Laser Cutter

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.

Location: Gund L40

Laser cutters are used for engraving patterns or cutting virtually any 2-dimensional shape from thin materials such as paper products, natural textiles, acrylic, paper chipboard, and thin wood products. While primarily used in place of cutting by hand with a knife, these machines facilitate fast and intricate parts to be created from flat stock for model making and prototyping.

The GSD has seven CO2 lasers, ranging in power from 120 watts to 150 watts, available for use at all times during the academic semester. There is no fee for use; individuals supply their own material and perform their own cutting independently. Laser cutters are usually available for walk-up use, but can be reserved for up to two hours per person per day.

Laser cutter technical assistants are available during office hours posted on the Laser Cutter Calendar for help troubleshooting issues, or by email.

In addition to the training required for all Lab users, use of the laser cutters requires individuals to complete additional online training.

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.