Laser Cutter

aka "Mr. Burns"

aka "Lazer" (for Andrew)

About

Machine specs

• Make: HL-Yeah
• Model: HL-ZXP 1060 100W (975 mm x 600 mm working area) [1]
  • Manual: Download
  • https://youtu.be/z0I_VBttqEI
  • https://youtu.be/xphDmXKrCgg
• Reci W2 (90W-100W) CO2 laser tube
  • "The running current must be kept below 27mA. The life span can reach 8,000 hours if the current is kept below 25mA."
    • 75% power setting draws 25mA (measured), 7% power setting is minimum to raster etch paper, so power in RDWorks 'vendor settings' (password-protected) NOT TO BE MODIFIED BY USER was set to Min: 7%, Max: 75% in vendor settings
  • HY-100W laser tube power supply [2][3]
    • 220VAC +/- 10% input, 40kVDC output (32mA max)
• D&N CW5000 chiller
  • 120VAC, 6.5A, 750W capacity
  • File:Laser chiller manual.pdf
  • File:Laser chiller maint manual.pdf
• Ruida controller ("RDC6442S-B(EC)")
  • HL-1060 RDworks software download: https://hl-yeah.com/2017/07/03/hanlaser-hl-1060-100w130w-ruida-dsp-rdc6442gs-download/
    • RDWorks v8.01.34 - http://www.mediafire.com/file/6g351955fd79ojv/RDWorksV8__8.01.34.rar/file
  • Ruida English site downloads (includes RDImage)
  • Hardware Manual: http://en.rd-acs.com/Private/Files/a4d9f12fe9e32eb7.pdf
  • RD Works v8 Software Manual: http://www.thunderlaser.com/download/down/RDWorksV8_Software_and_the_plug_in_software_SetUp_Manual.pdf
  • RDWorksLab operator's manual for RDWorks (Good English documentation for RDWorks software): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-sU_TFE8RdZfG81w6d70Xi1PCEsz9MSt
• Lifting platform (200 mm) honeycomb work table
• Rotary axis
• Auto focus
  • 2DM542-06 stepper motor driver for Z axis
    • Picture of settings
    • SW 1 OFF, SW 2 OFF, SW 3 OFF --> 5.6A peak current
    • SW 4 OFF -->standby current, half
    • SW 5 OFF, SW 6 ON, SW 7 OFF, SW 8 ON -->6400 steps per revolution
• Optics
  • Focal lens (diameter 20mm, focal length 63.5mm(2.5"))
  • Mirror diameter is 20mm
• Nema 17 Stepper motor system
  • 17HW4410H Stepper motors
  • Lihuiyu Studio Labs M415DRV stepper motor drivers for X & Y axis
    • Picture of settings
    • SW 1 ON, SW 2 OFF, SW 3 OFF, SW 4 ON --> 0.7A peak current
    • SW 5 OFF --> auto half current
    • SW 6 OFF, SW 7 OFF, SW 8 OFF -->32 microstepping, 6400 pulse/rev.

Additional infrastructure

• Ventilation
  • VIVOSUN 6 Inch 440 CFM Inline Duct Ventilation Fan with Variable Speed Controller, 2450RPM, 120VAC, 1.1A
• Fire suppression
• Safety glasses
  • 1 pair received with laser cutter (dark lenses), 2 pair of laser safety glasses from eBay sellers.
• Laser power meter - received 0-200W laser power meter "POWERGAUGE V1" from eBay seller ukemm_qewpbhg
  • File:POWERGAUGE-V1-instuctions-version2.pdf
• Cart / Stand (4'W x 3'D x 2'H) (built by Ken K)
• 0-30ma DC Analog Ammeter
• Spares / Consumables
  • Mirrors (3), diameter?
  • Focus Lens (1), diameter? focal length?
  • Cleaning swabs
  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • DI water for chiller

Payments

https://makerspacenanaimo.org/laser/

• WORKSHOP FEE – $50 (One-time payment)
• MONTHLY USAGE FEE – $10/mo (Subscription per calendar month)

Materials

Laser Cutter Materials

• https://www.bosslaser.com/laser-settings/
• http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/Manuals/SpeedsFeeds_RL.pdf
• http://www.thunderlaser.com/upload/download/parameters-for-different-materials-100watt.pdf

Samples

Laser Cut Projects done in the Makerspace.

• 

  Makerspace logo engraved and cut in plywood

• 

  LASER engraved in PC side panel

• 

  Marvel Calendar

• 

  Ceramic tile (first)

• 

  Ceramic tile (second)

• 

  Mirror etched from backside, backlit - penrose tile.

• 

  Mirror etched from front side - penrose tile.

• 

  Racing Car 3D Puzzle cut from cardboard

• 

  Power levels test in 1/4" oak

Videos of the laser in action

• Makerspace Nanaimo on YouTube: Making paper doilies with a laser cutter (< 1 minute)
• Makerspace Nanaimo on YouTube: Laser engraving a ceramic tile (teaser) (20 seconds)
• Makerspace Nanaimo on YouTube: Laser engraving dragon on anodised aluminum business card (1m50s)

Other sites

• https://www.troteclaser.com/en/knowledge/do-it-yourself-samples/
• https://www.epiloglaser.com/resources/sample-club.htm
• https://www.bosslaser.com/laser-files/downloads/
• http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=20
• http://www.thunderlaser.com/category/sample-club

Facebook groups

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/1649552468616089/ - Laser & CNC cut patterns (closed group)
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/955418137942545/ - hobby Cnc laser cut free cdr dxf file (closed group)

Design Resources

2D Design Software

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• Template maker - Card Box A long, thin box. Suitable for chocolate cigaretes, playing cards, etc.

• Box Designer Give us dimensions and we'll generate a PDF you can use to cut a notched box on a laser-cutter.

• makeabox.io Another online notched box designer.

• Jigsaw Puzzle Generator

• Cartonus - Designs for laser cutting

• Deepnest - Open source nesting software. Great for laser cutters, plasma cutters, and other CNC machines.

• SVGnest - Open Source nesting.

• 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

Laser Cutter Training

• Using the Laser Cutter
• Media:Laser_Cutter_Training_slideshow.pdf

Manufacturer Youtube Channels (lots of projects)

• Trotec Laser Canada
• Epilog Laser
• Thunder Laser
• Full Spectrum Laser

Learning Youtube Channels

• Youtube - Sarbar Multimedia / RDWorks Learning Lab
  • File:Rdworks learning lab index (up to 162).pdf] (721 KB)
• Youtube - Thinklaser

Misc

• Hackaday - How to fail at laser cutting
• CNC Zone - Laser Cutter subforum
• Sawmill Creek - Laser Engraving subforum
• RdWorksLab Forum
• Reddit - Lasercutting
• http://www.thunderlaser.com/laser-download
• http://www.thunderlaser.com/video/how-to-use-your-laser-machine.html

Photos

• 

  Laser cutter, uncrated but still on the pallet.

• 

  Back of the laser cutter.

• 

  Laser cutter exhaust fan (6")

• 

  Laser cutter and accessories.

• 

  Accessories received with laser cutter.

• 

  Water chiller and rotary axis for laser cutter.

• 

  Reci 90W CO2 laser tube in laser cutter.

• 

  Label of Reci 90W CO2 laser tube.

• 

  Back panel on laser cutter.

• 

  Top label and Ruida front control panel of laser cutter.

Maintenance

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)

Maintenance Log

• 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.