plywood, timber, foam).
Our Machines
MultiCAM SL2515V, 1x
Biesse RoverK ft 12 24, 1x
Available at the ProtoLAB:
Material
Thicknesses
Max Sheet Size (mm)
Plywood (Interior)
9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 19mm
2400 x 1200
Formply
17mm
2400 x 1200
Assorted Timber
Extruded Polystyrene Foam
2400 x 600
If you do not have access to the ProtoLAB Canvas page, please email us at protolab@swin.edu.au
TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED
or
5-Axis Metal Mill
A cutting tool is programmed via CNC to route 3D digital designs into a block of metal (e.g. aluminium, mild steel, brass).
Our Machines
DMG Mori DMU 50 eco, 1x
TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED
Metal Lathe
A cutting tool is programmed via CNC to turn 3D digital designs from cylindrical metal stock (e.g. aluminium, mild steel, brass).
Our Machines
Okuma LB3000EX2, 1x
TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED
Once you pass the , you may use the laser cutter during .
Or,
Check out the (30 minutes total) introducing the machining process, file preparation and design considerations.
