How to Laser CutMore information on laser cutting can be found in our Laser Cutting Workshop. If you have questions email us at dscommons@uvic.ca.
To submit a laser cutting request, upload your model through our webapp.
Create your own vector design using Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, or similar software.
Or download a laser cutting design that someone else has designed.
Use different colours to show what part of the design should be cuts and what should be engraved. As a general rule of thumb, Red lines=cut, Black=engrave.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about this process
Open the file to verify your design sizing and organize all parts of your design.
The maximum possible size to fit on our laser cutter is 59cm x 29cm. Larger projects will need to be divided into many pieces. Limited templates for size are available here.
If you need many copies of a single pattern, copy and paste your design accordingly in your .svg or .pdf file. Any design element outside the sheet will not be laser-engraved or cut. In the image below, the part in yellow is outside the material sheet.
If you want multiple copies of one full sheet, please state this in the comments box. The file will be sent to the laser cutter again, with no modifications.
Upload your .svg or .pdf to the web app here.
Choose your specifications. Choose which colors are for cutting or engraving, the material type, and any other special settings.
DSC staff will take a look at the project and you will receive an automated email with the total cost.
Follow the instructions sent via email to pay for your order.
We will send you an email once your laser cut job is ready for pickup. It will be available from the Ask Us desk at the front entrance on the 1st floor of the McPherson Library.
Laser cuts cost $0.33 per minute of engraving and cutting time, plus the cost for material. See the table below for material fee.
You can bring your own materials that are approved to be used on our machine. At this time we only accept low-odor materials such as wood and paper. Acrylic is not suitable for our current setup. Laser-able materials are sold in full or partial sheets (we buy in bulk to provide you with the lowest price possible!). Please ensure that your design fits the space provided. Limited templates for size are available here. If you prefer to bring in your own material, please state this when submitting your online form. All materials that are not purchased from the DSC need to be reviewed by staff prior to a project taking place. We reserve the right to refuse any material that could put at risk our staff or equipment.
Material |
Dimensions |
Full sheet |
3/4 Sheet |
Half Sheet |
1/4 Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Plywood 3mm |
29cmx59cm |
$7.00 |
$5.25 |
$3.50 |
$1.75 |
|
Plywood 6mm |
29cmx59cm |
$10.00 |
$7.50 |
$5.00 |
$2.50 |
| MDF 3mm |
29cmx59cm |
$7.00 |
$5.25 |
$3.50 |
$1.75 |
|
MDF 6mm |
29cmx59cm |
$10.00 |
$7.50 |
$5.00 |
$2.50 |
Hardwoods and other materials are available upon request and depend on current availability.
The online payment accepts Mastercard and Visa credit cards. Online Interac transactions from RBC, TD Bank, and a few credit unions are also accepted. There is a minimum payment of $2.
If your credit/debit cards are not accepted by the online form, you can contact us to set up an in-person payment. Please note that OneCard and cash payments are not available.
This varies depending on the time of the semester. During end of term when projects are due, it may take a few days or more. If your design requires revisions from you, there may be back and forth communication. If it is a quieter time, turnaround can be much faster. It is best to submit your print job early in case there are technical issues or redesigns needed. Another cause for delay may be times when we are short staffed or are experiencing equipment issues.
Let us know if you have a deadline so that we can alert you of potential wait times if there is a long queue ahead of you.
Ask us