¶ Equipment
Currently available :
¶ Contact
Drop us an e-mail at colab@b-tu.de with the respective data files and we'll make an appointment.
¶ FAQs
¶ GENERAL QUESTIONS - LASER USAGE
- Who can use the COLab?
The COLab is open to all registered members regardless of their place of residence, age or professional status. Registration is possible at colab-cottbus.de and is currently free of charge. Persons under 18 years of age may only visit COLab when accompanied by an adult.
- I would like to laser something, what do I have to do?
Book an appointment by emailing colab@b-tu.de with the subject LASER. Describe in short sentences what material and what quantity you want and attach a sketch or file of your project. We will send you a proposal for an appointment.
- Can I laser something at your facilities or will you create the file for the laser?
The idea of COLab is to help others help themselves and to support the locals in their development of skills and competences. We can give the necessary support within our capacity and opening times.
- I’d like to laser something at your facilities and I already have experience in it (possibly also elsewhere), what should I do then?
Write us an email with all possible information at colab@b-tu.de with the subject LASER.
- What does the laser processing cost?
Starting March, the laser usage costs 0,85€ / minute and has to be paid on site with cash. You also have to bring your own material.
- Do I have to use the laser on my own or is someone going to help me?
Our technical support is available in case there are questions or problems. In any other case, our goal is to help you help yourself.
¶ DATA FILE CREATION
- What should I bring to the laser appointment?
Bring your file on a pendrive as an Adobe Illustrator-compatible data format (accepted extensions: .ai, .svg, .pdf, .dxf and .dwg). We appreciate it if you bring your own laptop, in case other software than Illustrator or Inkskape was used for file creation. That way, adjustments can be made at the spot. To check the files for any errors before the appointment, please send it to us in advance at colab@b-tu.de with the subject LASER. Also, the material to be lasered ought to be brought, incl. an extra amount for cut trials and test engravements.
- Which software can be used to create the data files for the laser?
E. g. Illustrator or Inkskape allow the creation of a vector-based data file necessary for clean work at the laser.
- I’ve never worked with this kind of software, how can I create the file?
Here’s the basic workshop version for the Illustrator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc9_Z97nn7o
- What should I watch out for when making the file?
Every object to be lasered ought to be ergonomically placed on a drawing area. Line wieight is irrelevant, line overlaps should be avoided in any case. Lines with different settings (cut/engrave) ought to be painted differently. Engraving areas should be painted differently than the lines. Thick materials (e. g. plywood) can have a cut width of 0,5mm, hency why neighbouring lines ought to have enough distance to each other.
¶ TECHNISCHE DATEN
- How large is the maximal area of the laser?
The maximal laser area depends on the working area of the laser, e. g. 1200x900mm in the Epilog laser.
- How much can the maximal height of the laser be?
The maximal height of the processed object is 30cm. This means e. g., that if the bottom of a box is meant to be cut or engraved, the working height is not allowed to be more than 30cm.
- What kind of material can be lasered?
Here’s the overview for the Epilog laser:
