Expanding Beyond Traditional Shop Class

At Trotec EDU, we understand laser technology should serve the entire learning community. A Trotec laser is not just a fabrication tool — it’s a cross-disciplinary platform for creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving.

From engineering and fine arts to entrepreneurship and research labs, laser technology enables:

  • Prototyping in engineering and product design
  • Scientific modeling and visualizations
  • Architectural and CAD-based coursework
  • Custom signage, awards, and marketing materials for student-run businesses
  • Hands-on STEM experiences that prepare students for career pathways

We’ve created a library of sample projects and instructional content to demonstrate how laser integration can enhance multiple departments — turning a single investment into a school-wide or campus-wide asset.

Whether you manage a fabrication lab in higher ed or lead an interdisciplinary team in a K–12 setting, we invite you to explore how Trotec supports teaching, learning, and innovation beyond the shop room walls.

Beyond Shop Class Projects

History

For Remembrance Day, our Trotec EDU program has launched a History project reconstructing the Battle of Vimy Ridge on our laser cutting machine using our Trotec 6mm MDF and our TroGlass Cast Acrylics.

Drama

For Drama class we are building a paper mask. We use our Trotec Laser Paper in black, blue, grey and tangerine colours. We laser engrave different patterns on top of our paper, kiss cut the fold lines and do a full cut around the shapes. We then glue all the pieces together.

Geography

For Geography class, we’re laser cutting topographic maps of Toronto’s Don Valley river using our Trotec Speedy 360 laser cutter. The material we’re using is our TroCraft Eco 1mm. Made from pure cellulose fiber, TroCraft Eco is a fully biodegradable material, completely additive and emission-free.

Art

For Art class, and we’ve made an amazing one-line painting from laser cut acrylic. We’ve used our Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutting machine and our TroGlass white and black cast acrylics.

English

For English Class, we’re laser cutting a custom story board made from our TroGlass acrylic, Trotec solid wood, and our TroLase Metallics plastic sheets. All this is done on our Trotec Speedy 360 laser cutter.

Chemistry

For Chemistry class, we’ve made an amazing acrylic periodic table using our Trotec Speedy 100 laser cutter. This is a wonderful example how a Trotec laser cutting machine can bring out laser cut school projects from beyond “shop” class and into general science.

Business

For Business Class, we’ve created a full-sheet size of key chains using our TroGlass neon acrylic. The idea is for students to create a product that they could sell, figure out cost of time and materials and what kind of profits they can bring in from these key chains.