LaserCutter
| TechInc Inventory | |
|---|---|
| Description | It cuts with lasers |
| Make | Rabbit Laser |
| Model | HX-40A |
| Category | Mechanics |
| Operational Status | BROKEN |
| Super Users | Justa |
| 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
Change History
- 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.
- Consider design for flow/temp-alarm circuit (that would trigger shut-off)
- 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
- 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
- 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
