Laser Cutting / Engraving - techsoft.co.uk · will cut well and the power of the laser will largely dictate speed of cut rather than ultimate depth. It is difficult to compare cutting

Laser Cutting / Engraving

23 TEL:01745535007 FAX:01745535008

LaserBuyingGuide

Six Points to consider when purchasing a Laser Cutter:

There are two types of CO₂ laser tubes – water-cooled ones and air-cooled ones. All TechSoft LaserCAM machines (see pages 24-25) have AIR-COOLED CO2 LASER TUBES. Although these can initially be more expensive, our experience finds that the tubes last for on average around SEVEN YEARS whereas the water-cooled ones (see website) will need replacing more regularly.

A laser system for your school or college will always be a major investment. The right purchasing decision will ensure the best possible technology for your students now and a sustainable investment for the long term.

Before making your decision you should consider the following points carefully.

You will see different power ratings on the tubes. It is important to know that when comparing these a 30W AIR-COOLED tube’s performance is about the same, in terms of the materials that it will cut, as an 80W WATER-COOLED one.

All laser cutters work by directing and focusing a laser beam via a series of mirrors and lens onto the material to be cut. The ALIGNMENT OF THE MIRRORS AND LENS is critical to the successful operation of the laser, whatever type of laser cutter it is. This is a specialist job so you will need to know that the supplier of your laser cutter is able to provide SERVICING AND SUPPORT. At TechSoft this is our speciality.

There is a 2 Year Warranty on all TechSoft LaserCAMs, both tube and machine. (In our experience, LaserCAM air-cooled tubes last for an average of seven years.)

Would Love a TechSoft LaserCAM but Simply Can’t Afford the Initial Outlay?

Leasing is one option available for our LaserCAMs,

we also have a range of low-cost Water-Cooled CO₂ Laser Cutters (see website)

The OUTPUT FROM 2D DESIGN to our LaserCAM laser cutters (see pages 24-25) is DIRECT using File > Print. You are able to output both bitmap images and vectored images at the same time. There is no need to export a dxf file (vectors only) and then import into other software.

2 YearWarranty

www.techsoft.co.uk/lasercuttersPlease visit our website for more information:

AIR-COOLED CO2 TUBE LIFETIME

7 YEAR AVERAGE

1

2

30W AIR-COOLED or

80W WATER-COOLED

3

2D DESIGNOUTPUT

4

ALIGNMENT OF MIRRORS,

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

5

COMPLETE PACKAGE, H&S CONSIDERATIONS

6

TUBE WARRANTY

TechSoft provide a COMPLETE PACKAGE including the laser cutter, a quality extraction system fully compliant with Health & Safety laws, commissioning and training.


24 www.techsoft.co.uk [email protected]

The TechSoft AdvantageTechSoft have an exclusive arrangement to supply LaserCAM to the UK Education and we work closely with the manufacturers to ensure that the machines meet all necessary standards for price, safety and quality. TechSoft have developed features in 2D Design V2 to make output direct and seamless - LaserCAM is the only laser cutting and engraving machine on the market to have this ‘designed-in’ compatibility. TechSoft will install your machine, provide training, and be your first point of contact in case of a problem, so any issues will be dealt with quickly. We are proud of our reputation for excellent customer service and person-to-person contact is an important feature of this. In addition, you will have unlimited access to technical support by phone or email.

So What Can I Cut With a LaserCAM?Apart from metals and vinyls, most workshop plastics, textiles and graphic materials are fine. Some timber products give inconsistent results due to density, or the resins used in manufacture. There’s no harm in experimenting with ‘stock’ material but for reliable results TechSoft supply laser-quality plywood and MDF in a range of thicknesses. Suitable material up to 12 - 15mm thick will cut well and the power of the laser will largely dictate speed of cut rather than ultimate depth. It is difficult to compare cutting speeds ‘on paper’ between different models of laser cutter. Suffice to say that LaserCAMs are among the most capable in their class.

Buy with ConfidenceA TechSoft LaserCAM package is supplied and installed with everything you need so laser cutting and engraving can start right away. TechSoft have been supplying LaserCAM to schools for over twelve years and remain committed to providing the best technology and the highest level of service needed to secure your investment for the long term.

Why Invest in a LaserCAM System?Lasers are about the simplest way possible to get from CAD drawing to finished product. They work with extraordinary accuracy and delicacy, are quick to produce results, and the finished edge is usually just that - finished. With a few important exceptions, lasers will cut and engrave a huge variety of materials, so just about every area of Design and Technology is able to get the benefit. LaserCAM is, essentially, a 2D machine so it will find its place alongside milling and knife cutting machines, to give students a realistic experience of real-world practice, and to give them the right mix of tools for specific applications.

High Specification Laser Cutters and Engravers

LaserCAM is the only laser cutting & engraving machine with guaranteed direct output from 2D Design V2


25 TEL:01745535007 FAX:01745535008

Prices £* *See Pricing Information on page 2

What’s Included in Each Package

Complete Extraction SystemHigh capacity, auto-switching extraction unit with integral air-assist compressor. Self-regulating for optimum flow rate. LCD display to monitor filter condition.

Free Education Training Pack 11977The Training Pack gives you everything you need to reinforce the training provided on installation and to have the ma-chine earning its keep in the shortest time possible. We have distilled key information into a series of tutorials that will guide you through a series of projects that illustrate the full potential of the machine.

Commissioning & TrainingThe cost of the LaserCAM also includes commissioning and training on the same day.

WarrantyUK Mainland & Ireland: 2 Year On-SiteElsewhere: 2 Year Return and Collect

LaserCAM A1+

A compact package for large scale work, the A1+ machine features advanced optical systems to ensure consistent performance across the work area. 60W or 100W laser power will clearly be an advantage to achieve maximum throughput for large projects.

Specification

Laser Power:Axis Travel:Max. Head Speed:Max. Resolution:Focus:Positioning:Interface:Weight:

Dimensions:

Extractor:Extractor On/Off:

30, 60 or 100W1000 x 600 x 230mm1524mm/sec1000dpiAutoRed beam pointerUSB259 kg (LaserCAM only)70 kg (Extractor only)1450(W)x820(D)x1064(H)mm (NOT including extraction unit)TMA-EXT1Auto-switching and auto over-run for extraction/air-assist.

LaserCAM A2+

For most schools, this machine offers the ideal balance between work area, cost and space needed in the workshop or studio. 30W of laser power will do everything you ask of it – 60W will do it much faster.

Specification


Dimensions :


30 or 60 W660 x 495 x 210mm1524mm/sec1000dpiAutoRed beam pointerUSB180 kg (LaserCAM only)70 kg (Extractor only)960(W)x890(D)x1020(H)mm (NOT including extraction unit)TMA-EXT1BAuto-switching and auto over-run for extraction/air-assist.

LaserCAM A3+

A compact machine where the extraction system doubles as a wheeled base unit - ideal if the machine has to be shared between rooms, or if space is really tight.

Specification


Dimensions :


30W450 x 310 x 150mm1524mm/sec1000dpiAutoRed beam pointerUSB70 kg (LaserCAM only)60 kg (Extractor only)690(W)x900(D)x895(H)mm (including extraction unit)TMA-EXT3Auto-switching and auto over-run for extraction/air-assist.

MP-LCA3P-30NR LaserCAM A3+ 30W Package Includes machine, extractor, training pk, commissioning & training





MP-LCA1P-100NR

LaserCAM A1+ 100W Package Includes machine, extractor, training pk, commissioning & training

Optional Extra

TMA-LC-R Rotary Attachment for LaserCAM(Please state model when ordering)

Recommended MaterialsSee details of these packs on page 29, and a full range of materials on pages 26 - 29

TPM5-LC3 Mixed Materials Pack for A3+ (Save £15)



Recommended Software2D Design V2 (page 12)

Ideal for

Education

Optional Extra - Rotary Attachment

A Rotary Attachment is the only accessory you might want in addition to the standard LaserCAM package. We have written an extra dialog box into 2D Design to make it simple to set the design area of your cylindrical shape. To output, just tick the ‘Use Rotary’ option. A Rotary Table adds a new dimension to laser work allowing great scope for lighting, jewellery and decorative project work - we think its well worth having.

For alternative low cost water-cooled CO₂ laser cutters see www.techsoft.co.uk/lasers



Extraction&Consumables

Extraction Filters The extraction system supplied with a laser will need replacement filters. Although estimates of life expectancy can be given, filter life very much depends on what type of materials are cut and, obviously, how often the system is run. We recommend changing the main filter annually and the pre-filter every 6 months regardless of their apparent effectiveness.

For EXT1/EXT1B/EXT1X/EXT1BX

TMP-LAS-EXT1PF Labyrinth pre-filter for EXT1

TMP-LAS-EXT1PF-2 Pack of 2 Labyrinth pre-filters for EXT1

TMP-LAS-EXT1CF Main fume and fine particulate filter for EXT1

For EXT2




For EXT3




For AD400LT/E/+ Serial Nos 1-16 only

TMP-LAS-400PF1 Deep pleat pre-filter (A1030046). 75mm inlet for use with machines with serial numbers 1-16.

TMP-LAS-400CF1Main fume & fine particulate filter (A1030050). For use with machines with serial numbers 1-16.


TMP-LAS-400PF Deep pleat pre-filter (A1030045). 50mm inlet for use with machines with serial numbers 17-209.

TMP-LAS-400CFMain fume and fine particulate filter (A1030049). For use with machines with serial numbers 17-209.


TMP-LAS-400PF Deep pleat pre-filter (A1030045). 50mm inlet for use with machines with serial numbers 210-261.

TMP-LAS-400CF1Main fume and fine particulate filter (A1030050). For use with machines with serial numbers 210-261.

For AD400LT/E/+ Serial Nos 262 onwards

TMP-LAS-400PF1

Deep pleat pre-filter (A1030046). 75mm inlet for use with machines with serial number 262 onwards.

TMP-LAS-400CF1Main fume and fine particulate filter (A1030050). For use with machines with serial number 262 onwards.

For L350

TMP-LAS-350PF Pack of pre-filters for L350

TMP-LAS-350CF Main fume and fine particulate filter for L350

For L700

TMP-LAS-700PF Bag pre-filter for L700

TMP-LAS-700CF Main fume and fine particulate filter for L700

Cleaning Kits

TMP-LAS-CLEANKITTechSoft LaserCAM Cleaning Kit. Includes key, lens key, lens cloth, soft cloth, safe buds, gloves.

TA-HEXTOOL25 2.5mm Hex Tool for adaptor adjustment

TMS-LAS-LENSKEY Lens key

TMS-LAS-CLOTHL Lens cleaning cloth

TMS-LAS-CLOTHS Soft Cloth - Microfibre

TMS-LAS-SAFEBUDS Pack of 100 safebuds

TMS-LAS-GLOVES 100 Medium Vinyl Glove

TMS-LAS-WIPES 25 Engineers Cleaning Wipes

Extraction Unit Upgrades

Existing LaserCAM customers may wish to consider purchasing our latest extractor models to benefit from the higher specification.

TMA-EXT3 LaserCAM Extractor EXT3 for A3+/A3

TMA-EXT1BX LaserCAM Extractor EXT1B for A2+/A2

TMA-EXT1X LaserCAM Extractor EXT1 for A1+

CO₂ Laser Tubes As with all lasers, the laser tube itself is a consumable part which will not last forever. LaserCAM machines are supplied with a 2 year laser tube warranty, but the warranty can be extended (see below).

Extended Laser Tube Warranty

WR-LAS-TB30S *1 year extended warranty for 30W tube

WR-LAS-TB55D *1 year extended warranty for 55W tube

WR-LAS-TB60S *1 year extended warranty for 60W tube

* Available only whilst the laser tube is within warranty.

Replacement Laser TubesReplacement/Exchange laser tubes come with a one year warranty. There are two manufacturers of tubes, Deos and Synrad. All 30W LaserCAMs purchased before 20th Nov 2008 were fitted with Deos tubes, those after with Synrad tubes. All 55W LaserCAMs are fitted with DEOS tubes, all 60W LaserCAMs are fitted with Synrad tubes. A Synrad tube can only be replaced (exchanged) if it is less than five years old. Current replacement costs (including fitting) are:

TMP-LAS-EXCHANGE30D Replacement 30W Deos Tube

TMP-LAS-EXCHANGE55D Replacement 55W Deos Tube

TMP-LAS-EXCHANGE30S Replacement 30W Synrad TubeTMP-LAS-EXCHANGE60S Replacement 60W Synrad Tube

New Laser TubesNew laser tubes come with a two year warranty. Costs including fitting are:

TMP-LAS-NEWTUBE30D New 30W Deos Tube

TMP-LAS-NEWTUBE55D New 55W Deos Tube

TMP-LAS-NEWTUBE30S New 30W Synrad Tube

TMP-LAS-NEWTUBE60S New 60W Synrad Tube

Laser Cutting / EngravingMaterials

27 TEL:01745535007 FAX:01745535008

Coloured & Clear Cast Acrylic

Cast acrylic gives best results for laser cutting and engraving and is also suitable for milling and engraving.

Colours: Clear, Black, White, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Pink, Orange and Purple.

Black White Red Yellow Blue Green Pink Orange Purple

* When ordering, where COL is included in the order code, please change this to specify the actual colour required.

Nominal Size: 1000 x 600mm (for LaserCAM A1+)

Solid Coloured:

TAAC1-R3-9-P1 Mixed pack of 9 Coloured Acrylic Sheets (1000 x 600 x 3mm) One of each colour


TCAC1-R3-COL* Coloured Acrylic sheet (1000 x 600 x 3mm)

TCAC1-R5-COL* Coloured Acrylic sheet (1000 x 600 x 5mm)

Clear:

TCAC1-C3 Clear Acrylic Sheet (1000 x 600 x 3mm)




Nominal Size: 600 x 400mm (for LaserCAM A2+/A2)

Solid Coloured:



TCAC2-R3-COL* Coloured Acrylic Sheet (600 x 400 x 3mm)


Clear:






Solid Coloured:





Clear:

TAAC3-C3-5 Pack of 5 Clear Acrylic Sheets (410 x 280 x 3mm)

TAAC3-C5-5 Pack of 5 Clear Acrylic Sheets (410 x 280 x 5mm)



Fluorescent Transparent Acrylic

Light-gathering for fantastic ‘live edge’ effects. Suitable for laser cutting and engraving or milling.

Colours: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange, Purple, Pink.

Red Blue Yellow Green Orange Purple Pink


Nomial Size: 1000 x 600mm (for LaserCAM A1+)

TAAC1-F3-7-P1Mixed pack of 7 Fluorescent Transparent Acrylic Sheets (1000 x 600 x 3mm) One of each colour


TCAC1-F3-COL* Fluorescent Transparent Acrylic Sheet (1000 x 600 x 3mm)












N.B. Colours shown are only an indication and all sheet sizes are nominal.



Laser Engraving Laminates

Laser engraving laminate is similar in appearance to that used for rotary engraving, but is composed of different materials more suitable for laser marking and cutting. It is ideal for a range of quick and simple CNC projects such as badges, key fobs, tags, panels, etc. This really is a fantastic medium for students’ design work.

Standard Colours:

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6

Red on White

Blue on White

Green on White

Black on White

White on Black

White on Blue

S7 S8 S9 S10 S11

White on Red

Yellow on Black

Grey on White

Walnut onWhite

Black on Gold

Metallic Finishes: Magnetic Colours:

E12 E13 E14 M1 M2 M3

Gold on Black

Brushed Copper on

Black

Brushed Aluminium

on Black

Brushed SIlver on

Black

Brushed Gold on

Black

Black on Gold

* When ordering, where COL is included in the order code, please change this to indicate the actual colour required from the charts above.

Nominal size: 800 x 600mm (for LaserCAM A1+)

TAL1-SCOL* 1 Standard Colour Laminate (800 x 600 x 1.3mm)

TAL1-ECOL* 1 Metallic Finish Laminate (800 x 600 x 1.5mm)

Nominal size: 600 x 400mm (for LaserCAM A2+/A2)

TAL2-P1 Mixed pack of 11 Standard Colour Laminate (600 x 400 x 1.3mm) One of each S colour

TAL2-SCOL* Standard Colour Laminate(600 x 400 x 1.3mm)

TAL2-P2 Mixed pack of 3 Metallic Finish Laminate(600 x 400 x 1.5mm) One of each E colour

TAL2-ECOL* Metallic Finish Laminate(600 x 400 x 1.5mm)


TAL3-P1 Mixed pack of 11 Standard Colour Laminate (400 x 280 x 1.3mm) One of each S colour

TAL3-SCOL* Standard S Colour Laminate(400 x 280 x 1.3mm)

TAL3-P2 Pack of 3 Metallic Finish Laminate(400 x 280 x 1.5mm) One of each E colour

TAL3-ECOL* Metallic Finish E Colour Laminate(400 x 280 x 1.5mm)

TechSoft also stock magnetic laser engraving laminates which are ideal for creating fridge magnets and other magnetic graphic products.

Nominal size: 610 x 305mm (for LaserCAM A1+/A2+/A2)

TAL-MCOL* Magnetic Finish Laminate (610 x 305 x 0.5mm)


TAL3-P3 Mixed pack of 3 Magnetic Laminate (300 x 280 x 0.5mm) One of each M colour

TAL3-MCOL* Magnetic M Colour Laminate(300 x 280 x 0.5mm)

Plastazote

Plastazote is a flexible closed-cell polyethylene foam that is chemically inert and non-irritant. Unlike other foams, it has a ‘sealed’ non-absorbent surface and is stiff enough to make safe toys, puzzles and ‘fancy dress’ items for the most boisterous of children (and grown-ups!) It is widely used for impact absorbing sports-wear products and, in medicine, for padding splints and injury supports. Other uses include insulation, sealing and packaging. Plastazote can be thermo-formed and laser cuts easily, safely and cleanly.

Black White Red Yellow Orange Blue Green Purple



TAPZ1-4-P1 Mixed pack of 8 Plastazote sheets (1000 x 600 x 4mm) One of each colour

TCPZ1-4-COL* Plastazote sheet (1000 x 600 x 4mm)

TAPZ1-8-P1 Mixed pack of 8 Plastazote sheets(1000 x 600 x 8mm) One of each colour













TCPZ3-4-COL* Plastazote sheets (410 x 280 x 4mm)




TCPZ3-12-COL* Plastazote sheets (410 x 280 x 12mm)

N.B. Colours shown are only an indication and all sheet sizes are nominal.


29 TEL:01745535007 FAX:01745535008

Polypropylene Sheets

800 micron polypropylene sheets can be laser cut and scored to create interesting products including packaging. Its flexible property, and the fact that it can be riveted and eyeletted, means that really creative work can be produced.

11 colours are available - Black, Sky Blue, Clear Frosted, Dark Blue, Dark Green, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, White and Yellow.



TAPP81-P2 Pack of 11 Polypropylene Sheets (1000 x 600mm, 750/800 mic). One of each colour

TCPP81-COL* Polyprolylene Sheet (1000 x 600mm, 750/800mic)



TCPP82-COL* Polypropylene Sheet (600 x 400mm, 750/800 mic)



TCPP83-COL* Polyprolylene Sheet (410 x 280mm, 750/800 mic)

Medite (Laser Grade MDF)

Different types of MDF vary greatly in composition and this can have a dramatic effect on how they laser cut. Medite is the best type of MDF for laser cutting and so we now stock this often hard to source material.


TC-MED41 Medite Sheet (1000 x 600 x 4mm)




TA-MED42-10 Pack of 10 Medite Sheets (600 x 400 x 4mm)







Flexible Veneer

TA-VENPK3 Mixed Pack of 5 Flexiveneer Sheets 480mm x 300mm (ideal for laser cutting)

Laser Grade Birch Plywood

TechSoft stock high quality 4mm, 6mm and 9mm birch plywood which is manufactured specifically for laser cutting. Its edge finish when cut is a golden brown colour, unlike the black charred finish of standard ply. Another advantage of this laser grade ply is that the core material is the same quality as the outside sheets - giving a better cut edge with greater stability (N.B. 9mm ply may require 2 passes on a 30W laser).


TA-PLYB41-10 Pack of 10 Laser Grade Birch Ply Sheets(900 x 600 x 4mm)


TC-PLYB91 Laser Grade Birch Ply Sheet (900 x 600 x 9mm)









N.B. The nominal thickness of this material is 4mm, 6mm or 9mm, but this may vary from 3-4mm, 5-6mm and 8-9mm between batches, due to the sand-ing process.

Laser Grade Italian Poplar Plywood

In addition to the birch plywood, TechSoft also stock a lightweight laser grade Italian Poplar plywood which is ideal for use when faster machining times are important. For more details see our website at http://www.techsoft.co.uk/Products/LaserCuttingMaterials/LaserGradePlywwod

Material Packs

These packs have been created by popular demand to take the hassle out of ordering, and to give a modest cost saving overall. Each pack contains a generous selection of materials particularly suited for the size of LaserCAM listed. Ideal as a basic stock, for back-up and for developing projects using different materials.

Medite chair with blackspray paint finish

TPM5-LC3

Mixed Materials Pack for LaserCAM A3+/A3 (Save £15) Includes 3 sheets laser engraving laminate (2 standard, 1 metallic); 11 sheets polypropylene; 5 sheets 4mm laser grade ply; 5 sheets 4mm medite; 17 sheets 3mm acrylic (9 colour, 1 clear, 7 transparent); 10 sheets 5mm acrylic (9 colour, 1 clear); 8 sheets 4mm plastazote; 2 sheets 12mm plastazote. All sheets 410 x 280mm (400 x 280mm for engraving laminate). Mixed colours.

TPM5-LC2

Mixed Materials Pack for LaserCAM A2+/A2 (Save £20) Includes 3 sheets laser engraving laminate (2 standard, 1 metallic); 11 sheets polypropylene; 5 sheets 4mm laser grade ply; 5 sheets 4mm medite; 17 sheets 3mm acrylic (9 colour, 1 clear, 7 transparent); 10 sheets 5mm acrylic (9 colour, 1 clear); 8 sheets 4mm plastazote; 2 sheets 12mm plastazote. All sheets 600 x 400mm. Mixed colours.

TPM5-LC1

Mixed Materials Pack for LaserCAM A1+ (Save £25) Includes 3 sheets laser engraving laminate (2 standard, 1 metallic); 11 sheets polypropylene; 5 sheets 4mm laser grade ply; 5 sheets 4mm medite; 17 sheets 3mm acrylic (9 colour, 1 clear, 7 transparent); 8 sheets 4mm plastazote; 2 sheets 12mm plastazote. All sheets 1000 x 600mm (800 x 600mm for engraving laminate, 900 x 600mm for laser grade ply). Mixed colours.

Documents

Laser Cutting / Engraving - techsoft.co.uk · will cut well and the power of the laser will largely dictate speed of cut rather than ultimate depth. It is difficult to compare cutting