Laser

Using the laser at Leicester Hackspace.
This book is being actively updated.

📖 Introduction

Leicester Hackspace has a Piranha Ruida CO2 laser which was donated after it was seriously damage...

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Users

Who may use the laser?

🧑‍✈️ Pilots

Members who have been trained and authorised to use the laser are known as pilots. Pilots are abl...

👟 Trainers

Members who wish to become pilots need to be trained first. Members who are pilot trainers: Divja...

💷 Fees

How much does it cost to use the laser, why, and how to pay

How much does it cost?

Laser use is charged at £10 per hour of contact time. Contact time is defined as from turning on ...

Why do we charge?

As well as energy costs, the Hackspace needs to cover the cost of maintenance and repairs. Exampl...

How to pay your fees

🖥️ Software

Things to know about the software used to run the laser

💾 RDWorks

The laser uses RDWorks v8 software. As users are charged by contact time, it is suggested that yo...

🗂️ Importing files

⚙️ Hardware

Things you need to know about the laser itself

🚨 Health & Safety

Assessing the risks of using the laser and managing them appropriately

💨 Air quality

The extraction system for the laser is adequate, but not brilliant. Some members at the Hackspace...

🔥 Fire risk

Remember that there is only a laser in the space due to a fire caused by inattention. Any materia...

👁️ Eye damage

The laser beam and reflected light are invisible and will damage unprotected eyes. Whilst the lid...

⚠️ RISK ASSESSMENT

TO BE ADDED BY END OF JULY 2026

⁉️ What materials can I cut/engrave?

What you can, probably shouldn't, and cannot under any circumstances put in the laser

✅ Materials that are safe to laser

These materials are 'safe' to laser, but are still to be considered a fire risk. Please follow in...

🤔 Materials that probably shouldn't be used

There are some materials that, whilst not on the banned list, are problematic in other ways and s...

🚫 NEVER LASER THESE MATERIALS

These materials should never be used in the laser. This is not an exhaustive list. If you are not...

🛒 Recommended suppliers

These suppliers have been recommended by members: laserply.co.uk kitronik.co.uk hobarts.co.uk

📋 Operating the laser

How to cut or engrave something using the laser

⚡️Turning on the laser

Turn on the plug near the computer area The cooler should beep as it powers up. If it does not, c...

✅ Pre-use checks

Ensure the bed is clear of debris Ensure the blades and bed are clean to reduce flashback* Check ...

🎯 Homing the laser

Make sure the red lens focus tube is raised and fixed in place. Don't forget that the tightener s...

🔎 Focusing

🏁 After you've finished

❌ Shutting down the laser

🛠️ Maintenance

How to maintain the laser and who should be doing it

🧹 General cleaning

After each use Remove all debris from the laser bed Clean the blades and laser bed using the wipe...

⚠️ Specialist cleaning

This should only be undertaken by an authorised person: currently, Keith, Divya or Neil. Cleaning...

📏 Alignment

Instructions for authorised users only