Information needed before buying what I need Hi guys, I have been looking at DIY lasercutters lately. I have build a CoreXY-frame planning to make yet another 3D-printer, but now I realize that it's better to turn it into a laser cutter for more versatility. In another topic I've already found out some of the things I need. For example a 445nm laser. Planning on getting this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2W-445nm-M140-Blue-Laser-Diode-in-Copper-Module-W-Leads-Three-Element-Glass-/170892986250?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27ca04078a Now, it doesn't come with anything else, so I would need to get a driver, I've found this one to be good: http://www.illumn.com/flexmod-p3-laser-driver.html However, it delivers 4W max and it's quite expensive compared to other drivers I've seen around. There must be a cheaper and more fitting solution. I'm very much lost in the woods, as I have no idea why the Hz on a driver is important. Furthermore I want to use my Ramps that I had planned to use for the printer, to run the lasercutter now. What I have: - CoreXY frame ready to play - Ramps 1.4 with SD Ramps and LCD - 12v PSU with multiple power outputs So, I guess what I will need: - Laser Diode 2W inside a housing http://www.ebay.com/itm/2W-445nm-M140-Blue-Laser-Diode-in-Copper-Module-W-Leads-Three-Element-Glass-/170892986250?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27ca04078a - Driver board (TTL?) http://www.ebay.nl/itm/3A-analog-laser-diode-driver-with-thermal-protection-for-445nm-638nm-520nm-diode-/161353680119?pt=US_Stage_Lighting_Controllers_Dimmers&hash=item25916dc4f7 (what is the NTC needed for?) - Heatsink + Active cooling + fan blowing away the smoke http://www.ebay.nl/itm/New-TYPE-Professional-Cooling-Heatsink-Heat-Sink-for-12mm-Laser-Diode-Module-/331411574386?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d29ab4e72 - Protective glasses - or with preference, protective encasing material Haven't found for the 445nm range What else am I missing here? Is the Ramps capable of sending the signal for the laser to the driver board as well? I've been reading a lot, but it's very hard for me to find 'exact' information and most guides are a bit vague about the exact items needed to build a laser cutter. I see a lot of cheap lasercutters, but now that I'm looking into the parts, I see it isn't as cheap as advertised, the parts I've found will probably set me back another 150 euros, so I'm curious if I'm really finding the correct things. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,444713#msg-444713 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:51:26 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,461936#msg-461936 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,461936#msg-461936 [youtu.be]

I have created a working air filter now, when I cut paper all the smoke and smell gets absorbed! When I breathe the air coming directly from the filterbox, there is no smell, no smoke, no irritation of airways. Of course, I am not going to just huff up on the exhaust haha, I just wanted to know if it really absorbed anything and apparently it does very well.

The box that is below the laser sucks away the smoke directly where it's coming from; the area that is being cut with the laser. This has two advantages:
First is that the smoke obviously doesn't travel from the machine, it is immediately absorbed into the filter system. The openings that suck away the smoke are very close to the cutting surface to make sure all the air travels into the intake.

Second is that the smoke doesn't get in the way of the laser's beam, so the beam hits the surface without being obscured by smoke. Still of course there will be a little bit of smoke in the way since the air intake creates a little 'whirl' where the smoke swirls around in the air directly in the path of the laser beam. I could change the shape of the intake to minimize this effect, but it already removed around 90% of the smoke that was in between the laser diode and the cutting surface.

When cutting paper, there is no smell at all to be detected in my living room, I have used high quality superactivated carbon preparation, they are manufactured bits with high porous surfaces and absorb everything you can imagine. Underneath the filterbox is the suction device, it is an axial fan that sucks the air through, and directly against the axial fan I have placed a radial fan. So the axial fan blows into the hole of the radial fan. These two fan types together create a massive suction power, way more suction when compared to just two axial fans on top of each other.

The intake is a clickable system that I can slide onto the bottom of the X-carriage, there is very little distance between the cutting surface, if I want to cut materials that are thicker I have a second intake that has less height. It will suck less air out, but allows for higher objects to be cut, honestly I don't see myself cutting thick materials, I will just send those to a professional cutting company anyway.

Will keep on playing! ;)

Oh and the reason why I use multiple silicone tubes is because the larger diameter silicon tubing gets too stiff, so instead of increasing diameter, I figured it would be best to just use multiple tubes of silicone. The silicone flexes enough as not to obstruct any movement of the X-carriage.

Meanwhile I've been cutting stencils for my parents (who are artists) and I've been making miniature furniture in wood veneer for my academic research (oak, birch and mahogany).

One small piece of news: I just read now (article published 20 minutes ago) that one of the inventors of the laser Charles Hard Townes, has died today.]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:24:40 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,460406#msg-460406 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,460406#msg-460406
I have CW-types with 50 and 120 Watts and two pulsing types with 16 Watts averaged - the list prices for them are between 20k€ and 40k€!

Don't mess it with 'fibercoupled diodes' - this are relative simple IR-diodes with an attached glass fiber -- have some different types too: 2W@808nm with a 0.05mm fiber, 9W and 25W@975nm with 0.1mm fibers and 25W@808nm with a 0.7mm fiberbundle-output ... here the prices starts at 300€ and up ...]]> VDX Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 25 Jan 2015 08:06:38 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,460292#msg-460292 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,460292#msg-460292 thank you my friends

ok.please tel me can I use fiber laser for my designe,If yes what type of it and What Strength.]]> davod afshar Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:11:01 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,459881#msg-459881 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,459881#msg-459881
The difference we should point out here is:
Transparent/Translucent versus Solid/Opaque materials.

Diodes are not good at translucent materials. But ordinary pet, inked paper, pe and pp should all be cuttable with a diode of course, as long as they are not transparent/translucent.]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Sat, 24 Jan 2015 06:19:49 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,459872#msg-459872 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,459872#msg-459872 is not any laser diode appropriate for this ?]]> davod afshar Laser Cutter Working Group Sat, 24 Jan 2015 06:08:42 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,459847#msg-459847 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,459847#msg-459847
thank you very much]]> davod afshar Laser Cutter Working Group Sat, 24 Jan 2015 05:12:15 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458823#msg-458823 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458823#msg-458823
The diode melts+evaporates the black coating and the resulting heat melts the underlying surface of the plastic.

Without paint the diode will simply shine through the transparent material without harming it ...]]> VDX Laser Cutter Working Group Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:02:45 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458762#msg-458762 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458762#msg-458762
type of plastic is polyethylene &polypropylene
if with diode laser just I can mark on inked paper please tel me I should use what type of laser diode?
thanks]]> davod afshar Laser Cutter Working Group Thu, 22 Jan 2015 04:00:08 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458583#msg-458583 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458583#msg-458583
For marking it with diodes you can try with coating the surface with black paint - then engrave the paint -- then remove the paint ... and the melted marks will be visible as opaque lines and dots ...]]> VDX Laser Cutter Working Group Wed, 21 Jan 2015 15:19:25 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458546#msg-458546 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458546#msg-458546 May be easier / cheaper to print the labels

PET very high temp and it melts with nasty smell
Plastic --- type of plastic very important --- can't help if you just say "plastic"

Check out:

DIY Mini laser engraving machine, mini laser label engraving machine, laser label making machine
[www.alibaba.com]

Mr Beam
[www.kickstarter.com]

:S


Quote
davod afshar
Hi
I want to make a laser marker
]]> cozmicray Laser Cutter Working Group Wed, 21 Jan 2015 14:07:16 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458437#msg-458437 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458437#msg-458437
Is the material you want to engrave see-through or transparent? Because I know that is very hard to laser cut with diodes. Maybe a CO2 laser will do better?]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:02:11 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458406#msg-458406 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,458406#msg-458406 I want to make a laser marker for marking on plastic matereial or pet, therefor I need to Appropriate laser diode or fiber lazer with good power of wave for mark and 0.4-0.5 Beam diameter(laser spot),As well I put together 7 pices of it to obtain font width desired,if be laser arrey Seven bits together with Minimum distance is better.
It should be marked within 1-2 mili seconds(ms)
please tel me wath kind of laser diode is appropriate

thanks]]> davod afshar Laser Cutter Working Group Wed, 21 Jan 2015 08:44:04 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,457164#msg-457164 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,457164#msg-457164 VDX Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:53:25 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,457097#msg-457097 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,457097#msg-457097 I can barely see laser thru acrylic

I'll try to get spectrophotometer and test it
but looks like it doesn't pass much at 445nm

Certified = hundreds of dollars ----- thousands in Netherlands

Quote
cozmicray
Red Acrylic Plexiglass Sheet #2423 1/8" 15.7/8"X 15.7/8

works nice on my laser cutter
$11 ---- probably $6000 in Netherlands

[www.ebay.com]

:S
]]> cozmicray Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 18 Jan 2015 14:24:20 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,456361#msg-456361 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,456361#msg-456361
But it's not certified for stopping 445NM rays, so I'll continue to look :) Thanks though!]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Fri, 16 Jan 2015 14:32:30 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,456330#msg-456330 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,456330#msg-456330 Red Acrylic Plexiglass Sheet #2423 1/8" 15.7/8"X 15.7/8

works nice on my laser cutter
$11 ---- probably $6000 in Netherlands

[www.ebay.com]

:S]]> cozmicray Laser Cutter Working Group Fri, 16 Jan 2015 13:43:12 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,456222#msg-456222 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,456222#msg-456222
I've also gotten a nice tin canister that I will place the filter in. It will be a multiple-compartment filterbox with an extractable filter-holder. Let's see how that works. It probably won't get rid of that smokey odor, but at least I won't worry about degrading the health of me and my cat.

Will also order some window-like material to lessen the reflections of the laser beam. My room lights up with a blue light now and it's shining all over the place from reclections.

When I cut, I see a 'halo' of blue light on the paper, it looks as if the lens isn't that good, so I might look for another lens element. Is there a way of cleaning the lens, or is it better to buy a more expensive diode-holder and include a better lens with it while I'm at it? I could extend the diodes wire and put the electronics in the housing of the printer, instead of on the X-carriage that way.

Ordering the protective windows at J-tech photonics will not work, as the shipping cost are as high as the price for two 12"x12" sheets (around $40 shipping).

[attachment 47249 ScreenShot2015-01-16at15.55.57.png]]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Fri, 16 Jan 2015 10:04:21 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454936#msg-454936 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454936#msg-454936
Sadly I don't have a creditcard so I can't order from Amazon. Tomorrow I'll stop by at the store to see what they have. I'll look for those carbon filters. Indeed, I has already made a tube with 2 plastic screens. I wanted to fill the tube with this filter material and add a strong 80MM fan to it to suck up the air and clean it. It's going to take some work.]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Tue, 13 Jan 2015 17:44:27 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454864#msg-454864 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454864#msg-454864 VDX Laser Cutter Working Group Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:58:15 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454836#msg-454836 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454836#msg-454836 Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamp Light - Glowing Air Purifier - 3-4kg

Protection from electro-smog
Helps with headaches, migraines and insomnia
Relief from stress related symptoms
Helps clean tobacco smoke from the air
Emits a warm glow to give your room a sense of calm and serenity


[www.amazon.co.uk]


Activated Carbon Fleece in front of a muffin fan?

[www.amazon.co.uk]

:S]]> cozmicray Laser Cutter Working Group Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:22:48 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454704#msg-454704 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,454704#msg-454704 Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Tue, 13 Jan 2015 10:15:06 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453837#msg-453837 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453837#msg-453837 but
I can't note my peeve?

Direct ---- I am a Boomer -- not a politically correct Millennial--- you bet --- any other way?


Ohmarinus---- "If there's one thing I hate, it's to see those videos on youtube of people lasercutting stuff that is not placed neatly and flat on a cutting table."]]> cozmicray Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:42:31 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453802#msg-453802 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453802#msg-453802
But to answer your question: it's not finished yet. I was testing for a 'proof of concept'. Now that I know that the way I put the CoreXY together, is the right way mechanically speaking I am going to make the final design ;)

There will be a belt-tensioner system that balances out the forces on each side of the carriage. The kinematics of a CoreXY machine are more complicated than one might think!

For the bearings there will be a nice clamp design that holds onto the bearing. The laser-module and carriage are designed in such a way that the module can be screwed off and a print-head can be placed on the carriage by only removing two screws and a set of plugs for the electrical part.

Of course tie-wraps are not good for attaching the bearings to the carriage, especially not in the way I use them! The carriage has a lot of play twist-wise as it is connected now.

Don't worry :)]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:29:51 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453762#msg-453762 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453762#msg-453762 A single tie wrap holding a bearing is just not the way to do a mechanical connection.
A beautiful core XY system -- then tie wraps?

I understand they are fast and easy?

How you machined up all the core XY stuff
and
couldn't machine up or print up a proper mount for bearings or carriage for the laser.

I guess that's the "upgrade"

Ohmarinus "If there's one thing I hate, it's to see those videos on youtube of people lasercutting stuff that is not placed neatly and flat on a cutting table.]]> cozmicray Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 11 Jan 2015 11:53:34 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453695#msg-453695 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453695#msg-453695
Eventually I want to put an enclosure over the whole electronics part (backside) of the carriage to make sure no light can interfere with the optical endstop. The reason why I put the endstop on the carriage is so that I only have one bundle with cables going down from the top.
Can't wait to start testing this thing, but first I want to have the Z-stage properly finished. If there's one thing I hate, it's to see those videos on youtube of people lasercutting stuff that is not placed neatly and flat on a cutting table.






]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Sun, 11 Jan 2015 09:24:10 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453387#msg-453387 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453387#msg-453387
The electronics on the other hand look pretty good and if anything may break down, I can fix it myself I think.

This morning I woke up around 9 by hard banging on the window, my doorbell is broken and the delivery man woke me up. So I ran to the door... Nothing. He went away really quick! So I turned on the lights, put up some music, and all of a sudden I see his car driving by again, so I run out the door, and he was just in front of my house, he saw the lights were on so he decided to make a second stop. What a great guy! Next time I'll give him flowers ;)

The mechanical part for the CoreXY machine is finished. Just need to make a nice holder for the laser so it connects to the printer without taking too much space, the laser mount is quite bulky, so I might redesign. Besides that the fan seems fine, but a radial fan might produce more/better airflow over the heat sink, and as I understand, it is a good idea to add a second fan that blows away the smoke so it doesn't set on the front lens element.

I hope to have the machine working tomorrow at the end of the day :) As there is no Z-bed yet I have to improvise something, how that's gonna be... No idea :)]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Sat, 10 Jan 2015 10:50:25 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453213#msg-453213 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453213#msg-453213
Meanwhile the status of the package finally went to "Customs clearance processing complete" so I guess I'll have it either tomorrow, or next week.

I'll update when I have the laser installed. Meanwhile I will start a new topic in the CoreXY subforum to show off my machine built and progress.]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:13:36 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453045#msg-453045 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453045#msg-453045
Quote
Ohmarinus
Meanwhile I'm trying to find out if the laser's reflected light can mess with the optical endstops. Can the laser influence the workings of the optical endstops? I hope not!

... AFAIK most optical sensors are set to IR light and IR-filters to limit the influence of day-light and lamps ... so should be insensitive to the 445nm too ...]]> VDX Laser Cutter Working Group Fri, 09 Jan 2015 10:04:05 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453026#msg-453026 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453026#msg-453026 MPower Laser Cutter Working Group Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:33:13 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453022#msg-453022 Re: Information needed before buying what I need https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?133,444713,453022#msg-453022
Have replaced with LM8UU's, will order some more because the ones I am using now are cheap and not working as well as they should. BUT, it's all rolling smooth still :) Tonight I will finish the front guides of the belts (where they cross) and I can start testing out the precision of the CoreXY design. Meanwhile Dutch customs is taking my laser diode hostage for no clear reason. It has arrived in the post office last Tuesday night and should've been delivered on Wednesday...

The electronics are tested, working. firmware placed, so when the belts are on the machine I can start calibrating :)

When the laser comes in I can design the X-carriage mount and the Z-table, the design will depend on what the laser will look like as I have no idea of the needed Z-height.

Meanwhile I'm trying to find out if the laser's reflected light can mess with the optical endstops. Can the laser influence the workings of the optical endstops? I hope not!]]> Ohmarinus Laser Cutter Working Group Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:26:19 -0500