Laser Cutter
The laser cutter is an exciting tool that is used to transform digital designs into many functional and artistic objects across a variety of materials. Sign up for an upcoming xTool laser cutter certification class or a Trotec laser cutter design class here!
In the xTool certification class, we will discuss how the machine and software work, what materials can be cut and engraved, and how our service works at the library.
Once you are certified on the xTool, you can create your own projects and book Fab Lab time to use the xTool.
If you take a Trotec design class, you will be able to create your own designs and book Fab Lab time where staff will help you prepare your design for laser cutting. Staff will help you submit your file /design to be fabricated by our Fab Lab Team. Submissions will be processed in the order they are received. Fabrication may take up to 3 weeks. You will receive an email confirmation when your project is ready for pick up.
EPL’s laser cutting service is designed for introductory learning and hobbyist applications.
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 12 years or older to participate.
- Customers under 12 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 20 minutes of cut time – project files must be reviewed and approved by staff prior to project submission.
- Please review the Laser Cutting Terms of Service for full service guidelines and details.
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 file submissions outside of participants attending the class scheduled times.
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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.
