Add Laser to CNC router

[VTX1800]

Greetings all,
I am considering adding a laser to a CNC router.
Converted an AXYZ model 4008 machine to Dynomotion KFLOP and KSTEP control with existing stepper motors.
Has anyone been successful implementing this hybrid system?
Any suggestions on specific laser?
Other recommendations?

Thanks in advance for the effort.

Ted

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[TomKerekes]

Hi Ted,

You should probably be more specific and include what your requirements are and what you intend to do.

Regards

[VTX1800]

Hello Tom,

I have seen some compelling examples of laser cutting, marking and engraving from various laser machine manufacturers.

I was wondering if a CNC router with Dynomotion control can add this laser capability.
However, after a cursory investigation I may have already ruled out the practicality of the addition of a laser to the heavy CNC router.

Most laser machines have a stationary tube and move the small and light final mirror and focus lens assembly over the object.
Since these machines only have to move the small mass of the mirror assembly they can move very fast.
Stepper and servo motors available.
Therefore, the heavy CNC router would be much slower to raster or vector the position.

Second, the detail of the image requires very fast switching of the laser.
Fast Optical Q switch I believe.
Looks like 50 KHz to 200 KHz switching speeds.
Spot sizes of .0005" to .002" for fiber lenses and .001 to .007" for CO2 lenses.
The switching of the laser might not be available with the Dynomotion control at these speeds.

Just thinking out loud.
Your opinion and experience is always welcome.

Cheers,

Ted

Hi Ted,

You should probably be more specific and include what your requirements are and what you intend to do.

Regards

[Louis_Cannell]

Have a look on the mach3 forum I believe Tweakie added one to his CNC as I remember well documented.

[VTX1800]

Hey Louis,
Thanks for the Tweakie post suggestion.
I will check it out.

OK. How do I search/navigate cnczone to find a specific forum and user?

Ted

[TomKerekes]

Hi Ted,

How do I search/navigate cnczone to find a specific forum and user?

Use the Advanced Search button at the top of the screen.

Check out Tweakie'samazing site:
Tweakie.CNC - CO2 Laser Cutting.

Regards

[Louis_Cannell]

link to forum item mentioned https://www.machsupport.com/forum/in...&topic=12444.0

[VTX1800]

Louis,
That looked like a lot of work.
I wonder if the KFLOP board is switching the laser states.
I might get in touch with Tweakie.
There are a bunch of lasers on Ebay made in China.
Might explore that avenue.
Thanks,
Ted