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)

Revision as of 17:56, 6 July 2023

1,326 bytes removed , 6 July 2023

first cut at changes for Ruida controller upgrade

Gregm

248

edits

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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).
+<br />{{Money|Controller recently upgraded! Stay tuned for changes to this page, workflow, training materials, etc.}}
 ===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.
+With the recent controller upgrade, this tool now uses LightBurn V1.4.00 which can be downloaded and purchased here: https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/trial-version-try-before-you-buy
-====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.
+Protospace obtained a two-seat license, which is currently installed on the Rabbit computer and the upstairs classroom computer for training/demo/design purposes.
+If members wish to purchase LightBurn for their own use, as a makerspace we qualify for a '''75% off coupon''' - stay tuned for details.
-''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 />
+While LaserCut is still present on the machine, it will not "do anything" with the laser and remains for posterity in old case settings are needed or some poor users have .FTP files to work on. More historical LaserCut information can be found in the edit history of this page.
-: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  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]).
-''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]).
 ===Resources===
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 *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)
-*Controller:  [http://www.leetro.com/english/sale/1-2.html Leetro MPC 6525A]
+*Controller:  [https://www.ruidacontroller.com/rdc6442s/ Ruida RDC6442S] - very well supported, large community of Chinese laser / K40 / LightBurn users, ask Google and ye shall receive!
 *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
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 {{box.Warning|Do not cut any chlorinated synthetics (some types of plastics and rubbers)! The HCl vapors will damage the machine.}}
-=== Lens ===
+===Lens===
-What we have been using: a coated ZnSe Meniscus Lens, 20 mm diameter, 50.8 mm focal length from II-VI Infrared 724-352-1504 via AliExpress - <nowiki>https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32928303093.html</nowiki>
+What we have been using: a coated ZnSe Meniscus Lens, 20 mm diameter, 50.8 mm focal length from II-VI Infrared 724-352-1504 via AliExpress
+<nowiki>https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32928303093.html</nowiki>
+<nowiki>https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32234326702.html</nowiki>
+etc.
 Coating CX/AR(LP) side 1, CC/AR(LP) side 2, coated @ 10.6 µm
-=== Mirrors ===
+===Mirrors===
 Cloudray 20 mm diameter Si Mirror [https://www.amazon.ca/Cloudray-Material-Dia-20mm-0-79inch-0-12inch/dp/B07B91FJGS via Amazon]