Tool Location

Laser Cutters

Tool Type

Subtractive

 

Additional Information

Overview

The Trotec Speedy 300 is a laser cutter: a tool that can cut or engrave a pattern on a variety of materials. The laser beam is focused to a point and burns or vaporizes the material underneath as it traverses through an assigned path. The laser cutter is a very precise tool and has endless uses for both artistic and engineering proposes. The Trotec Speedy 300 is very similar in terms of specs and functionality to the Speedy 400, with the main difference being their sizes

Capabilities

Cut Area

The maximum cutting area of this tool is 29"x17".

Cut Kerf

The kerf of this laser is between ~0.005-0.010in (depending on lens, material, settings). 

Max Material Thickness

This laser can only cut through materials which are 0.5" thick or thinner (depending on lens, material, settings). 

Materials

Laser cutters can cut and etch a wide variety of metals including: wood, paper, cardboard, acrylic, and most fabrics. However, because lasers are literally igniting the materials, it is unsafe to cut things which release hazardous chemicals when burned. The list of materials that we do not allow on our lasers includes: PVC, polycarbonate, teflon, carbon fiber, and vinyl.

For more information, and to see a full list and explanation of the materials allowed on our laser cutters, please read our article on laserable materials.

PPE

No PPE is specifically required for this tool.

Note that some laser systems require special filtering safety glasses. This is not needed for the Speedy 300 or Speedy 400 because the lid serves as a filter for harmful light waves.

Safety Features

E-stops:

  • There is an emergency stop wired into the lid of the laser cutter. If at any point you need to immediately stop the laser, slightly lift the lid and the laser will stop firing. (Note that this will cancel the job in process.)
When to use the E-Stop:
  • If the material in the laser bed catches on fire (Brief tongues of flame while the laser is firing are acceptable, but if a constant flame is started, abort the job.)
  • If the smoke from the material is building up in the machine and not being evacuated through the ventilation system

Example Work

Living Hinge Book Covers

A neat little trick that you can do with wood and acrylic boards in the laser cutters.

Laser Cut 3D Puzzles

Laser cut 3D puzzles are a great gift to give to friends and family.

Laser Cut Chess Game Set

Simple and visually striking project done with acrylic, spray paint and glue.

How To Use This Tool

References:

Trotec Laser. Operation Manual: Trotec Speedy 300. [online]. Available at: https://www.troteclaser.com/fileadmin/content/images/Contact_Support/Manuals/Speedy-300-Manual-EN.pdf  [Accessed 7 Jul. 2018]

Author Information

Article was written by Reed Morris and edited by Jeff Park.

Last Updated: August 14 2018.

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