DIY Laser engraver/cutter

[mundsen]

Hi all

I have designed my own Laser engraver/cutter



Design done using Fusinon360 (free for hobby use)
- MGW12H rail fro the y-axis
- MGW7H rail for the X-axis
- Laser module/kit from Opt Lasers https://optlasers.com/kits-and-adapt...r-cnc-machines
- Software LightBurn https://lightburnsoftware.com/

Controller - not decided yet, but for the first test I i use the Mini Gerbil controller form awsometech https://awesome.tech/product/mini-ge...-laser-cutter/

But I need more axis (Mini Gerbil only have 2 axis) for my Z and rotating axis

I`m going to test:
- Smoothieboard5x running smoothieware or GRBL-LPC
- GRBL-HAL Teensy 4 https://github.com/phil-barrett/grblHAL-teensy-4.x

I do not know what is the best controller for a diode laser / LightBurn

First mechanical test:



This laser kit comes with a nifty magnetic docking that makes it simple to remove the laser when not in use or when you want to swap lens/clean the lens..

Next:

• Connect and test laser
• z-axis (moving bed)
• Rotary axis
• Camera for LigtBurn (8MP)

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[Quebecois_Sti]

You have a pretty neat setup.

I wish to add laser system to my CNC router one day. However, I will need to update
my controller I suppose to be able to control the ON/OFF of the PWM laser...

I am in hurry to see someone using their new model "PLH3D-15W", it looks awesome.
However, there's not so much hype about it and because of price not alot of people
seems to buy their components.

They seems alot better quality than the chinese typical ones we can see everywhere.

[LucasMichael]

Hi !
Have you done any other tests with PLH3D?
I ask because the topic is from December


And did you establish something about controller for diode laser?

[mundsen]

After spending some time using this laser I learned some things.
Make an enclosure/cabinet so you can get a fan for smoke/exhaust extraction + protection from the laser light

I want to test a corexy setup for my Opt Lasers module and combine this with a new "boxed" design

As controller I`m going to use the grbl HAL Teensy Pro in combination with the Light Burn software

The design is not final - working on a setup for my Z-axis + I`m going to install the electronics in the lower section in some kind of drawer

[mundsen]

I`m going to test this as my "work surface" (with more spikes). The spikes are 10mm - i`m going to use this in combination with magnets to keep the material in position


My z-axis (dual MGN12H + dual screw)

[mundsen]

In this test I control the controller using LightBurnTesting different layers with different laser power (led display)+ controlling the solenoide valve for air assist per layer in LightBurn

[Alana-Beta]

How to create a CNC router for beginners?

Are you facing such a problem: you want to build a CNC machine tool, but you are not sure what kind of machine you want to build? We will try to create a framework that you can use to decide what your first CNC project should be.

The first thing you need to do is to take some notes on some of the questions you want to know beforehand. Try this questionnaire:

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Difficulty: Following the cost is a realistic assessment of the skills you can bring in building the machine. Some machines are easier to build than others. Some people will prefer tolerances that are looser and easier to achieve. Strong woodworking and strong metalworking skills will also affect your choice.

Time: As long as you have enough time, you can build almost anything. But how much time can you actually invest in this project? How interested are you in creating the machine itself and using the machine after it is finished? Considering that before graduating to the final CNC project, it might be a good idea to keep working on simpler machines. You will learn a lot on simpler machines, and you will be more prepared to handle complex machines.

Project: What do you want to use your CNC machine tool for? This will greatly affect the type of machine you build and the specifications required for that machine.

Learn more:https://forsuncnc.com/should-i-buy-o...outer-machine/