Usage

Don't use the following materials :

PVC plastic of other material containing chlorine,
Teflon or other materials containing fluorine,
Rubber,
Not recommended Polycarbonate (also known as Lexan, it produces a ugly edge and smokes like crazy).

If you are not sure you can use this diagram to identify the material

ALWAYS keep an eye on your job when the laser is working. Don't leave it unattended.

After each use clean the laser (lens and mirror) with a cotton swab and aceton, do not exert pressure on the lens while cleaning.

Preparation

Download Visicut, in version 1.7.9-51 or later you can download under menu 'Options --> Download recommended settings : Select "Netherlands, Enschede: TkkrLab"'
For older versions of visicut, download setting for TkkrLab
Start visicut and use menu 'Extra --> Install Inkscape Extension'

Steps

Turn on the laser

Switch on the laser, the airflow and water cooling should start automagicly

Put in the material

The table have to be on the right height so that the laser is focused. Use the turning knob to adjust the table hight.

On the table inside right side there is a red line, the top of the material should align to this red line.

The material is now set, use your favorite vector program like Inkscape.

Inkscape

For more instructions how to use inkscape for lasercutter check out this manual from makerspace ZB45

In Inkscape make something you want to cut. If you have your design done select what you want to cut and use menu 'Extensions --> Lasercut path --> Open in Visicut'

Visicut

For instructions of visicut check FabLab Berlijn

Select the right material and use the settings table for the right power/speed.

For the power / speed setting see the presets as a starting point, you can always adjust these according your own preference.

Use EXECUTE to start the laser cutter job.

Specifications

New brains Smoothie board
Software compatible : Visicut, Inkscape
Port : IP

Item Code: CW3040
Working Table Size: 300 *400mm
Laser Tube : CO2 glass Tube
Laser Power : 40W
Cutting Speed : 0-2000 mm/min
Engraving Speed : 0-3000mm/min
Resolution : ±0.05mm /1000DPI
Motor : Stepper
Power Voltage : AC 110-220V±10%,50-60Hz
Working Environment : 0-45? 5-95% (humidity)
Power consumption : 300W (Total)
Table type : Aluminum (Optional upon needs)
Coolingmode : Water-cooled system
Cutting thickness : 3-4mm (upon materials type)
Rotary device : optional
Packing Size : 123*79*60cm
Gross Weight : 77/kg

No longer valid

Software compatible : CorelDraw,AutoCAD,Photoshop
Software : CorelDraw (Direct Output)
Support Fils : BMP,HPGL,PLT,DST and AI
Port : USB 2.0 Plug and play

Controller board

No longer in use we replaced this with a Smoothie clone board.

Lihuiyu Studio 6C6879-LASER-M2:6 board from http://www.3wcad.com/
Firmware : 2015.02.15

External Links

If you want to improve the laser check the following links

Box makers

Inkscape boxmaker settings

Kerf	0.600 mm
Clearance	0.450 mm

Maintenance

Clean the lens and mirror after each job or at least once a day. Use cotton stick with aceton and lightly brush the surface of the mirror/lens.

Keep the rods oiled (no WD-40)

I (Duality) Quote:

Never use wd-40 as a lubricant. The primary ingredients in wd-40 are kerosene and mineral spirits, which can be corrosive and are otherwise not suitable for mechanical lubrication.

Also you don´t want a (wd-40) sprayed mirror ;).

focusing: link

how to maintain a laser cutter: maintenance

Water Cooling

If you need to replace the water in the water cooling replace it with Demi water with 10% antivries (in case the room can get < 0c).

Air Filter

Transport keep it upright (or let it rest 96 hours).

Replacement parts

Laser tube around € 250 (should last between 4000 hours (if you use always full power) - 10000 hours (if you only use engraving).
Replacement Air filter : cost € 85 for active carbon, € 200 for the rest (285 of the whole filter)). Expected life 2 years
Mirror € 80,=
Lens 38 mm € 250,=

Laser Cutter

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