IKier Laser Cutter
This equipment is safety category 3:
- Mandatory, in person, instructions.
- Make sure you read the Wiki before asking.
This equipment is Noise Category 3: Can be used at all hours. No limits.
Intro
We now have an iKier K1 Pro Max 70w laser engraver/cutter.
We're still learning how to use it. More info will follow.
Before trying to use the ikier laser cutter, make sure you download the lightburn profile from ikier:
https://www.ikier.com/pages/user-guides
Software
The preferred software to prepare your case engraving / cutting job is LightBurn. LightBurn is available for Linux, Mac OS and Windows. A 30 day free trial of LightBurn is available from their website..
You should do as much preparation on your project as possible on your own laptop / computer before taking your project to the Ikier K1.
Within the next month or so we'll figure out how everyone will have access to LightBurn after the 30 day trial on your personal computer expires.
Usage
Make sure the main ventilation is turned on (switch on the wall behind the big trace container) before you start using the machine.
Settings
Knowing what settings to use for a given cut of a given material ultimately comes down to trial and error. However, for a starting point, there's the Ikier_Settings page.
Succesfull engraving and cutting depends on a combination of variables: speed, power, passes and material. IkIer supplies two documents with suggested settings for engraving and cutting for different materials.
A binder with prints of these setting will live in close proximity of the machine.
These files with suggested parameters can also be downloaded so you can study them and use the setting while preparing your projects.
Parameter Table_of_K1_PRO_MAX_70W_Laser_Module_for_LightBurn_Software_Fast_mode.pdf
Parameter Table_of_K1_PRO_MAX_70W_Laser_Module_for_LightBurn_Software_Standard_Mode.pdf
Real Life Experience
The above documents are suggestions. It will be helpful for all makers to share successful experiences.
LightBurn has a built-in test pattern generator to help find the best settings for your laser and the material you work with. This option can be found under LaserTools - Material Test.
Near the laser we will collect the tests done with this option for different materials
Monday 2 July we did 3mm Plywood and this gives a nice impression of what speed and power to use for which result.
These are settings that have worked at least once. Always do a test piece before your final cut. Ideally you need to find the balance between speed, power, and number of passes. What works for one piece of plywood may not work on another. Etc...
| Material |
Speed |
Power |
Number of passes |
Comments |
| 12mm Plywood |
1200mm/m |
70W @ 67.5% |
4 |
Tested by Julia |
| 18mm Plywood |
1200mm/m |
70W @ 90% |
9 |
Tested by Julia |
| Bottle Opener, Bamboe | 100mm | 35W @ 20% | Engraving 1 pass | Tested by Toine & Ruud |
| Metal | Toine to add setting | Tested by Toine & Titus |