🕳️Subtractive Manufacturing

Laser Cutting

About

Image Sources: Left / Right

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

Materials

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 Preparation

File Type: Adobe Illustrator .ai

Units: mm

Colour Mode: RGB

Cut Line Settings - Stroke Weight: 0.01mm - Stroke Colour: R 255 G 0 B 0

Score Line Settings - Stroke Weight: 0.01mm - Stroke Colour: R 0 G 0 B 255

Ensure: - NO Clipping Masks - NO Swatch Patterns

Handbook

28MB

Laser Cutter Handbook.pdf

pdf

Access

INDUCTION REQUIRED

Complete the Induction

Once you pass the Laser Cutting Induction, you may use the laser cutter during Open Hours.

Or, Submit a Job

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

About

Image Sources: Left / Right

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

Materials

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

File Preparation

Access

TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED

Submit a Job

or

Book a Technician

3-Axis Mill

About

Image Sources: Left

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

Materials

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

File Preparation

Check out the video series (30 minutes total) introducing the machining process, file preparation and design considerations.

If you do not have access to the ProtoLAB Canvas page, please email us at [e-mail]

Access

TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED

Submit a Job

or

Book a Technician

5-Axis Metal Mill

About

Image Sources: Left / Right

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

Access

TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED

Book a Technician

Metal Lathe

About

Image Sources: Left / Right

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

Access

TECHNICIAN-ASSISTED

Book a Technician