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LASER MACHINES IN EDUCATION

USE OF LASER CUTTERS HAS REVOLUTIONISED THE TEACHING OF CAD/CAM IN THE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM


With its high-speed production, the simple to use Universal Laser Systems have become an essential tool in Schools, 
Universities and makerspace labs, producing quality products directly from the machine. If you are considering adding
a laser or upgrading your existing laser system, we have put together some information to help make the process simple
to follow and give your teaching staff the assurance that their students will be able to complete their coursework
within the precious time that is available.

Lasers can process such a diverse range of low cost materials that they have opened up new and exciting developments in Design and Technology.

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Universal Laser Machines Used In schools

MOST COMMONLY USED

LASER IN NEW ZEALAND SCHOOLS

Most Commonly Used Lasers in New Zealand Schools

Designed and manufactured in the USA, Universal Laser machines are ideal for use in the Education environment due to their versatility, ease of use (with intuitive printer drivers that allow students to work directly from all leading graphics and CAD packages), low ongoing cost of ownership, ease of maintenance and industry leading safety standards .

The most common Universal Laser machines installed in schools are our VLS series (shown below in green).

Our VLS Desktop range of laser cutters is a great choice for classrooms with limited space. The laser cutter can be placed on a desk, or on top of a filtration system, resulting in a mobile unit which can easily be positioned anywhere in the workshop or moved around as required.

Those looking for larger processing area commonly select the VLS Platform series machines – capable of housing up to 60 watts of power.  The increased power and bed size of these machines provide teachers and students endless options.

All of the VLS range of machines use Universal Laser cartridges (as opposed to third party and older technology glass laser tubes) guaranteeing years of continuous output and reliability for the classroom.  

Full range of universal laser machines
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The laser control software is installed as a printer driver allowing students to work directly with all leading graphics & CAD packages used in schools such as 2D Design, CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator & Solidworks. This means that your students can quickly and easily learn to process work using the intuitive printer driver to get the most out of your laser cutter & engraver. This is the same technology students will go on to use within almost all New Zealand Universities and Technical Institutes.

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What Departments Use Universal Laser Systems?

WHAT DEPARTMENTS USE

LASER MACHINES IN SCHOOLS

Originally used primarily in Design and Technology departments, with students working in materials such as wood and acrylic, laser cutting machines are now used across a wide range of subjects and curriculum areas due to their capabilities and the  diverse range of low cost materials that you can work in.  This has opened up new and exciting developments across a multitude of subject areas including Hard Materials, Soft Materials, Food Technology, Art, Computer Design, Science, Robotics, Electronics and more.  See examples of some of these uses below.

The introduction of Makerspace Labs into schools has allowed students studying a range of subjects to utilise laser technology in conjunction with tools such as routers and 3D printers.   Students can take an idea, and within minutes have produced a prototype which can be developed to where the final product is high end and equivalent to what you see in a store. The satisfaction of producing something of such high quality keeps students engaged and proud of their projects. Teachers have told us that with their Universal Laser, long gone are the days where you are left with a pile of unclaimed projects at the end of the year, as students are eager to keep their creations.

In addition to using the laser for the education purposes above, schools are now also using their in house lasers to produce school signage, awards and promotional material.

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Hard Materials

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Computer Design

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Soft Materials

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Science

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Food

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Robotics & Electronics

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Art

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School Signage &

Awards

WHO IS USING UNIVERSAL

LASER SYSTEMS

We have many machines operating in the education sector throughout the country across Secondary schools, Intermediate schools and even some Primary schools with a small selection of the early adopters of this technology being:

Auckland Boys Grammar, Avondale College, Central Hawkes Bay College, Christs College, Diocesan School for Girls, Havelock North Intermediate, Henderson High School, Karamu High School, Kings College, Mt Roskill Intermediate, Northcote College, Rangi Ruru Girls School, Takapuna Grammar, Tauranga Girls College, Waihi College, Waiopehu College, Waitakere College, Wellington College, Western Springs College, Westlake Girls High School, Whangarei Girls High School, plus dozens more.  As these schools have all been using Universal Laser Technology for a number of years, we have no doubt they would be happy to give you feedback on the quality of the machines, their application within the school and the service and support provided.

As Students go on to further their studies they will be using Universal Laser Systems at Auckland University, AUT, EIT, Massey University, Otago University, Unitec, Victoria University, Weltec and many others.

As a next step, many large organisations and manufacturing operations within New Zealand (and overseas) use Universal Laser technology for a variety of uses, with a few New Zealand examples being: Air New Zealand, ADFW Model making, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Fulton Hogan, Gallagher Group, and Weta Workshop.

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Students using laser
Students using laser
Students using laser
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What materials can you work in?

WHAT MATERIALS

CAN YOU WORK IN?

One of the many advantages of working with a laser over 3D printing, is that it allows students to work in real world materials and design their project using the same materials that would be used if they took their product into manufacturing. This teaches them skills that are directly transferable into industry. 

Using a Universal Laser System, enables students to work with a huge range of materials including many low cost options.  Teachers have provided feedback that their Universal Laser System has reduced their materials cost significantly as they can nest projects and utilise even the smallest amount of material, almost eliminating wastage.

Some of the main materials used by schools are:

  • Plastic

    • Acetal (Delrin)

    • Acrylic

    • ABS

    • Polycarb

    • Nylon

    • plus many other plastics

  • Metal

    • Alumamark (Laserable Aluminium)

    • ​Durablack (Laserable Aluminium)

    • Stainless Steel

    • Anodised Aluminium

    • Aluminium

    • Painted Metals

    • plus many other metals

  • Paper

    • Card​

    • Tapes

  • Wood

    • MDF

    • Pine

    • Balsa

    • Ply

    • Plus all other woods

 

  • Fabric

    • Denim​

    • Silk

    • Cotton

    • Polyester

    • Felt

    • Leather

    • Plus many other fabrics

  • Rubber and Foams

    • Rubber Stamp Rubber​

    • Polyurethane Foam

  • Glass

PROJECTS BY NEW ZEALAND STUDENTS YEARS 7-13

Examples of laser cut projects by New Zealand Schools
Secondary School Universal Laser Competition

SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNIVERSAL

LASER COMPETITION

Laser Technology Award for students
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