In this induction, we went into the laser cutter workshop. In this induction, we went through prices, materials and times for when we can use the printer.
This email SAH.laser@hud.ac.uk is where you need to send all of your files that that you want cutting if you are going to buy materials from uni or use the larger cutters that require the technician to cut it for you.
Below I will explain how to use the laser cutter service and what you will be able to do using the service. The Price list and prohibited materials information was sourced from bright space, where all the information for this service can be found.
You need to send your work using email. Send the work toSAH.laser@hud.ac.uk. If the files are bigger than 10MB, they will need to be sent through a file transfer service.
Files will be checked for suitability and you will be advised via return email that either:
a.) Your files are correct and you will receive a materials quote and link to pay at the new online store.
b.) Your files require minor alterations .
c.) Your files are unsuitable requiring major modifications, please call for advice on how to proceed.
The cutting usually takes around two working days from when the recipe has been received. However during busy periods, the cutting may take longer. On some occasions, it may be quicker when it is quieter.
If you decide not to go ahead no further action is required, simply disregard the quote and we will delete your files after one week. We will notify you by email when your work is completed and you can collect it from the atrium racks.
Suitable vector files for cutting are EPS, PDF or CDR from Coreldraw. Note - AI files from Illustrator often get corrupted in processing so please save as EPS
Suitable image files for etching are JPG or BMP with very high contrast images producing the best results.
Line weight should be set to 0 or hairline and black to cut, red to etch.
Files must be named after the material that is needed for example 6mmMDF
materials
Materials Price List – 2021
Material Size Cost
MDF 3mm 900 x 600 £4.00
MDF 6mm 900 x 600 £6.00
Perspex 3mm 900 x 600 £16.00
Perspex 6mm 900 x 600 £32.00
Styrene - White 1.5mm 900 x 600 £11.00
Styrene - White 3mm 900 x 600 £22.00
Styrene – Clear 1mm 1372 x 660 £11.00
Styrene – Clear 2mm 1372 x 660 £22.00
Laser Ply 4mm 500 x 375 £4.00
Laser Ply 6mm 500 x 375 £6.00
Prohibited materials
Lexan, polycarbonate, PVC, vinyl, glass, foam core board and laminates. These Materials are Prohibited because they melt and cause toxic gasses to be released into the air.
These are some of the items that have been made on the laser cutter.
There are many ways, that a laser cutter can be used.
I enjoyed this induction because I felt that it was interesting to learn about laser cutting and how it can be utilised in any project. However, I felt that this induction felt long and it didn't really explain how the laser cutters are used. It was more focused on how to get work laser cut by the technician and what materials are allowed and prohibited from being used. I think that I would use this process in the future, however it is a process I would be less likely to use compared to the print room or the risograph printer.
Artist research
Martin Tomsky-
Martin Tomsky is an English artist who specialises in relief animation. His works were inspired by his love of reading. He combines illustration and laser cutting to bring the imagery alive. The use of cartoonish illustration with the laser cutting, allows him to create layered and detailed pieces of work that present the story in an abstract way.(Barfeild,R. 2019)
Personally, I think that his work is amazing. I really like how he combines illustrations with the textures and colours of the wood. The use of layers, enhances the cartoon aesthetic and creates contrast between each section. The contrast between each coloured layer, builds up the figures that are present. This also makes the cartoon style more evident.
Source 2
Sources
Source 1-
Barfeild, R. (2019). Laser cut art . www.bricsys.com. https://www.bricsys.com/en-gb/blog/laser-cut-art
https://www.bricsys.com/en-gb/blog/laser-cut-art
Source 2-
Tomsky,M (2022). After Life [Jpeg]. martintomsky.com. https://www.martintomsky.com/shop/preorder-after-life
All information about laser cutting prices were sourced from Brightspace.
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