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Much4 - A printed version of the Laser V

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by skarab, Jul 1, 2014.

  1. Allan Koch

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    Hi @skarab, Sorry it is me that is dum, I don't have a 20x20 rail only bigger so I didn't realize that the 20x20 do not have the "large" hole but only a 5mm. hole in the middle :) Br., Allan
     
  2. ymilord

    ymilord Journeyman
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    Question, What size spacers did you use for the V Wheels?
     
  3. skarab

    skarab Journeyman
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    1/4 spacer + 1mm precision shime.
     
  4. ymilord

    ymilord Journeyman
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    Awesome! Thank you!
     
  5. Menneset

    Menneset New
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    @skarab excellent work! I am a fan. :)
     
  6. CrazyhorseX

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    awesome work !!! definitely on my build list :)
     
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  7. SlyClockWerkz

    SlyClockWerkz Well-Known
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    Looks great, want to try engraving anodized aluminum, and reporting back if you had any luck? @Robert Hummel ?
     
  8. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    I
    I have not tryed but I will find some and give it a try ;)
     
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  9. Tweakie

    Tweakie OpenBuilds Team
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    A lot depends on the wavelength of the laser being used but it needs very little power and anodized aluminum is capable of producing some excellent results when engraved.

    I know it’s a bit apples & oranges but this was done some time back with my CO2 laser on a scrap piece of anodized.

    Tweakie.
     
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  10. SlyClockWerkz

    SlyClockWerkz Well-Known
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    Cool :)
    I'm interested to see what you guys can come up with, especially w/ an inexpensive laser. This is what would get me interested in making one :D
     
  11. SlyClockWerkz

    SlyClockWerkz Well-Known
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    Well hello there Angelina ;)
    This looks pretty good, I'm more interested in bold simple designs w/ alot of contrast and if this is possible w/ low cost, low power lasers. Not necessarily bitmaps. From the little I've looked into CO2 lasers, they seem cost prohibitive to me.

    This is what keeps me from pursuing a laser build, as I don't typically work in wood, but mainly anodized aluminum.
     
  12. Rich C

    Rich C New
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    Skarab, I noticed you posted the Sketchup files, but can you also post the .STL files please???

    Thanks
    Rich
     
  13. skarab

    skarab Journeyman
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  14. Rich C

    Rich C New
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    Perfect. Thanks.
     
  15. Rich C

    Rich C New
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    @Skarub , STL's missing the Y Belt Bridle back plates (or was that supposed to be the braces, because both Y belt bridle and Y belt braces look identical in slic3r).
     
  16. skarab

    skarab Journeyman
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  17. Ranvir Jatana

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    Hi Skarab.. I really liked the simplicity and the elegance of your build. I am planning on making this design, however I have a couple of questions
    • in the v rails can one use 6 MM timing belt or does it have to a 5mm belt as used in your build for the way you have used it?
    • Also it have been a while since you made the build. How are the 3d printed parts holding up with the heat of the stepper motor and the laser module?
     
  18. skarab

    skarab Journeyman
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    Hello @Ranvir Jatana, Tank you for your comment :)

    For the belt i use classic GT2 and it is 6mm width ;)
    As I said in the comments, it is recommended to use a Aluminium carriage or else a very efficient cooling on the diod (Big heatsink + Big fan).

    Peace.
     
  19. Ariel Yahni

    Ariel Yahni OpenBuilds Team
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    Skarab, i like a lot your project. Have a few questions:
    Surely you can engrave or many material and cut thin ones, but what would be the max cut possible? My understanding is that it dependes on the laser power, but how do you determine that?
    My other question would be on max size. Its seem this is very lightweight as the laser does not have any friction so it would depend only on the extrusion available? What about making it work verticaly?

    My objective would be to cut cardboard, leather, vinyl, fabric and similar without leaving behind thin wood or similar.

    Your thoughts would be appreciated
     
  20. skarab

    skarab Journeyman
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    Tanks @Ariel Yahni,

    I think a vertical version is possible with a suction table or other holding system, the worry is that the cut pieces will fall and can tear apart the rest of the pieces, or get caught in the laser module.

    @Mark Carew as shared a picture on the Laser V build topic :
    [​IMG]
     
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  21. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Thank you :)
     
  22. klaaz

    klaaz New
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    Hi Skarab, I love the simplicity of your design. I am planning to use it as a starting point for my first CNC build.

    One question: If I am going to control it with a Smoothieboard and say, a 2 watt laser, will a 20A 240 watt powersupply do? Or do I have to add converters?
     
  23. stargeezer

    stargeezer Journeyman
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    My 2w laser instructions states to never exceed 12v. My guess is that if you want to operate at 24v, you'll need a second PS.

    Just my opinion here, but the smoothie board is overkill for this project if running NEMA 17's. An Uno board and shield will work great at a much lower cost. Also running the entire build with a 12v 30amp PS should give very good performance - just like all the 3d printers do.
     
  24. klaaz

    klaaz New
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    Ok, thanks! I did not mention 24v though ;-) But I am better of with a 30A in stead of a 20A?

    I have a couple of Uno's lying around here. Can you do a suggestion for the shield I could use for this setup?
     
  25. stargeezer

    stargeezer Journeyman
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    #55 stargeezer, Nov 29, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2015
  26. HPB

    HPB Well-Known
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    @skarab, this is really cool! I'm getting started on these. Bought my parts so I'm committed to the build now :) Will come back and post queries if I have any.
     
  27. klaaz

    klaaz New
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    Thanks Stargeezer! I did some reading today and ordered the bulk of the parts today. My build will be a 500x500 mm engraver. If necessary I can extend this easily.

    Ordered today:
    • Printed parts printed and ready for pickup a few km's from here via 3dhubs, paid 34 euros for them.
    • Black Vslot framing and some other v-slot parts at ratrig.com (Nice webshop! Also ordered a 2040 bundle for future builds ;-) )
    • Some other v-slot stuff like wheels and some spare parts at Aliexpress
    • Raspberry based controller from protoneer
    • 5 pololulu's from Ebay
    • Nema 17's, wire extensions, endstop switches and 30a powersupply, pulleys, some small parts like screws and 3m belt at a local webshop in the Netherlands.
    • Laser goggles at Ebay
    Yes I am committed!

    Despite the build is mostly a first experience at building a CNC laser (and building in general) I will also need a laser of course ;-) I am planning to buy a 445nm diode (2w), lens, analog TTL driver and a host/cooling block seperately to keep the costs down. Any suggestions for an affordable combination? I have to read a bit about the laser subject. Is it possible to feed this from the same powersupply?
     
    #57 klaaz, Nov 29, 2015
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2015
  28. HPB

    HPB Well-Known
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    @skarab I'm a little confused about the software and I was hoping you could help. I've flashed the Arduino with GRBL and though I've not tested it yet, I'm guessing these control the motors, right? How do I control the laser? Would it be possible to upload your code to control both?
     
  29. Ariel Yahni

    Ariel Yahni OpenBuilds Team
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    hi all. What software are you using for engraving?
     
  30. simoel

    simoel New
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    Hi there,

    Very nice job.

    Do you have any documentation about wiring the axis end switches?
    I have a cheap chinese laser router, I like to add axis switches.

    thanks
     

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