The Makery
Laser Cutter/Engraver
Cost |
Check Out |
Reserve |
| No | No | Yes |
Description
The Epilog Fusion Edge 12 is a 50-watt CO2 laser system. The laser can be used to etch text or logos and cut shapes into a wide variety of materials. You can use the laser to monogram glassware, make custom cosplay items, or engrave a charcuterie board.
Work area size: 24” x 12”
Maximum Depth: 7”
If materials do not fit within the work area, you may not be able to cut or engrave them. The laser cannot cut through most materials thicker than 3/8” or 9.5 mm.
Includes
- Epilog Fusion Edge 12
- Rotary attachment (for glasses, rolling pins, and other cylindrical objects)
- Design software
-
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- EngraveLab PhotoLaser Plus
- Inkscape
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Publisher
You Must Bring
Computer Skills Required
- Digital design file.
- Cutting: vector files are required. Vectors can be made using Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator and can be purchased or downloaded for free as .SVG files. Try searching “free SVG designs”
- Etching: many file types will work for etching or engraving. Think of it like this: if you can print it on a regular printer, then you can etch it! For best results, use a black and white image. Light colors do not etch well.
- ▶️ Click here for helpful videos!
- Material to etch or cut.
- See below for prohibited materials.
- Bring original packaging, labels, or SDS (safety and data sheet) from the manufacturer.
Always bring extra material. The Makery is not a production facility. Most projects require testing and refining. Things don’t always turn out well on the first try. Be ready to experiment.
Material Guidelines
The following are not exhaustive lists. Makery staff reserve the right to refuse or stop any project for the safety of the equipment, staff, and patrons. Bring your materials in their original packaging with all labels so Makery staff can verify their contents. When in doubt, Makery staff will err on the side of caution.
| Material | Consequence |
| PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)
Vinyl PVC Leather Pleather Artificial Leather PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) |
Emits chlorine gas. Will severely damage the laser’s optics and motion control system. |
| Polycarbonate or Lexan | May catch fire. Absorbs and retains heat from infrared radiation. |
| ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | Emits cyanide gas. May catch fire. Melts. Leaves behind gooey deposits. |
| HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) | Catches fire. Melts. Leaves behind gooey deposits. |
| PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) | Melts. Does not etch well. Warps when cut. |
| Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
Polypropylene Foam |
Catches fire. |
| Fiberglass Epoxy Resin Coated Carbon Fiber |
Emits dangerous fumes. |
| Painted or Stained Wood | May scorch or catch fire. Does not etch well. |
| Material | Notes |
| Acrylic | Cast acrylic is best for etching.
Extruded acrylic is best for cutting. |
| Anodized Aluminum | Etching only |
| Cardstock | |
| Chipboard | |
| Delrin (Polyoxymethylene) | Harder is better. |
| Slate | Etching only. |
| Laserable Rubber | Must be chlorine free! |
| Powder Coated Drinkware (e.g. Yeti, Hydroflask) | Etching only. |
| Polyurethane Foam | Cutting only. |
| Glass | Etching only. |
| Laser Safe Leatherette | Etching only. Must bring original packaging. Staff must be able to verify that it does not contain PVC or Vinyl. |
| Genuine Leather | Real, natural, genuine leather. |
| Solid Wood
Board Wood |
|
| Plywood
Composite Woods |
Contains glue and may not cut as well as solid wood. |
| MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) | May not cut well. Produce lots of soot. |
Learning and Resources
Classes in the Makery – New programs every quarter!
LinkedIn Learning – Online video tutorials for design software such as Adobe Illustrator
CreativeBug – Online crafting tutorials — great for inspiration!
Epilog Fusion Series User Manual
Videos from Makery Staff
▶️ Makery Tip: Convert Files for Laser Cutter (watch this if you design in Cricut!)
▶️ How to Create a Vector Image in Illustrator
▶️ How to Prepare a Photo for Laser Engraving
▶️ How to Unite Script Fonts in Adobe Illustrator
▶️ Makery Craft: Laser Cutter Constellations
▶️ Makery Craft: Laser Etched Charcuterie Board
▶️ Makery Craft: Leather Bookmark
Project Ideas
Epilog Laser Sample Club: Downloadable Project Files
Free laser projects from Full Spectrum Laser
Instructables — Laser Cutting Projects
Makery Project: Laser Cut Ornament
Makery Project: Laser Cut House Etching
How to Create a Door Wreath in Inkscape – YouTube
All About Laser Systems
Instructables — Laser Cutting Basics
Instructables — Laser Cutting Class
Materials for Engraving
Free Online Design Software
Vectr – Free Online Vector Graphics Editor
Pixlr – Free Online Photo Editor
MakerCase – Laser Cutter Boxes
FreeSVG.org – Free SVGs for Laser Cutter
DesignBundles.net – Free SVGs for Laser
