===== RDL-9060 Laser Engraver =====

{{ :equipment:rdl9060.jpg?400 |}}

==== Overview ====

The RDL-9060 is a 100W laser engraver (laser cutter) that is capable of cutting and engraving non-metal materials. A laser engraver / cutter is a plotting machine that works in 2D. It has a laser which is powerful enough to burn and is focussed enough to be used for precise work. The RDL-9060 has a 900x600mm work area and a deep bed that allows you to put in work pieces up to 240mm deep. 

We have RDWorks installed on the computer to the left of the laser engraver. RDWorks is free software that allows you to design project files, and will transfer them to the laser cutter. You can download and install it on a personal computer and we have backed up settings files that will allow you to configure RDWorks for the RDL-9060, allowing you to work on a separate computer or from home.

The laser engraver is designed to engrave on woods, some acrylics, glass, leather and potentially other materials and it is able to cut laser grade ply, some acrylics, felt, textiles and more. Please do your research and consult a makerspace volunteer before experimenting with non-standard materials.

RDWorks allows you to set up several layers, which can have different laser settings within one job. You will notice that each layer has a minimum/maximum power setting. This is because the laser actually needs to slow down to change direction, and this could mean that it cuts deeper at the edges/corners of your work piece. Adjust the minimum power setting to account for this. See the table below for reference:

==== Material Settings ====

^ Material ^ Engraving Speed ^ Engraving Power Min/Max ^ Cutting Speed ^ Cutting Power Max/Min ^ Notes ^
| 3mm Birch Ply | 200-250mm/s | 10/15% | 8mm/s | 25/35% ||
| 3mm Poplar Ply |  |  | 10mm/s | 25/30% ||
| Light Fabric | n/a | n/a | 50mm/s | 10/15% ||
| Card |  |  | 80mm/s | 10/15% ||
| 3mm laser acrylic |  | | 10mm/s | 20/25% ||
| 6mm MDF | ? | ? | 8mm/s | 35/45% ||
| Shadow Foam | N/A | N/A | 60mm/s | 30%/30% | 5mm depth |
| Shadow Foam | N/A | N/A | 20mm/s | 30%/30% | 15mm depth |
| Shadow Foam | N/A | N/A | 5mm/s | 35%/35% | 32mm depth with masking tape on reverse |

:!: The industrial chiller unit must be powered on prior to using the laser
 
:!: Be extremely careful when moving the laser. The USB lead must be unplugged and the chiller hoses may need removing

The laser will not fire under any of the following conditions:
  * Laser is switched off at the key switch
  * Hinged panel for work area access is open
  * Panel to the power or laser tube is open
  * Water is not flowing through the laser tube

**Useful links:**

  * [[https://www.rdlspares.co.uk/shop/RDL-9060-100w-p779449485|Product Page on Red Dragon Site]]
  * [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/2841579635883732|Red Dragon Laser Facebook User Group]]
  * [[https://rabbitlaserusa.com/Manuals/RDWorksV8_DetailedSoftwareInstallation.pdf|Guide to Installing RDWorks and setting up the laser cutter on a Windows PC]]


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==== Safety & Induction ====

:!: Risk Score **Amber**

:!: Risk Assessment: {{ :equipment:risk_assessments:nmcc_-_risk_assessment_-_laser_cutter_-_2025.docx | Link}}

:!: Do I need an induction to use this machine? **Yes**

:!: Can I use this machine while lone working? **Yes**

^ PPE      ^ Required / Suggested / Banned      ^
|Eye protection|Required|
|Hearing protection|N/A|
|Gloves|N/A|

=== Induction Information ===

:!: Do I need an induction to use this machine?: **Yes**

  * You can get an induction for this machine by submitting a request to contact@newportmakerspace.org, or by completing [[https://forms.gle/bCzqRAGGd8Da9bwJ8|this google form]]
  * An induction for this machine takes 2 hours
  * The induction will cover use of the machine and software
  * You don't need to bring anything to this induction

The front panel must be removed from the machine so it can be swept out before use. Build up of dust and debris at the bottom of the machine poses a fire hazard if this is not completed.

Users should not look into the machine when cutting is active. 

==== Maintenance History ====

Date next maintenance is due: **01/04/2026**

^ Date      ^ Member ID      ^ Notes          ^
| 01/10/2025 | John O | PAT test completed |
| 29/09/2025  | James, Gareth | Full service carried out by RD Laser, resolving failed PAT and cut quality |
| 23/09/2025  | John | PA tested the laser and chiller, the chiller failed PAT |
| 27/06/2025  | Gareth | Tightened adjustment screws for laser head to resolve cutting issues |
| 30/08/2022  | Edward  | Chain for the bed height adjustment had come off the sprocket. This was reattached and tensioned  |
| 23/11/2021  | Aidan | Chiller unit installed |
| 20/11/2021  | Russell | Noted that the screws and locking nuts that align the mirrors are coming loose under operation and need tightening carefully |