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Laser cutter, large (Rabbit Laser RL-80-1290) ID:6: Difference between revisions
Laser cutter, large (Rabbit Laser RL-80-1290) ID:6 (view source)
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Arguably the most popular tool at Protospace, the '''laser cutter''' uses a CO<sub>2</sub> laser to cut and engrave a variety of non-metal materials (though some metals can be engraved). | Arguably the most popular tool at Protospace, the '''laser cutter''' uses a CO<sub>2</sub> laser to cut and engrave a variety of non-metal materials (though some metals can be engraved). | ||
=== Software === | ===Software=== | ||
We currently have '''LaserCut 6.0''' installed on the computer connected to the Laser Cutter. Unfortunately LaserCut 6.0 requires a USB dongle to be hooked up to the PC at all times as a form of [[wikipedia:Digital rights management|DRM]]. If you're running a personal copy you are restricted to a demo version (no saving - though there is a work around). Later versions (6.1+) have dropped the USB dongle requirement but can't communicate with our laser cutter directly. | We currently have '''LaserCut 6.0''' installed on the computer connected to the Laser Cutter. Unfortunately LaserCut 6.0 requires a USB dongle to be hooked up to the PC at all times as a form of [[wikipedia:Digital rights management|DRM]]. If you're running a personal copy you are restricted to a demo version (no saving - though there is a work around). Later versions (6.1+) have dropped the USB dongle requirement but can't communicate with our laser cutter directly. | ||
==== Downloads ==== | ====Downloads==== | ||
''LaserCut 5.3'' ([https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B7yyT7cWvyTVS0FZRnlvenJtRHc Google Drive], [http://www.leetro.com/english/down/productcatalog2015/SoftwareDriver/MPC6565/LaserCut5.3(V4408)-Installer.rar Direct from Leetro]) for Windows <sup>Paid, Demo</sup><br /> | |||
:The full version, but requires a special SenseLock USB Dongle to be connected to the PC running it or the software is limited to a demo mode (which is still useful for familiarizing yourself with the program). This version is needed in order to communicate with our laser cutter, as 6.1 doesn't support ours. | :The full version, but requires a special SenseLock USB Dongle to be connected to the PC running it or the software is limited to a demo mode (which is still useful for familiarizing yourself with the program). This version is needed in order to communicate with our laser cutter, as 6.1 doesn't support ours. | ||
''LaserCut 6.1'' ([https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B7yyT7cWvyTVMVR4RklNLVkyaFk Google Drive], [http://www.leetro.com/english/down/productcatalog2015/SoftwareDriver/MPC6585/LaserCut61%20(MPC6585)%20Installer.rar Direct from Leetro]) for | ''LaserCut 6.1'' ([https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B7yyT7cWvyTVMVR4RklNLVkyaFk Google Drive], [http://www.leetro.com/english/down/productcatalog2015/SoftwareDriver/MPC6585/LaserCut61%20(MPC6585)%20Installer.rar Direct from Leetro]) for Windows <sup>Free</sup><br /> | ||
:Not directly compatible with our laser cutter but has no USB dongle requirement, is fully functional aside from not being able to communicate with our laser cutter. Can still be used to prepare files for the earlier version of LaserCut ([[#Downloads|5.3]]). Both versions of LaserCut can be installed at the same time making this version a great option too. | :Not directly compatible with our laser cutter but has no USB dongle requirement, is fully functional aside from not being able to communicate with our laser cutter. Can still be used to prepare files for the earlier version of LaserCut ([[#Downloads|5.3]]). Both versions of LaserCut can be installed at the same time making this version a great option too. | ||
''123D Make'' ([http://www.123dapp.com/make Direct from Autodesk]) for | ''123D Make'' ([http://www.123dapp.com/make Direct from Autodesk]) for Windows, Mac, iPad/iPhone <sup>Free</sup><br /> | ||
:A program for converting 3D models into pieces which can be laser cut and attached together to form a fully 3D model out of laser cut materials ([http://imgur.com/AnC8UJA example]). | :A program for converting 3D models into pieces which can be laser cut and attached together to form a fully 3D model out of laser cut materials ([http://imgur.com/AnC8UJA example]). | ||
''Pepakura Designer'' ([http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/ Direct from Tama Software]) for | ''Pepakura Designer'' ([http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/ Direct from Tama Software]) for Windows <sup>Paid, Demo</sup><br /> | ||
:A program for converting 3D models into origami style pages which can be printed, cut out by hand and/or laser cut, then folded to form a 3D object ([http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/gallery/list.php examples]). | :A program for converting 3D models into origami style pages which can be printed, cut out by hand and/or laser cut, then folded to form a 3D object ([http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/gallery/list.php examples]). | ||
=== Resources === | ===Resources=== | ||
The [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5TY9LLHsJj3R0pad1duc1JGcXM/view?usp=sharing Powerpoint presentation] that is shown as part of the laser certification process, useful as a refresher once you've completed your [[Laser_Certification|certification]]. | The [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5TY9LLHsJj3R0pad1duc1JGcXM/view?usp=sharing Powerpoint presentation] that is shown as part of the laser certification process, useful as a refresher once you've completed your [[Laser_Certification|certification]]. | ||
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==Specs== | ==Specs== | ||
* 80-watt DC-excited carbon dioxide laser tube | *80-watt DC-excited carbon dioxide laser tube | ||
** Water-cooled, with chiller accessible from the front | **Water-cooled, with chiller accessible from the front | ||
* Bed size: 1200 mm × 900 mm (47.2" × 35.4") | *Bed size: 1200 mm × 900 mm (47.2" × 35.4") | ||
** Front panel of machine can be removed or folded down to insert pieces longer than 3' (though this can risk dangerous laser radiation exiting the machine, so be careful) | **Front panel of machine can be removed or folded down to insert pieces longer than 3' (though this can risk dangerous laser radiation exiting the machine, so be careful) | ||
* Controller: [http://www.leetro.com/english/sale/1-2.html Leetro MPC 6525A] | *Controller: [http://www.leetro.com/english/sale/1-2.html Leetro MPC 6525A] | ||
* Can cut or etch up to 1/4" (6 mm)-thick light materials such as woods and some plastics in one pass, or thicker materials in multiple passes | *Can cut or etch up to 1/4" (6 mm)-thick light materials such as woods and some plastics in one pass, or thicker materials in multiple passes | ||
* Cut kerf is approximately 0.3 mm (full width); you should measure it with your material if it's important to your project | *Cut kerf is approximately 0.3 mm (full width); you should measure it with your material if it's important to your project | ||
{{box.Warning|Do not cut any chlorinated synthetics (some types of plastics and rubbers)! The HCl vapors will damage the machine.}} | {{box.Warning|Do not cut any chlorinated synthetics (some types of plastics and rubbers)! The HCl vapors will damage the machine.}} | ||
==Usage Notes== | ==Usage Notes== | ||
== | *Complete [[Laser Certification]] to learn how to use the laser. Training is offered about once a month. | ||
*Perform a simple [[chlorine test]] on unapproved materials, as cutting or etching chlorinated materials damages the optics | |||
*Consult our [[Laser Standard Operating Procedure]] | |||
==Maintenance== | |||
=== Monthly Checklist === | |||
# Clean inner and outer surfaces of laser cutter including window. | |||
#* Use dilute Zep Fast 505 industrial degreaser or other cleaner on hard surfaces | |||
#* Use windex on window | |||
#* Avoid contaminating linear rails or optics | |||
# Wipe linear rails clean with solvent degreaser. Do not move gantry or bearings onto cleaned section of rail until all solvent evaporated to prevent contamination of bearing grease | |||
# Grease three linear bearings using grease located in the left side compartment | |||
#* '''DO NOT USE ANY AEROSOL OR SPRAY LUBRICANT''' | |||
#* '''TODO: fill in make/model/type of grease''' | |||
# Check condition of optics clean if necessary | |||
# Check laser alignment. Adjust if necessary. | |||
# Check bed level. Adjust if necessary. | |||
# Check tension on all belts. Adjust if necessary. | |||
# Check tension on all belts. Adjust if necessary. | |||
# Inspect electronic components for operation including six limit switches (±X, ±Y, ±Z axis), lights and light wiring, electronics cooling fan | |||
# Blow out dust from chiller radiator | |||
=== As Required === | |||
* | * Inspect Z-bed screws for smooth operation. Clean and regrease if required. Z screws must be thoroughly cleaned with solvent degreaser before re-applying clean grease. | ||
** | * Replace worn or failed laser optics including mirror or lens. Check alignment after any optics replacement. | ||
* Thoroughly clean smoke and residue off internal surfaces of laser cutter | |||
** Use concentrated Zep Fast 505 industrial degreaser | |||
** Avoid contaminating linear rails or optics | |||
==Repairs Needed== | ==Repairs Needed== | ||
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Shocks replaced on lid | Shocks replaced on lid | ||
== | ==History== | ||
*2012-02 - On loan for 6 months (ending 2012-08) in exchange for Protospace performing repairs | |||
**Loan has been extended | |||
*2016-11-06: Chiller failure. Laser tube destroyed (overheated and glass cracked) | *2016-11-06: Chiller failure. Laser tube destroyed (overheated and glass cracked) | ||
**2016-11-07: Laser tube replaced with an aging, but unused tube that was donated from a scrap laser | **2016-11-07: Laser tube replaced with an aging, but unused tube that was donated from a scrap laser | ||