Laser Cutter

Machine Information

• Owner: Backyard Brains
• Who Can Use: Anyone that has taken the All Hands Active Laser class or those authorized by Greg G and Tim M.
• Contact: Nick Ristow for information.

How to use this laser cutter

• You must be trained on this LASER before using it. Get trained by taking the class!

• Detailed Checklist for Big Red: http://goo.gl/agZeub

• Simplified Checklist for Big Red: http://goo.gl/jM9vem

• i3 Detroit has a similar laser cutter and a very nice wiki: http://i3detroit.org/wi/index.php?title=Laser_Cutter_-_Bumblebee
  • Their power/speed settings won't correspond with ours, as their cutter is 150 watt, this one is 80.

Cost

$.75 a minute of actual laser time - public $.50 a minute of actual laser time - members

Interesting Issues

1. When running an outline of a Moai head, the laser stopped and started at various points for a very brief moment.
   1. We simplified the outline in inkscape and made sure to unite lines in lasercut 5.3. This helped, but we still stop/start problems with the laser.
2. It appears that if your image/vector file is greater than any dimension of the bed (140cm * 90cm), the software will crash upon opening.

Occasional divets noticed when cutting through acrylic

Material: 3mm Clear Acrylic

• Divet pattern may correspond to honeycomb outline. Suggestions:
  • Mentions reflection issue from honeycomb: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?199099-Knife-table-verses-honeycomb-table
  • Utilizes a different cutting table method: http://www.kernlasers.com/PDF/Magazine%20Articles/Laser%20Engraving%20on%20a%20Larger%20Scale.pdf
  • Mentions proper adjustment of beam as a means of reducing relflection: http://leadershipdilemma.net/tag/5-essential-tips-for-cutting-acrylic-sheets-with-laser/
  • Mentions reducing power and cleaning your grid: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/archive/index.php/t-205172.html
    • Suggests leaving the backing material on your acrylic (possible just back side)
  • Nick suggests just putting a piece of paper on the back side
• Divet Pattern seems to be reduced when:
  • Leave adhesive material backing on Acrylic
  • With 3mm cut at 25% Speed 100% Power.
  • Do a test circle or line first with your material to verify.

Steps to get it running

• Reconnect electronics (disconnected during leg removal)
• Go over LASER cutter, compare with manual.
• Install Tube
• Connect power to LASER Cutter: Boots
• Connect Air Compressor to LASER: Working
• Connect power to Chiller, connect alarm cable to laser: Works
• Test Jogging X/Y/Z
• Super brief test firing: Works
• Align Mirrors
• Figure out placement of computer/monitor
• Install lasercut software & test connection to laser
• Remove Metal Cutting Board (below honeycomb)
• Fix hood closing issue (catches on right side)
• Install hood handles
• Organize Air & Water Tubing
• Mount Air Compressor to floor
• Where is hole for ventilation?
• Where to exhaust to?
• How much to exhaust out of building (top)
• Filter: We are testing the RSU 20CCHR Electrocorp

Notes specific to the install at AHA

• Water Chiller installed underneath laser. Pull laser forward ~4' in order to access. Be careful to avoid crushing or pulling out tubes for air & water
• Air Compressor installed underneath laser. Pull laser forward ~4' in order to access. Be careful to avoid crushing or pulling out tubes for air & water
• Currently two power strips are utilized, each connected to a separate circuit
  • The laser itself connects to the red spray painted outlet. This circuit is accessible from two other places within AHA. This should be avoided!
  • The Computer and Water chiller connect to the outlet adjacent to the red spray painted outlet. The blower will also likely be connected to this outlet

What was Ordered

Jinan TransonCNC 1490A in a 1490B shell. (It comes apart easier for the purpose of fitting through our front door)

• We have been told that everything is outfitted to run on standard 120ac (LASER Cutter, Chiller/Pump, and Exhaust)
• LASER Power Reci80W
• Weight: ~450 kg (1000 lbs)
• Equipment Dimension Top Half 192*131*42cm
• Equipment Dimension Bot Half 192*131*70cm
• Working Area 140cm*90cm
• Metal Slat Table
• Motorized up and down table
• honeycomb table
• Red Dot pointer
• Auto Focus
• Extra Reci80W (LASER Tube)
• Extra Lens & Mirror
• Extra Motion Card (Controller)
• Extra Belt - X Axis
• Extra Belt - Y Axis
• Extra Motorized up and Table Belt
• Extra Girdle Belt
• Extra X Motor
• Extra Y Motor
• Extra Z Motors (2)
• LASER Goggles
• CW3000 Water Chiller

Exhaust

• Exhaust Port: 6"
• CFM ~512

Manuals

• Software Manual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9x4RIcqwUojamYxMkswT3EwUWtFVWpwMHpZM0ZRN2hyRFdr/edit?usp=sharing
• Machine Manual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9x4RIcqwUojbm5tdzI2ZnFmV291anZBS0RaZGlOVXQweUZz/edit?usp=sharing

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Regularly Recurring

• Filters
• Activated Charcoal?
• de-ionized water
• LASER Tubes

Occasional

• Replacement Hardware on LASER (Motors, Belts, etc.)

Ongoing Maintenance

• Who is responsible for the work?
• Who is responsible for the costs?

Training

• TBD once we have the machine. See the manuals linked above for "What we know now"