35
edits
80 watt laser engraver: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
No edit summary |
|||
| (8 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
*engraving and cutting can be put in same file, when you get them into lasercut select cuts and push them to a later layer (select line, select layer colour) | *engraving and cutting can be put in same file, when you get them into lasercut select cuts and push them to a later layer (select line, select layer colour) | ||
*think about cut order, if it matters push cuts to different layers, e.g. shark with eye cut out, cut out eye first then shark, otherwise shark could fall away or move before the eye has been cut | *think about cut order, if it matters push cuts to different layers, e.g. shark with eye cut out, cut out eye first then shark, otherwise shark could fall away or move before the eye has been cut | ||
*laser does not cut at lower power levels (TBD) ~ 25 - 30%. Head moves properly but no cutting (although it still may be firing) | *laser does not cut at lower power levels (TBD) ~ 25 - 30%. Head moves properly but no cutting (although it still may be firing) | ||
*after long cuts LaserCut5.1 often looses contact with the laser, file->reconnect will often restore connectivity, if not: save your project, close LaserCut5.1 unplug the usb connector to the laser, reconnect it, restart LaserCut5.1, open your saved project. | *after long cuts LaserCut5.1 often looses contact with the laser, file->reconnect will often restore connectivity, if not: save your project, close LaserCut5.1 unplug the usb connector to the laser, reconnect it, restart LaserCut5.1, open your saved project. | ||
| Line 26: | Line 25: | ||
== Using the machine == | == Using the machine == | ||
3 Procedures must be followed as prescribed | |||
# Safe Power Up Procedure to be performed whenever the machine needs to be turned on | |||
# Pre-Cut Check to be performed before the first cut and after any break between cuts, don't assume the machine is as you left it. | |||
# Safe Power Down Procedure | |||
=== | === Safe Power Up Procedure === | ||
With very few exceptions, the same order of operations should always be maintained for safe proper operation. Failing to enable a portion of the cooling system will damage the laser. | With very few exceptions, the same order of operations should always be maintained for safe proper operation. Failing to enable a portion of the cooling system will damage the laser. | ||
# | # Verify the cooling tank has enough water. | ||
# | # Turn on the circulation pump, sometimes it's unplugged from the black power bar, sometimes the black power bar is turned off, plug it into the black power bar ONLY, and ensure the power bar is on. | ||
# Power on 120-240 voltage converter (box on trolley with green light-up switch). | # Power on 120-240 voltage converter (box on trolley with green light-up switch). | ||
#* Verify that power is applied to the chiller and air pump. These are 220v appliances and need to be plugged directly into the voltage converter. | #* Verify that power is applied to the chiller and air pump. These are 220v appliances and need to be plugged directly into the voltage converter. The display panel on the chiller should light up, and the hanging pump should now be vibrating. | ||
# Activate power to laser cutter from switch on back of unit. | # Activate power to laser cutter from switch on back of unit. | ||
# Deactivate E-stop with a twisting motion, and power on laser with key switch on front panel. The key had 3 positions, rotating clockwise the positions are off, off, on. | # Deactivate E-stop with a twisting motion, and power on laser with key switch on front panel. The key had 3 positions, rotating clockwise the positions are off, off, on. | ||
The laser is now active and ready to accept instructions from the | The laser is now active and ready to accept instructions from the computer. | ||
'''Warning!''' The laser is a stand-alone unit and ''can move/execute programs/fire the laser with the laptop disconnected.'' | '''Warning!''' The laser is a stand-alone unit and ''can move/execute programs/fire the laser with the laptop disconnected.'' | ||
=== Pre-Cut Check === | |||
# Ensure the circulation pump is running | |||
# Ensure the air pump is running | |||
# Ensure the exhaust fan is on (this one will frequently be turned off between cuts so always check it) | |||
# Verify the work area is free of obstructions | |||
# With a hand over the E-Stop, run a test to see if the cut envelope will cause the head to collide with any obstructions (weights, sides) Do not allow the head to collide with ANYTHING when in doubt hit the E-STOP and reset with the workpeice re-positioned or the obstructions removed, in extreme cases you may have to modify or abandon the cut. | |||
=== Shutting down the machine === | |||
Following the same steps in reverse order will help ensure the machine is left in a safe mode. | |||
# Activate E-stop to render the work-area safe. | |||
# Clean out remnants from the cutting area. | |||
# Turn off power from the key switch, this will turn off the work-light. | |||
# Turn off the power switch at the back of the laser. | |||
# Deactivate the exhaust fan | |||
# Power down voltage converter (green switch) | |||
# Unplug circulation pump | |||
=== Focusing the Laser === | === Focusing the Laser === | ||
| Line 49: | Line 67: | ||
Depending on the thickness of the material and whether you are cutting or engraving you will need to set an appropriate focal distance. The beam does not come out of the lens parallel, but in fact is conically shaped. See: Figure 1. | Depending on the thickness of the material and whether you are cutting or engraving you will need to set an appropriate focal distance. The beam does not come out of the lens parallel, but in fact is conically shaped. See: Figure 1. | ||
[[File:LaserFocus.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 2. Focal Depth: Bottom shows resultant cut shape.]] | [[File:LaserFocus.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 2. Focal Depth: Bottom shows resultant cut shape.]] | ||
For engraving, you want the focal point right on the surface for the fastest/most efficient results. | For engraving, you want the focal point right on the surface for the fastest/most efficient results. | ||
| Line 55: | Line 72: | ||
For cutting, you want the focal point to be near the midpoint of the thickness of the material so that it makes the straightest edges on the cuts. See Figure 2.<br> | For cutting, you want the focal point to be near the midpoint of the thickness of the material so that it makes the straightest edges on the cuts. See Figure 2.<br> | ||
=== Load the program! === | |||
The LaserCut5.1 software is a bit tricky. | |||
See: Sample Workflow (below) | |||
=== Cut the loaded program! === | === Cut the loaded program! === | ||
| Line 74: | Line 93: | ||
#* To abort the current program (something is horribly wrong), press the stop key. This will abort the program and it will have to be restarted from the start. The head should home back to the origin from before the program was started. | #* To abort the current program (something is horribly wrong), press the stop key. This will abort the program and it will have to be restarted from the start. The head should home back to the origin from before the program was started. | ||
== Cut Guidelines == | == Cut Guidelines == | ||
| Line 117: | Line 127: | ||
{| border="1" | {| border="1" | ||
!colspan="5"| | !colspan="5"|? | ||
|- | |- | ||
|rowspan="2"|Thickness | |rowspan="2"|Thickness | ||
| Line 176: | Line 186: | ||
# Select the part of your model to be exported to DXF (can select all) | # Select the part of your model to be exported to DXF (can select all) | ||
# Use the plugin to create the DXF file, select mm as the export unit and export as lines | # Use the plugin to create the DXF file, select mm as the export unit and export as lines | ||
# Transfer file to laser | # Transfer file to laser workstation | ||
# Open dxf in autocad save as 2004 dxf | # Open dxf in autocad save as 2004 dxf | ||
# Follow the startup procedures as above | # Follow the startup procedures as above | ||
# Follow the pre-cut procedures as above | |||
# Test cut/engrave settings on a sample of the target work material (e.g. do Laser Coin Test) | # Test cut/engrave settings on a sample of the target work material (e.g. do Laser Coin Test) | ||
# Import in lasercut5.1 | # Import in lasercut5.1 | ||
| Line 187: | Line 198: | ||
# Hit delete all | # Hit delete all | ||
# Hit download current, this can take some time if the project is complex, if it takes too long you may want to break the cut up into smaller chunks. | # Hit download current, this can take some time if the project is complex, if it takes too long you may want to break the cut up into smaller chunks. | ||
# | # Follow the pre-cut procedures as above | ||
# Hit start | # Hit start | ||
# Follow the safe shutdown procedures as above | |||