Greolt's Aussie build
Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 10:50 am
Over a number of years I have been involved in building and operating CNC machines. Using Mach3 as controller.
Presently I have a CNC router, a retrofitted CNC milling machine and a small desktop engraver/router.
On several occasions over those years I have thought about building a laser cutter. Well this time those thoughts turned into action.
Done a lot of reading on this forum. I have read just about every build log. A wealth of information.
I very much admire Bart's effort in designing a laser that is easy to build for those with limited workshop resources and experience.
However something a bit bigger was on my wish list and the aluminium tee slot extrusion is expensive in Australia.
Had a heap of steel square tubing on hand, left over from another project, so I decided on a welded frame. A lot more work but my time is free.
My experience building CNC machines has taught me that the linear bearings are one of the most critical components.
Many hours are spent building these machines and I strongly believe that good linear bearings are worth the expense when weighed against time invested.
They are the heart of a good machine. So I will be using Hiwin 15mm square rails on the Y and a Hiwin 15mm miniature rail on the X.
A few design criteria are;
1, Completely self contained. Water cooling, exhaust fan, air assist compressor, all within the cabinet.
2, Electronics in a separate section away from smoke etc.
3, Laser tube and first mirror in a separate enclosure on the back of the cabinet, also away from the smoke.
4, Rise and fall table which will allow enough room for a rotary axis, operated with a stepper motor utilising belt drive connecting vertical screws.
5, Full access from the top and front. I have read comments that lasers can be a bit of a dark cave.
6, Removable panels on one end and the back for possible larger items. (probably never remove them)
I was on vacation recently and had lots of time to fill, so I modelled my ideas in CAD. Below is the result.
Some panels are not shown for clarity. Lid and front door also not shown.
Greg
Presently I have a CNC router, a retrofitted CNC milling machine and a small desktop engraver/router.
On several occasions over those years I have thought about building a laser cutter. Well this time those thoughts turned into action.
Done a lot of reading on this forum. I have read just about every build log. A wealth of information.
I very much admire Bart's effort in designing a laser that is easy to build for those with limited workshop resources and experience.
However something a bit bigger was on my wish list and the aluminium tee slot extrusion is expensive in Australia.
Had a heap of steel square tubing on hand, left over from another project, so I decided on a welded frame. A lot more work but my time is free.
My experience building CNC machines has taught me that the linear bearings are one of the most critical components.
Many hours are spent building these machines and I strongly believe that good linear bearings are worth the expense when weighed against time invested.
They are the heart of a good machine. So I will be using Hiwin 15mm square rails on the Y and a Hiwin 15mm miniature rail on the X.
A few design criteria are;
1, Completely self contained. Water cooling, exhaust fan, air assist compressor, all within the cabinet.
2, Electronics in a separate section away from smoke etc.
3, Laser tube and first mirror in a separate enclosure on the back of the cabinet, also away from the smoke.
4, Rise and fall table which will allow enough room for a rotary axis, operated with a stepper motor utilising belt drive connecting vertical screws.
5, Full access from the top and front. I have read comments that lasers can be a bit of a dark cave.
6, Removable panels on one end and the back for possible larger items. (probably never remove them)
I was on vacation recently and had lots of time to fill, so I modelled my ideas in CAD. Below is the result.
Some panels are not shown for clarity. Lid and front door also not shown.
Greg