Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

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Re: Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

Postby lasersafe1 » Sat May 01, 2010 1:46 pm

There are extruding companies that will make a die based on your design. It would be a large up-front cost, but imagine if you were the only guy selling extrusions that were designed to carry the cheap skate bearings. I guess this is still not good, because it would be the stainless bearing riding on an aluminum extrusion. We still want a hard rubber wheel.
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Z Lift Belts

Postby bdring » Sat May 01, 2010 6:05 pm

When you get to the length I need for the Z lift belt, the sizes start going in 8"-10" steps. It is tough to find the size you need. I really want to try Econobelt because the price is almost a 1/3 of Stock Drive. The Z lift lead screws don't need to go at the ends of the table, so I am going to move them closer together. This might cause an issue with the X axis motor. I thought about moving the motor to the top side of gantry. This does not change much at all and gains some usable XY range.

I am going to try this method and show the results.
Bart
"If you didn't build it, you will never own it."
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Measuring Belt Length

Postby bdring » Sat May 01, 2010 9:13 pm

I measured the belt length using a piece of wrapping paper ribbon. It measured about 113" which is right about what the CAD model said. The ribbon actually worked. :lol:. The tricky one to thread is the one with the motor. I may move that to the front. I am sure it will be easier with a real belt that has some stiffness.

Econobelt has a 103" and a 122". I think it will be easier to to move the lead screws together, so I will go with the 103" I ordered three belts.

I wonder how they make these belts. I can't imagine they have a mold for each one.
belt_measure.jpg
Bart
"If you didn't build it, you will never own it."
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Gantry Mods

Postby bdring » Sun May 02, 2010 7:28 pm

Here are the mods to the gantry. The putting the motor above gives maximum clearance of the table. My previous design had to allow clearance for the motor along the left side. Now you get about 2" inches of travel. The assembly is actually easier to assembly and uses less parts. The belt is tensioned by moving the motor to the left as it is tightened.
.
gantry_mod2.jpg
Gantry - Motor End

gantry_mod1.jpg
Gantry - Idler End
Bart
"If you didn't build it, you will never own it."
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Re: Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

Postby Ben » Mon May 03, 2010 10:28 pm

Looks great! I like the way your new belt clamp supports the belt; it also appears stronger than previous designs. Does the new clamp attach the same way as previous clamps?
-Ben

My Lasers:
40w CO2 Laser (Chinese Glass Tube), Directed Energy Inc. 30w RF CO2 Laser (Needs Repair), Laakmann Electro-Optics 20w RF CO2 Laser (Needs Repair), 7-10w RF CO2 Laser
Coherent 12w 808nm FAP LASER DIODE
MELLES GRIOT He-Ne Laser
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Re: Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

Postby bdring » Mon May 03, 2010 11:24 pm

It attaches from the bottom with two screws. You mount it lightly, then slide the belt ends in from the side. Tighten the clamp. Then tension the belt.

I hope to post the drawings tonight. This affects a lot of drawing, some only visually.

I want to post everything at once, so there is no period where old and new are on at the same time.
Bart
"If you didn't build it, you will never own it."
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Re: Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

Postby bdring » Tue May 04, 2010 3:20 am

The new versions of the drawings have been posted on the drawings page. This includes all the new Z lift drawings and mods to the gantry to get the motor above the extrusion. I am going to work towards the part kits next. The assembly drawings need a lot of clean up, but that should be usable anyway.

My laser will be down for at least a week while I wait for for the belt. I should be ready to start cutting after that.
Bart
"If you didn't build it, you will never own it."
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Re: Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

Postby wbarcinski » Tue May 04, 2010 9:53 am

I would use four v bearings on the y for stability.
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Re: Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

Postby Robert Williams » Tue May 04, 2010 10:46 am

Put me at top of the list of kit purchase.
Robert
[quote="bdring"]The new versions of the drawings have been posted on the [url=http://www.buildlog.net/cnc_laser/drawings.html]drawings page[/url]. This includes all the new Z lift drawings and mods to the gantry to get the motor above the extrusion. I am going to work towards the part kits next. The assembly drawings need a lot of clean up, but that should be usable anyway.

My laser will be down for at least a week while I wait for for the belt. I should be ready to start cutting after that.[/quote]
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Re: Buildlog.net Open Source Laser

Postby benwyne » Wed May 05, 2010 9:50 pm

What timing belts and pulleys are you using? I'm guessing the MXL belts from econobelt? Do you have a complete list of parts for both x/y/z axis belts and pulleys used? I'm looking to buy all the belts and pulleys from econobelt in the next day or so. Thanks!
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