Laser Cutter
With our professional CO₂ laser cutter (affectionately called “brrrzZTL”), a wide variety of materials can be cut and engraved with sub-millimeter precision. The machine was funded through a successful community crowdfunding campaign in partnership with VR Bank Südpfalz and is one of the most popular tools in our makerspace.
Capabilities of the Laser Cutter
The laser focuses concentrated light energy to slice through materials at high speeds (vector cutting) or vaporize surface layers with microscopic precision (raster engraving).
- Cutting & Engraving:
- Wood: Plywood, MDF, poplar, birch, solid woods, and veneers (e.g., for enclosures, mechanical puzzles, decorative boxes, architectural models)
- Plastics: Acrylic glass / Plexiglas (delivers flame-polished edges!), POM
- Paper & Cardboard: Stencils, architectural models, custom gaskets, pop-up cards
- Textiles & Leather: Fabric patterns, real leather, PVC-free faux leather, felt, denim
- Rubber: Custom laser-etched stamps
- Engraving Only:
- Glass & Mirrors: Drinking glasses, bottles, mirror tiles
- Stone & Slate: Slate coasters, engraved stones
- Anodized Aluminum & Coated Metals: Machine faceplates, nameplates, logos
Warning
Safety & Forbidden Materials:
Materials producing toxic, caustic, or hazardous fumes when burnt must never be processed – specifically PVC (Vinyl), Teflon (PTFE), carbon-fiber composites (CFRP), and halogenated polymers. If you are unsure about a material, always consult experienced space members beforehand!
Preparation & Software
- Artwork & CAD: Vector formats (
.svg,.dxf,.pdf) for vector cuts and outlines; high-resolution raster images (.png,.jpg) for photographic engravings. - Design Tools: Ideal software includes Inkscape (Open Source), Adobe Illustrator, Autodesk Fusion 360, or FreeCAD.
- Laser CAM: On the controlling computer, we use LightBurn and RDWorks.
Safety Briefing & Getting Started
Because a high-power CO₂ laser poses radiation and fire safety risks, a short safety briefing is required before operating the machine independently.
Do you have a project idea or need a custom part cut?
- Drop by any Tuesday from 18:00 for our open space night.
- Or connect with our community beforehand on our Mattermost chat!