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

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'

Usefull external links :

Inkscape Extensions

Boxmaker to make a nice box.
Eggbot for hatch fill.
Instructables list of Inkscape extentions.

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:

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

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,=

Laser Cutter

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