Laser Training and Equipment

Laser
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I’ve been thinking about the comments I’ve received, most recently at the Laser Committee meeting, as well as earlier statements from various board members, regarding my ideas for expanding laser and optics equipment at DMS. Although it might seem logical for all lasers and optics to fall under the Laser Committee, the Laser Committee is 99.99… oh, really, 100% about our industrial cutting machines. However, I believe that it would be in everyone’s interest if DMS offers people a broader appreciation of lasers and optics than just how to cut out patterns. We want more people who can service the laser cutters, and we want more types of laser cutters, but having a trained crew, or members who understand what a laser is, requires knowing more than what kind of grease to apply to the screw jacks. That’s why I’ve suggested starting a Photonics Committee.

I discussed my suggestion with several people, including Robert on the Board and William. Robert says that his concern is that the lasers that I suggest we get would not see general use; I’d be the only person using them. But, the reason I want to get these lasers is to help educate our members on lasers. Then, I’m not the only person using the lasers; the class is using the lasers! They are educational tools and some of them could even be put to practical use as industrial tools.

At the meeting, a few of us discussed obtaining a small diode laser cutter, perhaps as a kit off eBay. The ultimate end of that conversation was William saying that he would buy one on his own, and if it were a good piece of equipment, DMS could buy it from him. That’s a generous offer, but I believe that our members could benefit by putting one of these devices together for themselves, the way that 3D Fab is building their own printer.

I think that members ought to have the opportunity to know more than how to set up a cut pattern on an industrial laser. DMS ought to invest in expanding this educational outreach.

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I would say the laser could expand to more and better stuff as in thin
metal and engraving metal. The same was said about the 4 by 4 cnc router
and the wide format printer (the space doesnt need one) and now look at it
them both. If if committee or the space really wanted to judge interest in
something a survey may help. You could focus on what the membership really
wants then.

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As a point to the 3d Fab… it was said a long time ago, that the space didn’t need a 3d Fab committee and that there would be too much overlap. If you think a photonics committee would server then try and have it made. The only reason to really create a committee is to establish space to house equipment, and to ask/maintain funds. If you aren’t going for that, then really it’s a special interest group.

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@mlass Thanks for the encouragement. What I’ve found with surveys is that most (>99%) of the membership ignores them, and half the remainder won’t do what they claim they are interested in. I found that with my classes, anyway. The only way to gauge member interest is actually to do whatever it is one is trying to do, and see who jumps on board at that time.

@Andrew_Falgout Thanks for the advice. Those reasons you stated are exactly the reasons for making a Photonics committee. We have equipment that would need to be stored, and we would need funds to get the equipment. Robert’s point was that as I’m the only one using the equipment, and space is limited, it would be best if I owned and stored the equipment on my own. As I say, though, if I’m using it to teach classes, and especially if it is equipment that is useful for other tasks outside the classroom, then I’m not the only one using the equipment.