Difference between revisions of "LaserCutter"
Line 74: | Line 74: | ||
please do not fiddle with the pi until everything is validated and safety features are added, for both the user and the machine itself. | please do not fiddle with the pi until everything is validated and safety features are added, for both the user and the machine itself. | ||
− | == | + | == Tasks/ToDo == |
Here is a short list of the tasks that have to be performed and which have been done already: | Here is a short list of the tasks that have to be performed and which have been done already: | ||
* {{Ucbox}} (T.B.D) Create user manual and usage guidelines | * {{Ucbox}} (T.B.D) Create user manual and usage guidelines | ||
− | * {{Ucbox}} ( | + | * {{Ucbox}} (15-01-2023) Add Air Assist |
− | * {{ | + | * {{Ucbox}} (15-01-2023) Install head camera |
− | * {{ | + | * {{Cbox}} (13-01-2023) Purchase new Camera to attach to head |
+ | * {{Cbox}} (12-01-2023) Add PC to run LaserWeb | ||
+ | * {{Cbox}} (11-01-2023) Add additional end-stops to prevent any crashes (especially with Air-Assist) | ||
+ | * {{Cbox}} (12-01-2023) Purchase LaseWeb License | ||
* {{Cbox}} (02-01-2023) Replaced 24V supply with 12V to stop motors skipping steps | * {{Cbox}} (02-01-2023) Replaced 24V supply with 12V to stop motors skipping steps | ||
* {{Cbox}} (28-12-2022) Fine bed leveling | * {{Cbox}} (28-12-2022) Fine bed leveling | ||
Line 95: | Line 98: | ||
* {{Cbox}} (03-12-2022) Mount LCD housing | * {{Cbox}} (03-12-2022) Mount LCD housing | ||
* {{Cbox}} (01-12-2022) Design and print LCD housing | * {{Cbox}} (01-12-2022) Design and print LCD housing | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | == Status Log == | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== 11-01-2023 - PC setup and Camera tests ==== | ||
== Latest Results / Photo gallery == | == Latest Results / Photo gallery == |
Revision as of 20:15, 13 January 2023
TechInc Inventory | |
---|---|
Description | It cuts with lasers |
Make | Rabbit Laser |
Model | HX-40A |
Category | Mechanics |
Operational Status | Functional |
Super Users | Justa, beatskip |
Received at | |
Acquisition Details | On permanent loan from Justa |
Owner | User:Justa |
NOTE: THIS IS THE "WHITE" LASERCUTTER. THE ONE THAT HAS BEEN IN PRODUCTION HAS BEEN THE "RED" LASERCUTTER
That one belongs to 'sawugo' and is documented here: https://wiki.techinc.nl/LAOSLaserCutter
Contents
Change History
- updated page with latest developments in Dec-2022 (Beatskip) - full rewrite of info on 2021-12-23
Short introduction
The lasercutter is a HX40A engraver/cutter, fitted with a 40Watt laser-tube, a small XY-table and originally comes with a controller-board for which only WinXP software exists that requires a PC with special USB-dongles for the license required by the software. The controller-board has all markings sanded off of all the chips and it is connected to the PC with the paralel-port like it is still 1989..
That'd not be so bad, if the software even did a good job of controlling the laser; which it doesnt. It is a nightmare.
The intention for the machine is to convert it to something modern. This work is in progress and is documented here.
Modifications
- Replace driver-board with [Makerbase MKS-DLC32 board] ESP32 based driver-board
-
Get optical end-stops to work.
-
Get LCD-module mounted on front-panel (requires bezel and/or longer cables)
-
Test PWM-driving of laser-PSU via optocoupled 2-wire interface (see wiring-details)
-
- Set up self-contained water-cooling arrangement using PC-cooling radiators.
-
Find suitable water-basin
-
Purchase submersible pump and wire it so it is on when machine is turned on.
-
Design laser safety controller to prevent abuse of the laser LaserCutter: Laser Cooling Monitor
-
- Re-work the laser-delivery head into one with Air-assist.
-
Purchase air-assist laser-delivery head as a replacement OR modify current head
-
Purchase and mount air-pump; create wiring for it . Consider 'turn on' when starting to cut, not 'always'
-
Consider chain-link cable-guide for air-delivery tube
-
Laminar flow Air-assist nozzle prototype design V1
- Align gantry after last modifications
-
Gantry has been removed and might need another removal
-
Align using the 'ABC' method, using painter-tape, or consider a 'reverse' method with laser pointing from 'head' back to tube
-
- Look at Z-bed mechanics
-
Look at bed mechanics and fix the problematic clearings
-
Current bed is hard to adjust and is manual. Purchasing an extra stepper , some guide-pullies and a longer belt would allow for auto-adjust via software.
-
- Consider FluidNC firmware instead of current firmware
- This is very likely to work without problems; requires careful flashing.
- Might need patches to support LCD , if possible at all
- Consider Web interface running on a Pi to simplify usage
Usage/setup details
First of all, until the laser is fully operational and tested/validated. the laser is not yet freely useable, only when properly communicated with Justa or beatskip. It should be up and running relatively soon, so just hang tight a bit longer to laze your eyes out.
the lasercutter uses a MKS DLC32 controller together with a Pi2 running laserweb. It is accessible over the network as: "https://laziemclazeface.local" user: lazie password: youllburnyoureyesout
please do not fiddle with the pi until everything is validated and safety features are added, for both the user and the machine itself.
Tasks/ToDo
Here is a short list of the tasks that have to be performed and which have been done already:
-
(T.B.D) Create user manual and usage guidelines
-
(15-01-2023) Add Air Assist
-
(15-01-2023) Install head camera
-
(13-01-2023) Purchase new Camera to attach to head
-
(12-01-2023) Add PC to run LaserWeb
-
(11-01-2023) Add additional end-stops to prevent any crashes (especially with Air-Assist)
-
(12-01-2023) Purchase LaseWeb License
-
(02-01-2023) Replaced 24V supply with 12V to stop motors skipping steps
-
(28-12-2022) Fine bed leveling
-
(28-12-2022) test PWM laser control
-
(21-12-2022) Collimate laser
-
(21-12-2022) Set up design plan for cooling system protection pcb
-
(21-12-2022) Wire up auxilary 12V supply to pump and fans
-
(18-12-2022) Added Project page for the cooling safety board LaserCutter: Laser Cooling Monitor
-
(17-12-2022) Mount additional 12V PSU for the cooling system and wire it up to share the main power connector
-
(14-12-2022) Fix Homing coordinates and general firmware config issues
-
(14-12-2022) Fix up stepper motor connection that occasionally doesn't work
-
(07-12-2022) Rough bed leveling
-
(07-12-2022) Fix Z-Bed clearances and fix it so it can move freely
-
(03-12-2022) Mount LCD housing
-
(01-12-2022) Design and print LCD housing
Status Log
11-01-2023 - PC setup and Camera tests
Latest Results / Photo gallery
Latest rastering tests by PIx13 and Beatskip
File:Airassistv1.png