Difference between revisions of "Big red laser cutter"

Add maintenance section, minor edits to clarify and clean up
(Add maintenance section, minor edits to clarify and clean up)
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== General Info ==
== General Info ==
 
=== Introduction ===
The big red laser cutter is a no-name model using a Ruida 644XG control board. Its bed dimensions are about 730mm wide by 500mm deep. It looks like a 100 W CO2 laser.
The big red laser cutter is a no-name model using a Ruida 644XG control board. Its bed dimensions are about 730mm wide by 500mm deep. It looks like a 100 W CO2 laser.


The Melbourne Makerspace has the same laser and have a [https://wiki.melbournemakerspace.org/Laser%20Cutter nicely written wiki page on it].
The Melbourne Makerspace has the same laser and have a [https://wiki.melbournemakerspace.org/Laser%20Cutter nicely written wiki page on it].


=== Maintenance ===
''To be performed '''monthly'''''
* Clean laser
* Clean extractor


 
=== Dangers ===
[[File:Caution-danger-sign.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Caution-danger-sign.jpg|thumb]]
''Be aware:'' lasers are very dangerous! Review these [https://ehs.mit.edu/workplace-safety-program/laser-cutter-safety/ safety guidelines], and carry an appropriate level of fear of the laser at all times. Hazards include:
''Be aware:'' lasers are very dangerous! Review these [https://ehs.mit.edu/workplace-safety-program/laser-cutter-safety/ safety guidelines], and carry an appropriate level of fear of the laser at all times. Hazards include:
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of the bounding rectangle around your artwork.
of the bounding rectangle around your artwork.
You may find that moving the "head" is much easier than moving the material placed on the bed!
You may find that moving the "head" is much easier than moving the material placed on the bed!


== Other software ==
== Other software ==
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== Stuff seen around the space ==
== Stuff seen around the space ==


== ventilation ducting ==
== Ventilation ducting ==


=== Cleaning ===
=== Cleaning ===
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[[File:Laser_fan_detached.png|detached laser exhaust fan|frameless]]
[[File:Laser_fan_detached.png|detached laser exhaust fan|frameless]]


This is dirty and needs to be cleaned
This is dirty and needs to be cleaned, ''an N95 mask is recommended''.


[[File:Laser_fan_dirty.jpg|dirty laser exhaust fan|frameless]]
[[File:Laser_fan_dirty.jpg|dirty laser exhaust fan|frameless]]


Use a vacuum and toothbrush/wire brush to clean. A n95 mask is recommended too.
Use a vacuum and toothbrush/wire brush to clean.


[[File:Laser_fan_clean.jpg|clean laser exhaust fan|frameless]]
[[File:Laser_fan_clean.jpg|clean laser exhaust fan|frameless]]


=== history ===
=== History ===
a plastic adaptor was 3D printed to connect the 6" outlet of the exhaust fan to the 8" flexible duct leading to the roof hole:
A plastic adapter was 3D printed to connect the 6" outlet of the exhaust fan to the 8" flexible duct leading to the roof hole:
<code>laserduct.scad
<nowiki>laserduct.scad
THICKNESS=1.5*25.4;
THICKNESS=1.5*25.4;
ID=5.75*25.4;
ID=5.75*25.4;
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     translate([0,0,-0.5]) cylinder(d=ID_LIP, h=THICKNESS, $fn=100);
     translate([0,0,-0.5]) cylinder(d=ID_LIP, h=THICKNESS, $fn=100);
   }                                 
   }                                 
}</code>
}</nowiki>
[[File:Laserduct.png|3D printing exhaust duct adaptor|thumb]]
[[File:Laserduct.png|3D printing exhaust duct adapter|thumb]]


<br>
Also the duct/roof interface was improved and a new stand was made for the extractor fan. Yay for milk crates!
Also the duct/roof interface was improved and a new stand was made for the extractor fan. Yay for milkcrates!<br>


[[File:Fan-holder.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Fan-holder.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:new-vent-top.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:new-vent-top.jpg|thumb]]
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