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Z-Axis for Laser Diode

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018.

  1. RobSaunders

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    3boysdad likes this.
  2. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
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    Nice! I did something similar with a NEMA 14 motor and the 9mm rod I harvested from a scanner. I wanted something light.
     
    RobSaunders likes this.
  3. RobSaunders

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    Yeah I didn’t add much for details.... This is using a 8x100mm screw, two shafts with linear bearings and a nema17 stepper. The rest I drew up and 3D printed
     
  4. jeffmorris

    jeffmorris Journeyman
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    Do you have files for 3D printed parts?
     
  5. RobSaunders

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    I’ll upload the STL files tomorrow
     
  6. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    So where's the build???
     
  7. Steven Yampolsky

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    This is awesome! How do you focus the laser? I mean the z axis helps you adjust for material thickness but how do you make sure that the laser is in focus for appropriate thickness? Some kind of touch sensor?
     
  8. RobSaunders

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    Thanks! I just use a test piece and adjust the lense to get the height close to where I want it then I bump the z height with the software until it’s perfect. It’s always right on. Once I have the right height I get a measurement and verify it occasionally. I have limit switches but never installed them since this has been working so well.
     
    Steven Yampolsky likes this.
  9. RobSaunders

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    Sorry I’ve been busy. I’ll try posting them tonight if I don’t get home to late
     
  10. RobSaunders

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    Hi! Finally found time to upload the STLs for the zAxis parts. This weekend I'll try putting together a parts list to go with.
     
  11. RobSaunders

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    Sorry, wrong files. Realized I uploaded my first version. I'll get the correct files posted tonight.
     
  12. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    I just want some photos and/or Sketchup models so I can see what this thing looks like. So far, there is only the mediocre photo in the upper right which is impossible to see any detail.

    MG
     
    #12 Metalguru, Feb 7, 2018
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2018
  13. RobSaunders

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    Tonight I'll post drawings and photos. Tough to find time with all the kids activities going on, but tonight I'm free.
     
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  14. RobSaunders

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    I uploaded the correct files this time. I posted pictures and the STL's. You mentioned SketchUp, let me know if you'd like me to save them as .skp for sketchup. I'm using DesignSpark if you're familiar with that.
     
  15. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    Rob:

    Yeah, I wouldn't mind an .skp model.

    Is it just me? I still don't see anything... Where are you uploading your files to?

    I would assume they were in the files and drawings tab at the top of the page??? I don't see anything in any of the tabs except the Discussion tab.

    MG
     
  16. RobSaunders

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    Sorry, I needed to publish the updates.
     
  17. RobSaunders

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    I just saved each piece as a SketchUp file.
     
  18. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    Yes, there it is. Thank you.

    MG
     
  19. RobSaunders

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    I'm curios to know what you think. The way it is now you can slide together the parts one way or another to get a different height and then the intent was to glue them together once you know how you're going to mount on your specific frame.
     
  20. samuel humeau

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    This is awesome. I was thinking of building this kind of Z axis for the acro system and this seems to fit very nicely.
     
  21. RobSaunders

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    Hi Jeff... Letting you know I posted the parts files if you're interested. Let me know what you think. Enjoy.
     
  22. RobSaunders

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    Yeah I love this Acro System. Let me know if you have any questions. This weekend I added limit switches and started 3D printing flexible cable channels to tidy up the wiring
     

    Attached Files:

    Mark Carew likes this.
  23. samuel humeau

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    Very nice. How did you fix the linear bearings to your custom 3d parts ? Only friction?
     
  24. RobSaunders

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    Yep, friction fit.
     
  25. samuel humeau

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    Attached Files:

  26. RobSaunders

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    Hi Samual,
    That looks really nice and is very similar to what I have. The first version I have, the motor doesn't move like yours. For the bearing, I had a similar flange pillow bearing assembly and removed the bearing and mounted it in my lower block. I wanted my linear rods closer together and that flange is so big and gets in the way. The pillar block I had, you could rotate the bearing and it slides right out. For some reason I couldn't find just the bearing for a good price. Hope I understood you right and explained it ok.
     

    Attached Files:

  27. 3boysdad

    3boysdad New
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    *where* did you find a lead screw @ 100mm...i've been looking before and could never find one...
     
  28. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    You can cut leadscrew easily, you don't have to find a piece of exact length. Just cut it with a hacksaw, use a grinder to put a bevel on the cut end, and a wire wheel to clean up the ends of the threads. Piece of cake!

    MG
     
  29. 3boysdad

    3boysdad New
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    that's where i was headed as well - have few rods from other things..but heck if i'm buying rods already and can source a lead screw from the same location?
     
  30. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    Buy them from the OB store, on this site. They sell the proper lead nuts and all. Don't use plain old threaded rod, it's junk for leadscrews.
     

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