Laser Cutting Methods

Photo of room L40D, showing 3 of the laser cutters at the GSD.

Announcements

  • Winter Hours
    The Fabrication Lab will close at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 20th and will reopen on Monday, January 6th at 10 a.m.
  • Required Training
    Students are encouraged to complete training as early as possible. All returning students, faculty and staff must complete the Fabrication Lab Refresher.
  • Reserving Machine Time
    Reserve Machine Time using the FabJob App. Use a TMP folder for short-term file storage for walk-up use and consultations.

Raster vs. Vector

Raster and Vector refer to two different types of graphic entities that can result in different modes of laser processing. 

Raster graphics are composed of pixels, while vector graphics are composed of paths.

Raster Engraving

A raster entity is made up of pixels. The pixel-based image is engraved similar to the way an inkjet printer applies ink, but instead of ink being applied, material is removed pixel by pixel by the laser beam.

Raster entities can be used to define areas of engraving only, they cannot be used to cut through a material.

Vector Engraving & Vector Cutting

Lines or curves specified as hairline print width, 0.0 lineweight, or 0.072pt stroke in the CAD or graphic application are recognized as a vector entities by the Universal Laser software. Each vector entity is traced by the laser from end-to-end, before the next.

The difference between vector engraving and cutting is the selected power setting. If a low power setting is chosen, the line is engraved and the material is not cut through; higher power produces a through-cut.

Example Images:

Photo of laser-engraved and cut acrylic, displaying vector and raster operations.
Photo of laser-engraved and cut chipboard, displaying vector and raster operations.
Photo of laser-engraved and cut museum board, displaying vector and raster operations.

Laser Cutter Hours

While the Laser Cutters are typically available whenever Gund Hall is open during the academic semesters, hours may be limited in the summer and between semesters.

Check the Calendar to determine when Technical Assistants are on duty or whether the space is closed.

Need Help?

Contact a Laser Cutter Technical Assistant by email at [email protected] or visit us in Gund L40 during the office hours listed on the Calendar.

Laser Room Cameras

View the Front Laser Room Camera, Gund L40

View the Rear Laser Room Camera, Gund L40E

(Must be connected to the Harvard network by being on-campus, or connected via VPN to view remotely.)

Reserve a Laser Cutter

Please use the FabJob App to reserve up to 2 hours of Laser Cutter time per day.

The Fabrication Lab is intended for the use of the faculty, staff, and students enrolled in courses at the Graduate School of Design pursuing academic work. Please see our Policies page for more information.