Plasma Cutting Badge

*Prerequisites – see below

Cutting metal by hand can be exhausting, so why not learn how to make a robot do it for you? Take your metal work to the next level as you learn to process basic vector or CAD drawings into precision-cut steel designs with our CNC plasma cutter.

What you’ll learn:
• Fundamentals of plasma cutting and the science behind it
• Basic CAD process and exporting files for plasma cutting
• A thorough breakdown of the various components of the plasma cutter
• Consumables and replaceable parts
• Cutting capabilities of various-sized materials
• Step-by-step instructions for safely operating the machine
• Guidelines for troubleshooting common errors

Students may bring their own .dxf drawing that they would like to use; however, there is no personal file prep for this class.

This workshop is for the CNC plasma table only. Members wishing to use the rest of the metal shop tools will still need to attend the metal shop badge workshop offered separately. A basic understanding of working in a metal shop is helpful but no previous experience is required. Students must be at least 16 years of age.  Minors must have parental permission and a signed waiver (ask us).

MAKE will provide eye protection (safety goggles), and hearing protection (ear muffs or ear plugs), respiratory protection (particle mask or respirator). Students are required to wear long-sleeve natural-fiber clothing, cotton or denim pants, and closed-toed shoes. The intensity of the arc can cause flash burns if improper clothing is worn. Long hair must be pulled back.

Prerequisites:
This class does not include file preparation or design instruction.

• Previous experience with vector design software (like Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designers, or Inkscape).
• Working knowledge of basic design concepts such as creating shapes, using layers, and setting dimensions.
• Basic understanding of file types, importing and exporting files, and ability to navigate windows and MacOS filesystems.
• *Prerequisite: WORKSHOP – 2D Drafting for CNC (you can bypass this by successfully taking this short drafting test: recreate that in your preferred program and email it to build@makesantafe.org)