Laser Cutting and Engraving

The laser engraver and cutter is currently out-of-order.

The Collab Lab has a Universal Laser engraver and cutter with a 60 watt laser and an 32 by 18-inch table. Appopintments are required to use this equipment.

Please note that you must attend a required safety training session (60 minutes) to use the Universal Laser prior to booking an appointment. Without proof of a Universal Certification Card, you will not be able to book a session and operate the equipment.

Appointments

A BGSU ID and the Universal Certification Card are required to use this equipment. Appointments available weekdays 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

When using the Universal Laser, you must stay with the machine for the entire print. If you walk away, an employee will stop the machine to prevent a fire. If you break the machine, you will be assessed the cost to repair or replace it.

Book an appointment

Training

Trainings last 60 minutes and you will complete a small project. After the training, you will receive a Universal Certification Card. Appointments available weekdays 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Schedule training

Universal Template

This Adobe Illustrator document has the correct color swatches and the size of our laser's table. Black raster engraves, blue vector engraves, and red creates the cut lines. The red lines must be .001 pt.

Download the Universal Template (.ai)

Purchasing Materials

Once you’ve received a Universal Certification Card, you can purchase approved materials from the Circulation Desk.

If you supply your own material, you must bring the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Materials can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes, BG Art Supply Depo, or on Amazon.

Approved Materials
  • Natural Wood (can cut 1/4 inch)
    • Oak, Pine, Cedar, Maple, Balsa, Alder, Cherry, Birch, Basswood, etc.
    • Avoid oily/resinous wood
  • Plywood (can cut 1/8 inch)
    • Birch plywood recommended
  • Marble
  • Glass (no plastics in it)
  • Paper/cardstock
    • Matboard
    • Chardboard
    • Chipboard
  • Acrylic (can cut ¼ inch)
    • Optix
    • Plastikote
    • Plexiglas brand
  • Natural cork (not engineered)
  • Jean material (wet down first)

Purchase Anodized metals in library (engrave only)

Banned Materials
  • Any painted materials
  • Oily/resinous wood
  • Plastics
  • PVC, Corrugated Plastic, ABS, PLA, HDPE (Milk bottle), PET, PETG, Delrin, etc.
  • MDF or any other engineered wood
  • Masonite, Bending Plywood, Tropical Hardwoods
  • Polycarbonate
  • Foam, Styrene, Polystyrene, PolyPropylene, Depron, Gator, Foam Core
  • Fiberglass
  • Nylon, Polyester, Vinyl, Leather
  • Corian
  • No Shiny Metals

Updated: 09/19/2025 01:23PM