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Difference between revisions of "Laser Cutter"

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Don't use the following materials :  
 
Don't use the following materials :  
−
* MDF,
 
 
* PVC plastic of other material containing chlorine,
 
* PVC plastic of other material containing chlorine,
 
* Teflon or other materials containing fluorine,
 
* Teflon or other materials containing fluorine,
−
* Rubber,
+
* Natural Rubber, silicon rubber is ok
 
* Not recommended Polycarbonate (also known as Lexan, it produces a ugly edge and smokes like crazy).
 
* 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 [http://hackaday.com/2015/03/14/how-to-identify-plastics-before-laser-cutting-them/ identify the material]
 
If you are not sure you can use this diagram to [http://hackaday.com/2015/03/14/how-to-identify-plastics-before-laser-cutting-them/ identify the material]
  
−
<b>ALWAYS</b> keep an eye on your job when the laser is working. Don't leave it unattended.
+
<b>ALWAYS</b> keep an eye on your job when the laser is working. Don't leave it unattended, it could catch fire.
  
−
After each use clean the laser (lens and mirror) with a cotton swab and aceton, do not exert pressure on the lens while cleaning.
+
If you want to buy your own material you could check out the following shops :
 +
* [http://kunststofplatenshop.nl kunststofplatenshop]
 +
* [https://www.xxlstunt.nl/assortiment/Kunststof-Platen/Acrylaat-_-Plexiglas-platen xxlstunt]
 +
* [http://www.pyrasied.nl/ pyrasied]
  
−
===Preparation===
+
==Preparation==
−
* Download [http://visicut.org Visicut]
+
* We use mainly Inkscape, download this [https://inkscape.org/en/release/ here]
−
* Download setting for [https://github.com/TkkrLab/visicut-settings/archive/master.zip TkkrLab], later these will be added to visicut and can be selected by Options --> Download recommended settings
+
* For instructions for [https://hci.rwth-aachen.de/visicut_and_illustrator Illustrator] (use the template from tkkrlab)
−
* Start visicut and use menu 'Extra --> Install Inkscape Extension'
+
* Download [http://visicut.org Visicut], in version 1.7.9-51 or later you can download under menu 'Options --> Download recommended settings : Select "Netherlands, Enschede: TkkrLab"'. This wil also be asked the first time you start VisiCut.
 +
* For older versions of visicut, download setting for [https://github.com/TkkrLab/visicut-settings/archive/master.zip TkkrLab]
 +
* Start visicut and use menu 'Extra --> Install Inkscape Extension' to install the plugin in Inkscape. This only have to be done once.
  
 +
All needed templates and setting can also be found in [[Media:Workshop_Lasercutter_TkkrLab.zip|this download]]
  
−
==Steps==
+
=Steps=
  
 +
==Turn on the laser==
 +
Switch on the laser, the airflow and water cooling should start automagicly
  
−
===Turn on the laser===
+
[[File:TkkrLab_Lasercutter_turn_on.JPG|250px]]
−
Switch on the wall & emergency button on the laser.
+
  
−
===Put in the material===
+
==Put in the material==
−
The table have to be on the right height, on the right there is a red line, the top of the material should align to this red line.
+
The table have to be on the right height so that the laser is focused. Use the turning knob to adjust the table hight.
  
−
===Check settings===
+
[[File:TkkrLab_Lasercutter_adjust.JPG|250px]]
−
Find the right settings of the material you want to use.
+
  
−
CHECK table with settings (power and speed)
+
On the table inside right side there is a red line, the top of the material should align to this red line.
  
−
====Visicut====
+
[[File:TkkrLab_Lasercutter_adjusted.JPG|250px]]
−
In Inkscape make something you want to cut. If you have your design done use men 'Extensions --> Lasercut path --> Open in Visicut'
+
  
 +
The material is now set, use your favorite vector program like Inkscape.
 +
 +
==Inkscape==
 +
For more instructions how to use inkscape for lasercutter check out [https://wiki.zb45.nl/index.php?title=Cursus_Inkscape 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'
 +
 +
Usefull external links :
 +
===Inkscape Extensions===
 +
* [https://github.com/paulh-rnd/TabbedBoxMaker Boxmaker] to make a nice box.
 +
* [https://github.com/evil-mad/EggBot/releases/latest Eggbot] for hatch fill.
 +
* [https://www.instructables.com/id/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Laser-cut-Box-Generators/ Instructables] list of Inkscape extentions.
 +
 +
===Box makers===
 +
* [http://boxmaker.connectionlab.org/ Simple online boxmaker]
 +
* [http://www.makercase.com/ Also with t-slots]
 +
* [http://www.templatemaker.nl/ Cardboard boxes]
 +
* [https://cdn.rawgit.com/Draradech/35d36347312ca6d0887aa7d55f366e30/raw/b04cf9cd63a59571910cb226226ce2b3ed46af46/jigsaw.html puzzle maker]
 +
 +
===Fonts===
 +
If you use a font commercial check the licence!
 +
* [http://www.fontspace.com/category/engraving Free Engraving Fonts]
 +
* [http://www.onelinefonts.com/ One Line Fonts]
 +
* [https://fonts.google.com/ Google Fonts] (all open source)
 +
 +
==Visicut==
 
For instructions of visicut check [https://wiki.fablab.berlin/Laser_Cutting_Introduction_(Epilog) FabLab Berlijn]  
 
For instructions of visicut check [https://wiki.fablab.berlin/Laser_Cutting_Introduction_(Epilog) FabLab Berlijn]  
  
−
Select the right material and use the settings table for the right power/speed.
+
Select the right material and use the material tab. Depending on what you want to cut or engrave you can review your settings in tab "Laser settings".
 +
 
 +
For the power / speed setting see the presets as a starting point, you can always adjust these according your own preference.
  
 
Use <b>EXECUTE</b> to start the laser cutter job.
 
Use <b>EXECUTE</b> to start the laser cutter job.
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
!Visicut settings
 
−
|-
 
−
! Material
 
−
! Speed
 
−
! Power
 
−
! Number of times
 
−
|-
 
−
| Poplars plywood (populieren triplex) 3.5mm
 
−
| 10
 
−
| 100
 
−
| 1
 
−
|-
 
−
| Birch plywood 6mm
 
−
| 4
 
−
| 100
 
−
| 1x?
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic, black 2mm
 
−
| 10
 
−
| 100
 
−
| 1
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic,transparent 2mm
 
−
| 20
 
−
| 100
 
−
| 1
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic, transparent 3mm
 
−
| 10
 
−
| 100
 
−
| 1
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic, transparent 4mm
 
−
| 10
 
−
| 100
 
−
| 2
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
===Burn===
 
−
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.
 
  
 
==Specifications==
 
==Specifications==
Line 95: Line 84:
 
*Working Table Size: 300 *400mm
 
*Working Table Size: 300 *400mm
 
*Laser Tube : CO2 glass Tube
 
*Laser Tube : CO2 glass Tube
−
*Laser Power : 40W
+
*Laser Power : 60W
 
*Cutting Speed : 0-2000 mm/min
 
*Cutting Speed : 0-2000 mm/min
 
*Engraving Speed : 0-3000mm/min
 
*Engraving Speed : 0-3000mm/min
Line 109: Line 98:
 
*Packing Size : 123*79*60cm
 
*Packing Size : 123*79*60cm
 
*Gross Weight : 77/kg
 
*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===
 
===Controller board===
−
No longer in use we replaced this with a Smoothie clone board.
+
No longer in use we replaced this with a [[MKS_SBASE_Smoothie|Smoothie]] clone board. The original was:
 
* Lihuiyu Studio [[Media:6C6879-LASER-M2-6 Chinese.pdf|6C6879-LASER-M2:6]] board from http://www.3wcad.com/
 
* Lihuiyu Studio [[Media:6C6879-LASER-M2-6 Chinese.pdf|6C6879-LASER-M2:6]] board from http://www.3wcad.com/
 
* Firmware : 2015.02.15
 
* Firmware : 2015.02.15
−
 
−
===Included Software===
 
−
* LaserDRW
 
−
* Corel Draw driver (you need Corel Draw, this is NOT included)
 
  
 
=External Links=
 
=External Links=
Line 131: Line 110:
 
* [http://www.cnczone.com/forums/general-laser-engraving-cutting-machine-discussion/242742-software.html cnc zone]
 
* [http://www.cnczone.com/forums/general-laser-engraving-cutting-machine-discussion/242742-software.html cnc zone]
 
* [http://www.lasercrafts.com.au/opencart/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=10 About materials]
 
* [http://www.lasercrafts.com.au/opencart/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=10 About materials]
−
===Box makers===
+
* [https://mcuoneclipse.com/2017/08/13/getting-control-over-a-50-watt-co2-laser-cutter-from-china/ Getting Control over a 50 Watt CO2 Laser Cutter from China]
−
* [http://www.keppel.demon.co.uk/111000/111000.html Boxmaker for inkscape]
+
 
−
* [http://boxmaker.connectionlab.org/ Simple online boxmaker]
+
==Inkscape boxmaker settings==
−
* [http://www.makercase.com/ Also with t-slots]
+
{|
−
* [http://www.templatemaker.nl/ Cardboard boxes]
+
|Kerf
 +
|0.600 mm
 +
|-
 +
|Clearance
 +
|0.450 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=Maintenance=
 
=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:
 
−
<blockquote>
 
−
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.
 
−
</blockquote>
 
−
Also you don´t want a (wd-40) sprayed mirror ;).
 
  
 
focusing:
 
focusing:
Line 161: Line 137:
  
 
===Replacement parts===
 
===Replacement parts===
−
* Laser tube around € 500 (should last between 4000 hours (if you use always full power) - 10000 hours (if you only use engraving).
+
* 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
 
* Replacement Air filter : cost € 85 for active carbon, € 200 for the rest (285 of the whole filter)). Expected life 2 years
 
* Mirror € 80,=
 
* Mirror € 80,=
 
* Lens 38 mm € 250,=
 
* Lens 38 mm € 250,=
−
 
−
=OLD SETTINGS=
 
−
For history, do not use these setting/instructions
 
−
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
!Laser Draw
 
−
|-
 
−
! Material
 
−
! Speed
 
−
! Power
 
−
! Number of times
 
−
|-
 
−
| Poplars plywood (populieren triplex) 3.5mm
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
|-
 
−
| Birch plywood 6mm
 
−
| 5mm/s
 
−
| 80%
 
−
| 1x
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic, black 2mm
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic,transparent 2mm
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic, transparent 3mm
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
|-
 
−
| Acrylic, transparent 4mm
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
| ??
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
!Corel Draw (the lower the mm/s, the faster)
 
−
|-
 
−
! Material
 
−
! Speed
 
−
! Power
 
−
! Number of times
 
−
|-
 
−
|  Poplars plywood (populieren triplex) 3.5mm
 
−
|  5mm/s
 
−
|  90%
 
−
|  2x
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
==Coral draw==
 
−
Oude instructie met chineese software
 
−
 
−
let op, scaling is nog niet goed en rondjes van een paar mm ook niet
 
−
 
−
selecteer alles in inscape en druk op path->object to path
 
−
sla in inscape je bestand op naar EMF op de nas
 
−
    In windows \\bark\laser
 
−
    In linux smb://bark/laser/
 
−
Je krijgt een schermpje te zien met wat instellingen
 
−
Selecteer als basiseenheid: mm
 
−
 
−
start corelLaser, dit duurt even. Blijf geduldig wachten.
 
−
verander papierformaat van A4 naar Tkkrlab laser (links boven)
 
−
file -> import
 
−
zoek op de Z schijf je EMF
 
−
stel de units in op metric en controleer de size
 
−
klik op een random locatie op je "papier"
 
−
selecteer alle lijnen wat je wilt cutten
 
−
druk op "cutting" (de knop lijkt op een sleutelhanger. Helemaal rechts boven aan het scherm)
 
−
Je krijgt nu de engraving manager te zien
 
−
 
−
verplaats je object naar de plek waar je wilt cutten
 
−
Je kan de Common parameters aanpassen als je wilt
 
−
Wil je 1 keer cutten. Zorg dan dat repeat op 1 times staat!
 
−
Als je bijvoorbeeld twee keer hetzelfde wilt cutten op de zelfde plek, stel dan "repeat" in.
 
−
Je kan bij de style de snij volgorde instellen. Standaard staat dit op "As drawing"
 
−
Kijk voor de speed in de materialenlijst
 
−
 
−
=Software=
 
−
===LaserDRW===
 
−
This program is mainly for engraving and limited in the functions.
 
−
 
−
There is no eps / svg import but you can read windows EMF files.
 
−
 
−
* The program can be set to engrave or marking ( for nice pictures ) or cutting ( for nice parts).
 
−
* When cutting working from vectors is advised as it will be a lot faster.
 
−
* Engraving can be done from bitmaps (jpg, png, bmp...) be advised that the lighter the wood, the better the results will look like.
 
−
 
−
Import in laserDRW:
 
−
* Open your file with LaserDRW - Check the dimensions - Open the "engrave" dialog - Choose the "cutting" strategy instead of the default "engrave" if you want to cut - Selecting "nearest" will make the laser follow a path that is not utterly insane - I suggest to use a non null "fill the gaps" (I use 0.1 mm) to minimize unecessary movements - Once ready, check you have put your material to cut and click "starting". - Check the tray icon notifications, it can take long to export your paths if you have a lot of curves. Up to a few minutes. It will start eventually. - Enjoy the smell.
 
−
 
−
===CorelDraw===
 
−
* you can cut with the laser plugin.
 
−
* support almost all bitmap and vector file types (warning for svg: not the same dpi as inkscape)
 
−
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR7967VHKnI tutorial
 
−
 
−
 
−
==Visicut==
 
−
 
−
leg je matteriaal in de lasercutter. Zorg ervoor dat het rode streepje aan de zijkant op dezelfde hoogte is als de bovenkant van je object
 
−
Doe de klep nu dicht!
 
−
stel het vermogen in op de lasercutter (zie materialenlijst)
 
−
druk op start in de engraving manager
 
−
De lasercutter gaat nu cutten
 
−
Wacht totdat hij klaar is. Let er op dat het materiaal niet gaat vlammen.
 
−
Stel het vermogen in op 0%, nu mag de klep open
 
−
 
−
===Inkscape===
 
−
There is no direct support to use this laser with inkscape, but there is a workaround. You can save to windows .emf file (on mac and windows), this format can be read with LaserDRW.
 
−
HOWEVER:
 
−
* Using a line width of < 0.13 mm in your designs will result in some of your cutting lines dashed. Using a line width > 0.13 will make the cutter cut all your lines twice. Pick your poison.
 
−
Notes:
 
−
* all the paths made in the inkscape file will be followed, so even if you used masks or other things, it is NOT WISIWIG!
 
−
* you can only save to .emf in inkscape in windows. (for linux, you can use the .wmf format, tested)
 
−
* works great what to do to make it work, get the latest version from the inkscape websited, the one in the repo's is way to old and doesn't support saving as .emf
 
−
* if installed open inkscape make your design save it as .emf, be sure to tick the boxs saying: Convert dashed/dotted lines to single lines.
 
−
* make sure that your design has the stroke set to 0.001 mm or else it will do double cute edges.
 
−
* and your good to go!
 
−
 
−
 
−
=Usage Settings=
 
−
[[File:Cncsettings.jpg|350px]]
 
−
 
−
=Future improvements=
 
−
* Replace control board with [http://redmine.laoslaser.org/projects/laos/wiki/K40-III laos] https://tuxic.nl/webshop
 
−
 
−
===Issues===
 
−
there is some ghosting in the laser, a link i found suggests that it's the laser not hitting the lens right in the head due to the mirror in the head being misaligned.
 
−
[http://www.cnczone.com/forums/general-laser-engraving-cutting-machine-discussion/129162-ghost-image.html forum]
 
−
 
−
or as the forum also suggests a cracked lens could be the cause.
 
−
 
−
<pre>
 
−
Dubliner,
 
−
I had the same problem on my Vytek.
 
−
It's all in the alignment and the point where the beam passes through the nozzle below the focus lens.
 
−
The beam (on mine) was grazing the nozzle and reflecting off.
 
−
It takes a VERY in-depth alignment procedure to correct this. Take your time, bring a lunch.
 
−
Wish I'd bought a Multicam.
 
−
</pre>
 

Latest revision as of 16:15, 28 August 2018

TkkrLab Laser Cutter CW3040.jpeg

Usage

Don't use the following materials :

  • PVC plastic of other material containing chlorine,
  • Teflon or other materials containing fluorine,
  • Natural Rubber, silicon rubber is ok
  • 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, it could catch fire.

If you want to buy your own material you could check out the following shops :

Preparation

  • We use mainly Inkscape, download this here
  • For instructions for Illustrator (use the template from tkkrlab)
  • Download Visicut, in version 1.7.9-51 or later you can download under menu 'Options --> Download recommended settings : Select "Netherlands, Enschede: TkkrLab"'. This wil also be asked the first time you start VisiCut.
  • For older versions of visicut, download setting for TkkrLab
  • Start visicut and use menu 'Extra --> Install Inkscape Extension' to install the plugin in Inkscape. This only have to be done once.

All needed templates and setting can also be found in this download

Steps

Turn on the laser

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

TkkrLab Lasercutter turn on.JPG

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.

TkkrLab Lasercutter adjust.JPG

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

TkkrLab Lasercutter adjusted.JPG

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'

Usefull external links :

Inkscape Extensions

Box makers

Fonts

If you use a font commercial check the licence!

Visicut

For instructions of visicut check FabLab Berlijn

Select the right material and use the material tab. Depending on what you want to cut or engrave you can review your settings in tab "Laser settings".

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 : 60W
  • 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

Controller board

No longer in use we replaced this with a Smoothie clone board. The original was:

External Links

If you want to improve the laser check the following links

Inkscape boxmaker settings

Kerf 0.600 mm
Clearance 0.450 mm

Maintenance

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,=