Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is an exciting process that is used to transform digital designs into various functional and artistic objects across many types of materials. Sign up for laser cutting classes or certification classes here.
Option A: Project Submission
After taking a Trotec design class, you can create your own designs and book FabLab time for staff to help you prepare them for laser cutting.
Staff will help you submit your design to the FabLab Team for fabrication. Submissions are processed in the order they are received, and fabrication may take up to three weeks.
You will receive an email confirmation when your project is ready for pickup.
Option B: Hands-On
xTool Certification
In the xTool certification class, you’ll learn how the machine and software work, which materials can be cut or engraved, and how to use the service at the library. Once certified, you can create your own projects and book FabLab time to use the xTool.
Laser Cutting Service
EPL’s laser cutting service is designed for beginners and hobbyists interested in exploring laser cutting and engraving.
Get Certified for Laser Cutting Now!
EPL's Laser Cutting services are available to customers aged 16 and over. All participants must complete an introductory certification course. Click the button below to get started!
What is Laser Cutting?
Laser is an acronym which stands for: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is a concentrated beam of light that vaporizes material! You can engrave or cut a design onto a material’s surface.
Laser cutting and engraving is good for achieving highly accurate cuts and detailed designs.
Service Overview
- Laser cutter certification training is required to use this service.
- Customers must be 16 years or older to participate.
- Customers under 16 are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by an adult who has completed the required training and will be present at all times to facilitate the child’s safe use of the equipment.
- Fab Lab Booking Times are 90 minutes.
- Customers can have 2 bookings per month.
- Project files have a maximum of 30 minutes of cut time – project files must be reviewed and approved by staff prior to project submission.
Getting Started
To access laser cutting services at EPL:
- Have an EPL Library card. Other card options are accepted.
- Register for an xTool Laser Certification class or a Laser Cutting Design class at the Stanley A. Milner Library Makerspace.
- Complete the Makerspace waiver.
- Ready to Make Acknowledgement
- Book a 90 minute timeslot during the Fab Lab Booking Times to work on your laser file, use the xTool Laser, or submit a file for production.
Fab Lab - Hours of Operation
| Monday | Tuesday | Friday | Last Sunday of the Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. | 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Materials for Purchase
Customers must purchase laser materials from EPL. EPL works with various suppliers, setting prices to recover the cost of materials.
We have 1/8” plywood, 1/8” clear and coloured acrylic, water bottles, charcuterie boards, and other materials that can be cut or engraved. We also have 1/8” cardboard that can be used for free.
Access to materials and products may vary; please check with Makerspace staff.
Equipment and Material Details
Laser Cutter Classes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are currently not accepting file submissions outside of participants attending the class scheduled times.
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Any picture file will work. This includes JPEGs, PNGs as well as SVGs. What is most important is having a good quality image that meets the design requirements for a laser engraving or a cleaned up vector file that meets the criteria to be recognized by the laser cutter for cutting out a shape.
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We are currently not accepting non-EPL provided materials.
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Yes, this process is called raster engraving. Photographs will require processing and alteration in software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to transform into an image that will engrave well.
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Yes. The required laser cutter certification training will cover how the process and job setup works at EPL as well as specific safety considerations.
