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Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 7:59 am
by koenbuys
I wanted to show my laser build design, to get feedback and comments to improve on it. The laser is designed to have a cutting plane of 1.3 by 0.7m. The goal is to cut
plexi and wood. Currently the Y axis is build (of which I'll show pictures later) and I've ordered all parts for the X-axis.
In the meantime I'm trying to find the best place for laser, optics, ... (see viewtopic.php?f=20&t=682)
The idea is to publish all plans as a open hardware design.

XY_system_view1.jpg

XY_system_view3.jpg


The mounting plates for the steppers, idler pulleys are cut on a Trotec laser cutter. The mounting plate for the optics on the Y carriage and the connection between
Y axis and X axis are build on an CNC Mill (Maho 500).

Re: Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 6:01 pm
by TLHarrell
I would recommend moving the stepper motor at the back (gantry axis) to the center of the shaft to reduce whipping. You should then be able to eliminate some of the extra bracketing.

Re: Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 7:31 am
by koenbuys
Thanks for the remark, I'm indeed going to change that.
In the meanwhile I ordered lasertube + honeycomb + protectionglasses and optics from CNcoletech (not from their ebay shop but directly) and I've ordered driver
electronics from Lightobject together with a pump.
Now I'm still waiting for the tracking numbers to arrive.
In the meanwhile Misumi also delivered all parts for the X-axes.

Re: Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 6:53 am
by koenbuys
In the meanwhile Misumi delivered the parts for the two Y-axes.

IMAG0145.jpg


And I had some time to mill the pieces that attach the X and Y axe. (need to build a better one later on, but this should be fine for testing)

IMAG0166.jpg


The laser tube and chiller also arrived from CNColetech, very happy with it. Came in two different shipments. Going to test it tomorrow.
But first I need to buy some tubing, any advice on type/brands (in Europe)?

IMAG0173.jpg

IMAG0171.jpg

Re: Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 6:06 pm
by edmond22
You should be able to get Tygon or Nalgene brand tubing tubing from any lab supply store or a medical equipment supply place.

Good luck with your build

Possible Chiller Issue

PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 6:20 pm
by bdring
The 2.x laser has not been tested with a chiller. The tube is exposed to a lot of moving air and could have a serious condensation problem if it is colder than ambient air. Most of the coolant passes inside the tube, but be sure watch for condensation. You may need to insulate the tube or block the air. It could cause a hazardous situation.

I have seen this occur on similar equipment, but not a laser.

Re: Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 9:00 pm
by dirktheeng
I would not use a chiller in this application as it isn't going to give you much, if any, benefit in laser performance and could cause propblems by getting your electronics wet from condensation. Your laser will be fine even if it operates at 80C (though your tubing may have problems). The point is, you don't really need a cold temp to operate well.

Re: Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:39 pm
by naPS
It's not an actual chiller. It's a radiator with fans and pump and storage tank built in to it. There doesn't appear to be a compressor or refrigerant in it. It's only rated for 65 Watts. I don't think condensation is going to be an issue either, as it's only rated to water temperatures of 65degF out.

Re: Koen Laser Build

PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 6:34 am
by koenbuys
Chiller is indeed not the correct description. I have some inside pictures.

IMAG0167.jpg


IMAG0168.jpg