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.

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

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"