LaserCutter

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

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

• 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
  • Laserweb seems a good candidate Website Live Demo

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.

Status Log

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
• (04-02-2023) Add additional end-stops to prevent any crashes (especially with Air-Assist)
• (04-02-2023) Add pi with LaserWeb
• (04-02-2023) Add Air Assist
• (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

Latest Results / Photo gallery

Latest rastering test - 150mm/s max - 35% laser max - ~15mins runtime - No Air assist