Laser Cutter
About
After some discussion about getting a laser cutter for the Makerspace, a laser cutter has been purchased through an eBay seller.
Estimated delivery 1st-2nd week of January 2019
The type of machine we are looking at is:
- 90 - 100W CO2 laser
- Model 1060 (1000 mm x 600 mm working area)
- 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."
- CW5000 chiller
- Ruida controller
- 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
- Lifting platform (200 mm)
- Rotary axis
- Auto focus
Also required:
- Ventilation
- Fire suppression
- Safety glasses
- User:Chrisgerlinsky Ordered 2 pair of laser safety glasses from different eBay sellers, both shipping from Hong Kong, Estimated delivery Fri, Dec 28 - Tue, Feb 19.
- Laser power meter
- User:Chrisgerlinsky Ordered this laser power meter, should arrive sometime in January.
- Cart / Stand (4'W x 3'D x 2'H)
- Ken is working on a design for a stand, w/space for chiller.
- 0-30ma DC Analog Ammeter
- Spares / Consumables
- Mirrors (3), diameter?
- Focus Lens (1), diameter? focal length?
- Cleaning swabs
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- DI water for chiller
Documents
Proposal documents for laser cutter and funding:
- Reci_90W_Laser_Cutter_Proposal_-_Nov_18.pdf
- Makerspace_Laser_Cutter_Funding.pdf
- eBay listing of purchased laser cutter
Payments
https://makerspacenanaimo.org/laser/
- WORKSHOP FEE – $50 (One-time payment)
- MONTHLY USAGE FEE – $10/mo (Subscription per calendar month)
Maintenance
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)
Sample - rubber stamp made with 80W laser
This stamp was made on an 80W laser cutter at at Schaffenburg e.V. (Germany). The Makerspace Nanaimo logo was taken from the front page of the https://makerspacenanaimo.org website and prepared for the laser cutter in a few minutes. This stamp is in a ziploc bag with an ink pad on the front desk at the Makerspace.
Youtube video - 80W laser engraving rubber Makerspace Nanaimo stamp
Other laser cutter uses and example projects
YouTube playlist - laser cutters
Learning Resources
https://hackaday.com/2016/05/31/how-to-fail-at-laser-cutting/
Youtube - Sarbar Multimedia / RDWorks Learning Lab
CNC Zone - Laser Cutter subforum
http://www.thunderlaser.com/laser-download
http://www.thunderlaser.com/video/how-to-use-your-laser-machine.html