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Laser Cutting
ACRYLIC, WOOD, CHIPBOARD, ILLUSTRATION BOARD, PAPER, FABRIC
Click HERE to book an appointment in the Laser Lab (HAR 215)
STARTING FALL 2025, IF YOU ARE DELINQUENT ON YOUR LASER LAB BALANCE FOR MORE THAN ONE WEEK, YOU WILL LOSE ACCESS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ON THE SCHEDULER AND WILL BE UNABLE TO USE THE LASER CUTTERS
CONSULTATIONS
Need guidance with laser cutting? Schedule a 30-minute consultation with one of our technicians to get personalized support and answers to your questions.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Appointments open up two weeks in advance. Students can reserve a 30-minute time slot on any available laser. For the most up-to-date schedule and lab hours, please check the Laser Lab Scheduler.
WALK IN APPOINTMENTS
Saturday and Sundays are the only days when a dedicated laser cutter will be available for walk-ins.
FILE PREPARATION
LASER CUT LAB PROCEDURES
FUNDS
Machine Time = $0.33 / min USC Card Only
SIGN-IN
Arrive on time and sign in with Work Study Student. Lab located in HAR 215a.
FILE
Load file via USB, email, or justbeamit. Open in Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, or Autocad.  
PROHIBITED MATERIALS
ABS, Clear-lay, Lexan, Nylon, Polyethylene, PVC, Urethane Foam, Resin, Metals, Carbon Fiber.
MAXIMUM THICKNESS
Materials greater than 1/4" cannot be cut on the laser cutters. 
PRINT PROCEDURES
LINE WEIGHT
All red (cut) and blue (score) lines should be set to hairline thickness (Rhino) or .001" (Illustrator)
COLORS
Check that colors are set to RGB and are 100% red, blue, or black.
PRINT
Send file to print.
UCP
Open the UCP software.
MATERIALS
Choose the correct materials in the Preferences of the UCP program.
TEST CUT
Do a small test cut to ensure correct settings.
ESTIMATE CUT
If running a longer cut, click the Time Estimator button to ensure adequate time remaining for cut.
POST-PRINT PROCEDURES
ATTENTION
Do not leave the laser cutter unattended (RISK OF FIRE). Work Study will immediately stop your cut if left unattended.
CLEAN
Clean laser cutter and surrounding area.
USB
Close and delete any downloaded files, remove USB.
SIGN OUT
Check out with Work Study and pay.
LASER CUTTING FAQs
Have any questions about what you can laser cut, setting up your file, and best practices? Visit the FAQ page for answers to common questions and guidelines on laser cutting.
MATERIALS EXCHANGE CLOSET
HAR 207 Will be open every day from 1-2pm for you to pick up some free materials for laser cutting. Stop by to leave any spare materials you don't need and help out your fellow students.
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