Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby Rad Racer » Thu Jul 04, 2013 1:07 pm

On the outer panels did you glue flashing to the expanded PVC panels? No, flashing was only applied to the inner panels
( Update: I just found your other pictures of the front panel; I guess you didn't glue flashing to the expanded PVC.)

Did it make for a tight fit in the slots? Yes, almost too tight.....I had to do a little sanding on the edges to get to some panels to fit.

Sorry about all of the questions. No worries, glad I can help. I am waiting to some v-slot to arrive and I am drawing up the design in TurboCad. I will share the .tcw files for the parts when I am done. The more I draw the more I have questions and answers. Some basic CAD work is a good way to start the build. I used my CAD model to make the measurements needed to cut the 8020 to size.

You have given me a lot of ideas. I have an idea for the lift using vslot that I will finish drawing up tonight and share with you. I might start another thread...just time or the lack there of that has kept me from it.

THANK YOU for all your help...

...this is one expensive hobby
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby zachjowi » Thu Jul 04, 2013 10:02 pm

What are the dimensions of your tube? I want to use the same tube in mine but not isre if there is room I used the 2.x macro program and increased my cutting area to 36x24" and 9" deep
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby Rad Racer » Fri Jul 05, 2013 4:13 pm

Length=1225mm, Diameter=80mm
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby briankb » Fri Jul 05, 2013 9:37 pm

I recently got some literature about the 8020 material. How much did it cost for the 8020 extrusion you needed for this build? I'm curious to compare the cost of the 8020 vs square tube steel.
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby Rad Racer » Sat Jul 06, 2013 12:09 am

About $650 USD for the extrusions and another $100 for the hinges, handles, fasteners and such.
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby briankb » Sat Jul 06, 2013 12:17 am

That $650 is just the aluminum? Doesn't include the black panel pieces?

I was hoping it would be much less than square tubing. Did you release the frame as a design file? Or do you know how much linear feet of the 8020 extrusion?
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby Rad Racer » Sat Jul 06, 2013 1:25 pm

Just the aluminum, the panel material was purchased from a local plastics supplier.

I purchased full length 8020 stock....each piece was 145" long.
(6) 1x2
(12) 1x1

As mentioned earlier I did not create a "How to" design file for this machine, it's more of a working file that was used to determine component fit and make measurements. For what it's worth....the top plate shown on the left side of the attached PDF is really the heart of the machine.....the rest of the structure basically supports this plate. The top plate was cut on a CNC router so all the holes, slots and other features are in the exact location needed for proper component alignment. The plate is made from laminated MDF, it was primed and painted minimize moisture absorption.
Attachments
Laser Design.pdf
(215.61 KiB) Downloaded 2077 times
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby Rad Racer » Sat Jul 06, 2013 2:02 pm

After completing the last few items (Z-stage, access door, safety switches) the machine is truly done.

Been using the machine a lot, we've cut ply, balsa, plastic, paper......already logged 8 hours of cut time :shock:
Here is a few items made with the laser.
Attachments
DSCN5222.JPG
DSCN5218.JPG
DSCN5221.JPG
DSCN5220.JPG
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby TimGS » Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:58 pm

What size timing belt did you use?
Do you experience any "flapping" of the belts on the X Axis?

I have been looking at GT2 5mm pitch, 15mm wide belts....What is your experience?
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Re: Large format laser build - 24"x 48"

Postby Rad Racer » Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:19 pm

I used 3Mx15 belting from Lightobject....the pulleys were purchased from an Ebay seller.

No problem with belt flapping, both X & Y axis' run smooth.
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