Difference between revisions of "Laser Cutter"

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(Links to items cut on the FamiLAB Laser (post your stuff here!))
(Modification Suggestions)
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==Modification Suggestions==
 
==Modification Suggestions==
 
Our FullSpectrum 40W is far from perfect. Add your suggested improvements to the laser cutter on this list.
 
Our FullSpectrum 40W is far from perfect. Add your suggested improvements to the laser cutter on this list.
* Mount the parallel port driver board further back within the case
+
* <del>Mount the parallel port driver board further back within the case</del>
* Mount the Mach3 card inside the case, make cover for it to screw in the outside (with the laser cutter!?)
+
* <del>Mount the Mach3 card inside the case, make cover for it to screw in the outside (with the laser cutter!?)</del>
* Strain relief and longer USB cable (Chris has a 10 or 15 ft he will donate. Ferrite beads and gold plated.)     
+
* <del>Strain relief and longer USB cable (Chris has a 10 or 15 ft he will donate. Ferrite beads and gold plated.)</del>    
* Air pump (Mack getting this for us so ghetto-rig ShopVac can go away)
+
* <del>Air pump (Mack getting this for us so ghetto-rig ShopVac can go away)</del>
 
* Digital readout for power knob (Looking into digital potentiometer with readout!)
 
* Digital readout for power knob (Looking into digital potentiometer with readout!)
 
* Lid-switch should trip the system-wide cutoff, not just a computer control cutoff
 
* Lid-switch should trip the system-wide cutoff, not just a computer control cutoff
Line 45: Line 45:
 
* Better interior lighting (possibly fluorescent bars and/or LEDs) to better light the work surface
 
* Better interior lighting (possibly fluorescent bars and/or LEDs) to better light the work surface
 
* Possibly redo entire control panel with digital readouts and better (read: safer) switches.
 
* Possibly redo entire control panel with digital readouts and better (read: safer) switches.
 
  
 
==Uses==
 
==Uses==

Revision as of 14:02, 10 September 2011

We have a Full Spectrum Engineering 40W Co2 Laser Cutter

Tetsu worked hard and started a Kickstarter project to get us a laser cutter for about $2000. We successfully promoted it enough to get people to generously donate to our cause, and now we have one!

Our Model

  • Full Spectrum Engineering 40W Co2 Laser Cutter
    • 13" x 13" cutting table
    • 40w Co2 Laser
    • Water cooled
    • Safety Interlocks
    • 2.75" vertical stroke
    • Air assist
    • Cutting software (printer driver, uses vector software like CorelDraw/Illustrator/Inkscape)
    • Mach3 Control


Learning


Handy Links


Modification Suggestions

Our FullSpectrum 40W is far from perfect. Add your suggested improvements to the laser cutter on this list.

  • Mount the parallel port driver board further back within the case
  • Mount the Mach3 card inside the case, make cover for it to screw in the outside (with the laser cutter!?)
  • Strain relief and longer USB cable (Chris has a 10 or 15 ft he will donate. Ferrite beads and gold plated.)
  • Air pump (Mack getting this for us so ghetto-rig ShopVac can go away)
  • Digital readout for power knob (Looking into digital potentiometer with readout!)
  • Lid-switch should trip the system-wide cutoff, not just a computer control cutoff
  • IR-sensitive webcam in the box
  • Beam-split red laser upgrade to point where the laser will point (Chris will work on this as well as a laser to show where the corner of the piece will start.)
  • More stable/level platform
  • Locate more metal honeycomb without frame
  • Millimeter (digital?) measurement tool on the side of the platform to automatically measure height of platform
  • Laser-cut (58mm?) focus measurement stick
  • Back-lit switches for the "Laser Power", "Laser Test", "Air Power", and "Light", so we know when it's actually on
  • Shiny aircraft switches (Safety to keep from bumping), with led notifiers above
  • Water pump flow sensor and light, integrate with Laser On switch to prevent operation if a problem is present.
  • Knight rider LED chaser for when laser is active and lasing and dangerous
  • Better interior lighting (possibly fluorescent bars and/or LEDs) to better light the work surface
  • Possibly redo entire control panel with digital readouts and better (read: safer) switches.

Uses

  • Custom shelving
  • Acrylic chairs!
  • Benches
  • Random professional looking constructions
  • Wearable computing rig parts
  • eyeglass frames
  • laptop docks
  • engraving ensignia onto phones and laptops
  • super-custom made computer cases
  • display cases
  • any other random design pieces


Links to items cut on the FamiLAB Laser (post your stuff here!)

Acrylic Sensing Platform Hub Case

Acrylic MaceTech RGB LED Satellite brackets