Just before the start of the 2025 FRC season, Texas Torque and CavBots split the cost ($6000) of a 130 Watt CO2 Monport Laser. We can now etch and cut a wide variety of materials (no metals) including acrylic, MDF, plywood, and fabric. We can also cut polycarbonate but this requires the use of high pressure air, special settings, and a high volume exhaust system. The final product may need special processing before using on a competition robot to remove residue left behind by cutting.
We have three levels of certification for the laser: Novice, User, and Expert. Anyone seeking certification does so under the tutelage of someone certified as an Expert. Mr. Rip is the person in the shop with the most experience on the laser so he will have to suffice for now.
To start getting certified, go to the resources link on the Texas Torque website and scroll down to Fab Shop > Monport Laser > Laser Files. Open the Laser Certification Levels document. There is also a copy of most of the documentation in the manual kept with the laser.
If you are interested in learning even more, LightBurn has an excellent set of tutorials at https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/tutorials. These are not specific to our machine.