The large-format infrared CO₂-laser system, located in the high bay in the corner between the lead lab and the SNO cave/water room, is a Kern Lasers (http://www.kernlasers.com/) HSE100. It uses a 10.6µm 400W (nominal, tested at 560W) CO₂ laser made by Coherent. The work area is 52”x100” with a custom clearance of 6", which can be increased by removing the honeycomb bed and supporting grid if needed. In addition to the standard features, we have a chuck-style rotary stage (developed by Kern at our request) and the metal-cutting add-on. The system can operate in both cutting (vector) and engraving (raster) modes. It is maintained by Gary Holman.
To reserve time on the laser cutter, please use the online reservation system.
PVC, Vinyl, and PTFE (Teflon) should not be cut or engraved in this system! The MSDS (and maybe Doug Will) should be consulted for cutting materials not specifically listed in the settings sheet at the laser.
CO2 laser cutting capabilities:
CO2 laser engraving & marking:
3D engraving:
Direct marking:
The laser control software (Kcam) receives jobs via a virtual printer installed on the computer. CorelDRAW is the preferred program for job preparation. CorelDRAW can import PDF, SVG, and DXF files.
A list of all authorized users is in the binder kept with the system.
The Kern system was subject to STF oversight for three years after the award—until the summer of 2015. During this time, the system was accessible as outlined in the proposal (http://techfee.washington.edu/proposals/2012-042/).