The Library will be closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in observance of Easter

Laser Cutter

Laser cutter

Laser Cutter

The Octavia Lab has a 30 watt CO2 Laser Cutter from Universal Laser Systems. The laser cutter can accommodate material up to 16” long and 12” wide. The laser cutter may be used for a single two-hour session each day. Equipment is available on a first-come, first serve-basis. Lab members may make reservations up to one week in advance. Reservations are done in person or over the phone at (213) 228-7150.


How does it work?

As a DIY Makerspace, we expect that most members have a passing knowledge of how some of the software/equipment/tools works. For those members who do not have any experience with our offerings, the Octavia Lab provides the perfect venue for self-guided learning. Lab members will have access to a small library of instructional materials such as books, in-software tutorials, as well as online classes through LinkedIn Learning and NicheAcademy. Be advised that lab staff do not provide one-on-one instruction. However, they will set-up, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment.

Laser cutting requires that you create a design in vector software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Inkscape. You may use the laser cutter computer to create your design but this will reduce the amount of time you have to actually cut. Your design will need to follow certain guidelines for the laser cutter to know whether to cut, score, or engrave certain design elements.

How much does it cost?

The equipment, software, and tools needed to do a laser cutting project are absolutely free. However, you will need to purchase your own project materials.

What do I need to bring?

In order to use the laser cutter, you will need to provide your own material. Not all materials can, or should be used on the laser cutter. So all materials must be approved by lab staff.


The following materials may be used for cutting (while the laser cutter can cut up to ¼ inch, ⅛ inch thick material is better):

  • Acrylic/Lucite
  • Plexiglas
  • Plywood (from craft store, not Home Depot)
  • Hardwoods
  • Card stock
  • Grip tape
  • Balsa wood

  • The following materials may be used for engraving only:

    • Cork
    • Anodized aluminum

    If you have questions regarding any material that is not on this list, give us a call at (213) 228-7150 before purchasing. We wouldn't want you to purchase material that can't be used.


    Software

    Designing for laser cutter:

    • Adobe Illustrator
    • CorelDRAW
    • Inkscape
    • Operating laser cutter
    • VLS

    Additional Software

    Fusion 360

    SolidWORKS

    FreeCAD

    Silhouette Studio

    Adobe Creative Cloud

    • Photoshop
    • InDesign
    • Premiere Pro
    • Premiere Rush
    • After Effects
    • Lightroom
    • And more…

    Hardware

    PC:

    • Lenovo Tower
    • GeForce RTX 4090 Graphics
    • USB: 4 ports

    Laser Cutter:

    • Universal Laser Systems 30W CO2 Laser

Laser Cutter Titles

  • 3D Cad With Autodesk 123D: Designing for 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, and Personal Fabrication

    3D Cad With Autodesk 123D: Designing for 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, and Personal Fabrication

    Au, Jesse Harrington
  • 63 Ready-To-Use Maker Projects

    63 Ready-To-Use Maker Projects

  • Creating with Laser Cutters and Engravers

    Creating with Laser Cutters and Engravers

    Kamberg, Mary-Lane
  • Laser Cutting for Fashion and Textiles

    Laser Cutting for Fashion and Textiles

    Baker, Laura Berens
  • Make It, Wear It: Wearable Electronics for Makers, Crafters, and Cosplayers

    Make It, Wear It: Wearable Electronics for Makers, Crafters, and Cosplayers

    Cohen, Sahrye
  • Mastering SolidWorks

    Mastering SolidWorks

    Lombard, Matt

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