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Laser V

Discussion in 'Controller Boards' started by Robert Hummel, Dec 31, 2013.

  1. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    ok, I looked it up while I was waiting and it looks like operating temp is up to 257f. With no load it is getting to around 244f with out a fan. With a fan it is holding at around 130f. 20140511_171312.jpg
     
  2. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    A cooling fan is optional but a good idea.
    The laser when in operation will not run as hot.
    What voltage power supply are you using?
    What do you have the output voltage set to on LD+
     
  3. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    I am not sure. I have not adjusted it at all.
     
  4. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Ok, have you wired your m140 yet?
    What you should do is put a multimeter on LD+ LD- and give the m03 comand.
    You can then adjust your voltage to 7.2vdc
    Next you wire your M140 and adjust its power level using the current adjust.
    In your case you have no worry because your diode can handle anything the driver puts out.

    GLASSES PLEASE ;)
     
  5. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    Laser will come once I make all my mistakes. Speaking of mistakes. I figures out why I was having temp issues. I had my stepper driver in backwards. I am lucky I ordered a batch of them or else I would not be happy right now.
     
  6. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Ahhhh I figured something was up because with no load you should not see temps that high and hence why I asked if the diode was connected.
     
  7. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    yeah once I realized what happened I felt real stupid. It cost me 2 good stepper drivers.
     
  8. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    That blows, keep the heat sinks and I will send you two blue ones with your plates
     
  9. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    I had some extras from another project I am working on so I got it up and working.

     
  10. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Sweat!
    Well I will still send ya some blue ones as I have the extra ;)
     
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  11. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    Keep this up and you will be on the Christmas card list :thumbsup:
     
  12. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Ok I have slapped a care package together with 2 blue stepsticks, 2 x 12vdc fans, stand offs with screws/nuts and your custom plates.
    I have a biz day tomorrow so it will go out tue's ;)
     
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  13. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    Wow, that is one heck of a care package. I am still sourcing a few parts that I want to have before I put it all together so I am sure it will get here before the rest of the parts do.
     
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  14. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    LD2X has sold out on Openbuilds

    A new version the LD3X will be made in a lot of ten with the following changes.

    -Power indication LED
    -Relay is powered by 5v regulator rather then the arduino
    -Relay contact rating of 3 amps
    -Regulated 5v pin rail added along side of the negative pin rail
    -Manual laser on/off pin-out for a momentary switch beside the reset pin-out
    -Dual stepstick Y axis
    -Single stepstick X axis
    -Single stepstick Z axis added for laser focusing
    -RX/TX pin out

    Everything else is the same, board size was enlarged by 20 mm width wise.
    Again I have kept it single sided for easy DIY
    The updated file will be posted soon along with a parts list
     
    #44 Robert Hummel, May 13, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2014
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  15. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    @JCPhlux
    Your custom plates and care package is on its way :)
    Same time frame as before
     
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  16. Rob Taylor

    Rob Taylor Master
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    @Robert Hummel : I'm idly debating the relative merits of laser cutters and CNC mills at the minute with a general intent to build one or both, probably sometime in the next year (just ask Mark about my timescales, lol). I'm more interested right now in cutting rather than etching (since etching is just really fast cutting), but more specifically cutting materials with depth. Let's say for example, 1/2" ply, or maybe styrene. Or 1/4" ply if you think 1/2" is overkill for a diode laser.

    Now, this LD2X/Nano/4988 setup seems pretty much plug-and-play by open source standards, which is awesome. But like many others, it's just X-Y- which of course is an issue when it comes to laser focusing through the Z axis to continue cutting downward. Since I prefer the idea of a laser diode head (that could theoretically be replaced at will with a brushless spindle like in your other build), I'm currently thinking a 2W 445nm M140 diode (unless you think, say, a 5W at a longer wavelength would be better in some way) over a CO2 tube and having to mess about with mirrors.

    But... I'm not sure how this hardware assembly could hold the focus throughout the material to be cut. Whether that's moving the laser assembly vertically, rotating the collimation assembly on a thread, or whatever. It seems to me that this repetition-at-various-Z-values should be a function of the driver board rather than the G-code from Inkscape, right? But there must be a way to do it other than continually running the same code whilst manually moving Z between runs.

    Back to the overarching laser-vs-CNC; I'm also assuming a 2W diode isn't going to cut any noticable depth of metal regardless of the pre-treatment for absorption? Your beautiful mill work is part of the reason I want that capability, but I'm also not sure how often I'd use it. I imagine a laser cutter would be more useful day-to-day, at least initially. Then again, with a DIY spindle and a Z-axis, I may not have to choose. Who knows!
     
    #46 Rob Taylor, Jun 13, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2014
  17. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    Robert my build is almost finished Thanks to your help and hard work. I am in the middle of building a table for my cutter and after researching I really wished I had a Z axis added to the control board. Do you think it is possible to design a module board to add a Z axis to the LD2X.
     
  18. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Yep all the pins are broke out and a fix in the hex will fix it :)
     
  19. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    So what is the ETA on the LD3X?
     
  20. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    I put an order in to a company that I will not name and they failed big time.
    I'm currently working on a order with someone else.
    The main thing Is I want to keep the cost the same :)
     
  21. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    Well if you need a Beta tester let me know :)
     
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  22. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Here is the test board of the LD3X, just populated it and now going to test things out :)
    image.jpg
     
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  23. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    Ahh man. now I wish I had waited to get mine. That is lovely.
     
  24. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    If all tests pass then the prototype board is yours & I will confirm my order for the new lot ;)

    I just hope my trusting nature with people's word doesn't bite me in the rear again with this board maker:banghead:

    Pm me your address again I don't keep it online and don't want to dig for it in my log :D
     
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  25. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    You are too good to me. I need to you send me your address too. I still have some open build plates here that I was going to send you. Do you wan to to send you the LD2X or just find some one in need of it and give it to them.
     
  26. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Just pass it on or save it, never know if ya want a laser egg-bot ;)
    So far all testing is good each access operates correct and laser controls also function :)
    I don't have 4 spare motors to test everything with so each access was tested one at a time running the Wol g-code file
     
  27. JCPhlux

    JCPhlux Well-Known
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    This is going to be perfect. I am working on a design for a swap-able head so I can drop in a drag knife for cutting ether delicate material or ones that are too light to cut with a low W laser.
     
  28. dddman

    dddman Journeyman
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    What kind of motor do you need? I have a bunch of Nema23 steppers waiting to be used
     
  29. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    Need to get my hands on some matching motors that draw about 2 amps min so I can stress the board to its max output :)

    Gotta stop at my surplus guys for some more flex shielded cable and hopefully I can find some, bin slim pickings lately
     
  30. dddman

    dddman Journeyman
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