Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

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== About ==  
== About ==  
 
===Issues:===
*'''Issues: Please contact [[Laser Cutter Team]]'''
* '''If any concerns or questions, please contact the [[Laser Cutter Team]]'''
 
*aka "''Mr. Burns''", "''Lazer''" (for Andrew)


[[File:Laser_cutter_on_table_-_Jan_2019.jpg|450px|laser cutter its table in the metal shop]]
[[File:Laser_cutter_on_table_-_Jan_2019.jpg|450px|laser cutter its table in the metal shop]]

Latest revision as of 18:37, 3 October 2022

About[edit]

Issues:[edit]

laser cutter its table in the metal shop

Machine specs[edit]

Additional infrastructure[edit]

Payments[edit]

https://makerspacenanaimo.org/laser/

Materials[edit]

Laser Cutter Materials


Samples[edit]

Laser Cut Projects done in the Makerspace.[edit]

Videos of the laser in action[edit]

Other sites[edit]

Facebook groups[edit]

Design Resources[edit]

2D Design Software[edit]

  • Inkscape - Vector graphics editor
  • Vectric VCarve Pro - Vector editing, import/export SVG/AI/EPS/DXF/DWG, nesting
  • DraftSight - a professional-grade 2D design and drafting solution that lets you create, edit, view and markup any kind of 2D drawing.
  • GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) - a cross-platform raster image editor available for GNU/Linux, OS X, Windows and more operating systems. It is free software, you can change its source code and distribute your changes.
  • QCAD - a free, open source application for computer aided drafting (CAD) in two dimensions (2D).


3D Design Software[edit]

  • Autodesk Tinkercad - Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It's used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything!
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 - free 3D CAD/CAM design software for students, educators, and academic institutions.
  • OnShape - Onshape saves you time with Parametric Modeling 2.0, a fundamentally better way to model using multi-part design, configurations, simultaneous sheet metal tools, standard content, and managed in-context design.
  • FreeCAD - FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters.
  • OpenSCAD - The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeler
  • Blender - Open Source 3D creation. Free to use for any purpose, forever.
  • SketchUp - SketchUp, formerly Google Sketchup, is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design.
  • DesignSpark Mechanical - a free 3D CAD solid modeling software DesignSpark Mechanical enables users to solid model in a 3D environment and create files for use with 3D printers. Using the direct modelling approach, it allows for unlimited and frequent design changes using an intuitive set of tools.


Other Tools[edit]

  • Boxes.py - Create boxes and more with a laser cutter! Boxes.py is an Open Source box generator written in Python. It features both finished parametrized generators as well as a Python API for writing your own. It features finger and (flat) dovetail joints, flex cuts, holes and slots for screws, hinges, gears, pulleys and much more.
  • Box Designer Give us dimensions and we'll generate a PDF you can use to cut a notched box on a laser-cutter.
  • Deepnest - Open source nesting software. Great for laser cutters, plasma cutters, and other CNC machines.
  • Slicer for Fusion 360 - Slices and converts 3D models (STL, OBJ) into 2D (EPS, DXF, PDF) patterns that you can cut out of any flat material. Slicer for Fusion 360 also creates 3D instructions you can interact with, to help build a model. Can be run standalone or an app within Fusion 360.

Learning Resources[edit]

Laser Cutter Training[edit]

Manufacturer Youtube Channels (lots of projects)[edit]

Learning Youtube Channels[edit]

Misc[edit]

Photos[edit]

  • Laser cutter, uncrated but still on the pallet.

    Laser cutter, uncrated but still on the pallet.

  • Back of the laser cutter.

    Back of the laser cutter.

  • Laser cutter exhaust fan (6")

    Laser cutter exhaust fan (6")

  • Laser cutter and accessories.

    Laser cutter and accessories.

  • Accessories received with laser cutter.

    Accessories received with laser cutter.

  • Water chiller and rotary axis for laser cutter.

    Water chiller and rotary axis for laser cutter.

  • Reci 90W CO2 laser tube in laser cutter.

    Reci 90W CO2 laser tube in laser cutter.

  • Label of Reci 90W CO2 laser tube.

    Label of Reci 90W CO2 laser tube.

  • Back panel on laser cutter.

    Back panel on laser cutter.

  • Top label and Ruida front control panel of laser cutter.

    Top label and Ruida front control panel of laser cutter.

Maintenance[edit]

Focus lens removal

https://k40laser.se/faq-how-to/

https://k40laser.se/lens-mirrors/mirror-alignment-the-ultimate-guide/

http://www.thunderlaser.com/troubleshooting/maintenance/maintain.html

Thingiverse - Material Test Card for Laser Cutting and Engraving (SVG)


Usage Statistics[edit]

Date Total on time
(hh:mm:ss) 		Total processing time
(hh:mm:ss) 		Total laser on time
(hh:mm:ss) 		Total processing times
(#) 		X Total travel
(m) 		Y Total travel
(m)
January 29, 2019 0 0 0 0 0 0
August 14, 2019 615:42:00 330:47:29 159:41:37 2128 202472 6153
September 04, 2019 668:45:00 353:14:55 171:34:52 2491 217446 6937
November 20, 2019 835:03:30 425:39:47 209:57:19 3422 262530 9827
February 20, 2020 1011:44:30 512:16:46 257:44:36 4553 315267 12377
March 04, 2020 1081:34:00 550:26:27 278:49:00 5039 342103 13323
March 11, 2020 1099:27:30 559:39:39 281:35:58 5157 351965 13447
May 09, 2020 1154:37:00 583:19:33 296:51:20 5711 367096 14201
November 28, 2020 1525:53:00 775:36:24 400:34:28 7505 494034 17718
December 5, 2020 1553:13:30 793:03:21 410:40:16 7602 506200 18015
February 15, 2021 1663:13:00 843:27:26 440:16:36 8371 537602 19318
February 20, 2022 2139:53:30 1067:44:24 563:42:18 11267 673982 24443

Maintenance Log[edit]

  • 2019-02-XX JP: Re-wired door switch to Ruida controller input CN2-3 "DrProc" and GND
  • 2019-02-XX JP: Laser power min/max set in vendor settings to 7%/75% for tube life longevity
    • 75% draws 25mA, measured with Fluke ammeter.
    • 7% etches paper, minimum viable power.
  • 2019-02-XX JP: Mains input is now 120VAC
    • Contactor installed to switch mains 120VAC.
    • Emergency stop button now in series with contactor coil, instead of main power circuit.
    • 120VAC->220VAC transformer installed in electronics compartment. Fed 120VAC mains, output to 220VAC distribution terminal block.
  • 2019-03-XX JP: SSR installed in electronics compartment for future RFID interlocking
  • 2019-04-03 JP: Hard-wired external exhaust fan, water chiller and air assist pump to turn on with main laser power.
    • 250VAC inline socket/plug set inside cabinet for 220VAC air assist pump
    • 120VAC dual-socket electrical box inside cabinet for water chiller and exhaust fan
    • Exhaust fan speed controller removed. Straight 120VAC extension cord installed and run along exhaust ducting back to laser electronics cabinet.
  • 2019-04-08 JP: Ordered qty 2, 20mm dia. x 63.5mm focal length, focus lenses. AliExpress
    • 2019-04-29 JP: Arrived.
  • 2019-07-23 MS: Reported that the machine would not power on.
    • 2019-07-24 CB: Discovered IEC power entry module failed; replaced with available non-fuse version.
  • 2019-11-06 JP: Raster engraving was showing blurred edges on the extreme bounds of graphics. As speed increased, problem was worse.
    • 2019-11-06 JP: Added lock washers to fasteners holding lens assembly to bearing bracket which resolved the issue.
  • 2019-11-08 DS: Laser PC upgraded to i7 with SSD
  • 2020-02-12 JP: Red dot point reported not working; broken wire found in cable chain
    • replaced all 3 wires in X-axis portion of cable chain
  • 2020-03-11 JP: installed 2x SPDT 24VDC relays on +24VDC and "status" output of Ruida controller to monitor power and running status
    • COM/NO contacts will interface with RFID interlock system
  • 2020-09-13 RR: X-axis linear bearing sounding worn out
    • 2020-09-29 JP: "MGN12C" bearing ordered; 1x from Spool3D, 2x from ebay
  • 2020-11-18 JP: X-axis belt worn
    • 2020-11-28 JP: MXL-10mm, 3 meters belt ordered from ebay
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