Introduction to laser cutting for designers
Course Overview
Start creating precise, professional results with this hands-on introduction to laser cutting. Learn how to turn your design ideas into physical outcomes using digital fabrication tools and industry approaches. You will explore the full process, from preparing files to cutting and assembling finished work.
Teaching is practical and step-by-step, helping you build confidence with equipment and materials. You will develop skills you can use for creative projects, prototyping, or small-scale production. Ideal for beginners, this course provides a solid foundation for progression into design, fabrication, and digital making at WM College in Camden, London.
Location: Crowndale Road, Camden
Who is this course for and what will I learn?
This course is for adults who want to learn laser cutting for design and making. It is suitable if you:
- Want to create precise designs in materials such as wood or acrylic
- Are interested in product design, fabrication, or craft
- Are exploring creative or technical skills for work or personal projects
- Are returning to learning and want structured, practical support
This is a beginner-level course. You do not need previous experience in design software or fabrication. Your tutor will guide you step by step through the process. If you already have basic digital or design skills, you can build on them and develop your confidence further.
On this course, you will learn how to:
- Prepare design files suitable for laser cutting
- Understand how laser cutting machines work safely and effectively
- Set up and manage cutting and engraving processes
- Select appropriate materials for different outcomes
- Assemble and finish your work professionally
- Build confidence in digital fabrication workflows
- Want to create precise designs in materials such as wood or acrylic
- Are interested in product design, fabrication, or craft
- Are exploring creative or technical skills for work or personal projects
- Are returning to learning and want structured, practical support
This is a beginner-level course. You do not need previous experience in design software or fabrication. Your tutor will guide you step by step through the process. If you already have basic digital or design skills, you can build on them and develop your confidence further.
On this course, you will learn how to:
- Prepare design files suitable for laser cutting
- Understand how laser cutting machines work safely and effectively
- Set up and manage cutting and engraving processes
- Select appropriate materials for different outcomes
- Assemble and finish your work professionally
- Build confidence in digital fabrication workflows
How will I learn?
You will learn through practical, hands-on sessions at WM College in Camden, London. Lessons include demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual project work. Class sizes are small to allow for personalised support. Your tutor will provide clear, step-by-step instruction and ongoing feedback to help you develop skills and confidence throughout the course.
You do not need to bring specialist equipment for this course. WM College provides access to laser cutting machines and essential tools during sessions.
Some basic materials may be provided, and your tutor will advise on suitable materials for your projects. You may wish to bring a notebook for notes. There is no need to purchase materials before the first session.
Basic materials for initial projects are usually included. If you choose to work on more advanced or personal projects, you may wish to purchase additional materials. These costs are optional and will be kept as low as possible. Your tutor will advise you on suitable suppliers and approximate costs based on your project needs.
You do not need to bring specialist equipment for this course. WM College provides access to laser cutting machines and essential tools during sessions.
Some basic materials may be provided, and your tutor will advise on suitable materials for your projects. You may wish to bring a notebook for notes. There is no need to purchase materials before the first session.
Basic materials for initial projects are usually included. If you choose to work on more advanced or personal projects, you may wish to purchase additional materials. These costs are optional and will be kept as low as possible. Your tutor will advise you on suitable suppliers and approximate costs based on your project needs.
Assessment and next steps
Assessment is practical and continuous throughout the course. You will complete small projects that demonstrate your ability to prepare files, operate the laser cutter, and produce finished work.
Your tutor will provide regular feedback and support at each stage. Assessment is designed to build your confidence and develop your skills, rather than create pressure.
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand the laser cutting process from design to production
- Develop practical fabrication skills
- Gain confidence using digital tools and equipment
You will produce finished pieces that demonstrate your skills and support your creative or professional development.
There is no required work outside class. You may choose to develop your designs or practise your skills between sessions, but this is optional. Your tutor will support you if you wish to extend your learning beyond the classroom.
After completing this course, you can progress to more advanced fabrication, product design, or digital making courses at WM College. You may also explore related areas such as 3D printing, CAD design, or creative technology.
These skills are useful in creative industries, small-scale manufacturing, and prototyping. You could apply your knowledge to personal projects, build a portfolio, or develop products for sale.
WM College also offers careers advice and guidance to support your next steps, whether continuing your studies or developing your creative and professional practice.
Your tutor will provide regular feedback and support at each stage. Assessment is designed to build your confidence and develop your skills, rather than create pressure.
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand the laser cutting process from design to production
- Develop practical fabrication skills
- Gain confidence using digital tools and equipment
You will produce finished pieces that demonstrate your skills and support your creative or professional development.
There is no required work outside class. You may choose to develop your designs or practise your skills between sessions, but this is optional. Your tutor will support you if you wish to extend your learning beyond the classroom.
After completing this course, you can progress to more advanced fabrication, product design, or digital making courses at WM College. You may also explore related areas such as 3D printing, CAD design, or creative technology.
These skills are useful in creative industries, small-scale manufacturing, and prototyping. You could apply your knowledge to personal projects, build a portfolio, or develop products for sale.
WM College also offers careers advice and guidance to support your next steps, whether continuing your studies or developing your creative and professional practice.
Tutor Profiles
Frank Harris
3D design and fabrication tutor and technicain
Frank is a sculptor and fabricator, who has been working both on his own art practice and as a fabricator for other creatives for over 15 years. His practice spans multiple materials, but has a focus on clay, wood and metal, often combining the use of digital and traditional techniques.
Frank has been teaching hands-on courses for 6 years. Focusing on helping students develop the confidence, independence and self-knowledge to find their way in the exciting worlds of sculpture, framing and 3d design.
- BA (Hons) Fine Art – Slade School of Art, UCL
- Exhibited work at galleries and events across the uk and internationally
- Selected for Sharjah Art foundation – March project to represent uk universities
- Worked for Artists both in the Uk and abroad, notably Charles Gadeken and Jakbox
3D design and fabrication tutor and technicain
Frank is a sculptor and fabricator, who has been working both on his own art practice and as a fabricator for other creatives for over 15 years. His practice spans multiple materials, but has a focus on clay, wood and metal, often combining the use of digital and traditional techniques.
Frank has been teaching hands-on courses for 6 years. Focusing on helping students develop the confidence, independence and self-knowledge to find their way in the exciting worlds of sculpture, framing and 3d design.
- BA (Hons) Fine Art – Slade School of Art, UCL
- Exhibited work at galleries and events across the uk and internationally
- Selected for Sharjah Art foundation – March project to represent uk universities
- Worked for Artists both in the Uk and abroad, notably Charles Gadeken and Jakbox
Related Courses
