EPILOG FUSION EDGE 12 60W LASER CUTTER
A laser cutter is a tool used by engineers, designers, artists, and makers to cut and etch into flat material.
Laser cutters use a very thin, focused laser beam to pierce and cut through materials to cut out patterns specified by designers. Apart from cutting, laser cutters can also raster or etch designs into work pieces by heating up the surface of the workpiece, thus burning off the top layer of the material to change its appearance where the raster operation was performed.
Laser cutters are really handy tools when it comes to prototyping and manufacturing; they are used in machine shops on the industrial scale to cut large pieces of material, they are used by hardware companies to create cheap, quick prototypes, and they are used by makers and artists as a DIY fabrication tool to bring digital designs into the physical world.
THE ADDISON MAKER SPACE LASER CUTTER
EPILOG FUSION EDGE 12
The Addison Maker Space is proud to feature the Epilog Fusion Edge 12 laser cutter. We chose this particular model because it offers professional-quality results and features that make it user-friendly for beginners. With its precision cutting and engraving capabilities, the Fusion Edge 12 is an essential tool for makers of all levels.
Here are some fast facts about the machine:
Applications: Cutting and engraving on various materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, glass, and more.
Laser Type: CO2
Work Area: 24" x 12" (609 x 305 mm)
Laser Wattage: 60 watts
Maximum Material Thickness: 1/4”
Cutting Speed: Up to 165 inches per minute (4.2 meters per minute)
Engraving Speed: Up to 340 inches per minute (8.6 meters per minute)
Resolution: Up to 1200 dpi
Red Dot Laser Locator Pointer
Motorized Table
Camera System
Air Assist Air Cleaning System
HEPA Filter and Exterior Venting
Applications: Cutting and engraving on various materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, fabric, glass, and more.
APPROVED MATERIALS
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Natural wood is a great material to use in the laser cutter. You can also cut engineered wood such as MDF and up to 1/4” plywood (as long as these don’t have any synthetic glues or chemicals in their formulation). Use up to 1/4” thickness.
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Cardboard is a great material for prototyping before using your final material—that way, you make mistakes on the cardboard instead of your specialty materials. Use up to 1/4” thickness.
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Acrylic laser cuts and engraves very cleanly. it can be used for lots of things from signs to jewelry and more. NOTE: Acrylic is the ONLY type of plastic that can be cut in the laser cutter. All other plastics are prohibited. Use up to 1/4” thickness.
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Natural rubber sheets can be cut with the laser cutter, to make things like rubber feet for a household item. If your rubber is synthetic, or you are not 100% sure it’s natural rubber, do NOT use it in the laser. Use up to 1/4” thickness.
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Stone cannot be cut on the laser, but you can engrave stones like slate or marble with text or images. Make sure to choose a stone with colors that will clearly show your etchings.
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Glass cannot be cut on the laser, but it can be engraved really nicely.
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Aluminum cannot be cut by the laser, but it engraves beautifully. You can buy an aluminum dog tag, or aluminum business cards, and etch text and graphics into the surface.
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The laser cutter can cut and engrave cork, since it is a natural material. Use up to 1/4” thickness.
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The laser cutter can cut and engrave natural leather and some synthetic leather (unless there is PVC in the synthetic leather—PVC creates noxious fumes)
Note: The Cricut Maker in the Maker Space can also cut leather, and can do so without burn marks, smoke, or odor. Consider that for your project as well.
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Fabric made of natural fibers works very well in the laser. This includes wool, cotton, felt, linen, silk, denim, etc. Some synthetic materials can also be used: fleece, polyester, lace are all good options.
