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Difference between revisions of "Big red laser cutter"
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Added use instructions
Andrewrgross (talk | contribs) (Added use instructions) |
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== | == Hardware Info == | ||
The big red laser cutter | 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]. | |||
== Operation Instructions == | |||
=== Turning on the laser === | |||
# Turn on the blower | |||
# Enable the laser | |||
# Power on the controller | |||
# Power on the laser | |||
The | To begin using the laser, turn on the power strip sitting on the left side of the laser. You'll hear the blower plugged into this strip begin running. Next, turn the key below the controller on the front right corner. Then turn on the two switches on the right side of the cutter. Both will illuminate. The upper one will turn on the controller, and the display will illuminate. The other one sends power to the laser. It won't light up if the key enabling the laser is off. | ||
=== Preparing the file === | |||
# Open Lightburn | |||
# Import or draw the image | |||
# Adjust settings | |||
# Send it to the laser | |||
# Click “Send” | |||
# Enter a name and press enter. | |||
# Wait for the file to send. | |||
Open a DXF file or other vector file to create a path to cut along. You can compose projects in Lightburn or in other programs (see below) and then open them in Lightburn, import them, or copy and paste contents over. Set the color of items to define how you want them cut or printed, then double click the colors in the pane on the right to set the laser speed, power, and other features associated with that color. Black can be used to cut and red to etch, for instance. Look up the recommended speed and power for a given material and thickness, then test as necessary to figure out a good balance. Select "absolute coordinates" to define the placement relative to the bed. Select "user origin" to set the placement on the bed manually. The device should be set to ttyUSB0, Ruida664GX. | |||
When you're read to cut, click "Send" and a box will open asking for a name. If the name exists, it will ask for confirmation to overwrite. | |||
=== | === Running the laser === | ||
# Press "File" to see available files. | |||
# Scroll and press “Enter” to select a file. | |||
# Set the origin if necessary. | |||
# Press “Frame” to confirm placement. | |||
# Press “Start”. | |||
== other software == | |||
As mentioned, RDWorks can also be used. We haven't tried it yet but it seems it's a free download [https://www.thunderlaser.com/laser-download from here]. | As mentioned, RDWorks can also be used. We haven't tried it yet but it seems it's a free download [https://www.thunderlaser.com/laser-download from here]. | ||
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it was setup with an IP address of 100.64.64.69 (by pressing buttons through the menu) but it had no ports open and then we just switched over to USB to the computer and it was working fine. The same software might work over ethernet but we didn't try. | it was setup with an IP address of 100.64.64.69 (by pressing buttons through the menu) but it had no ports open and then we just switched over to USB to the computer and it was working fine. The same software might work over ethernet but we didn't try. | ||
== Trying other things == | |||
Andy is trying to find software to control the laser cutter. I can generate gcode instructions in Inkscape, but I don't know how to send them to the printer over USB. | Andy is trying to find software to control the laser cutter. I can generate gcode instructions in Inkscape, but I don't know how to send them to the printer over USB. | ||
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} | } | ||
== Stuff made on the big red laser cutter == | |||
* I cut some 1/4 clear plastic suspected to be acrylic. Used .5mm/sec 100%/40% power. It cut all the way through but the edge was rough. | * I cut some 1/4 clear plastic suspected to be acrylic. Used .5mm/sec 100%/40% power. It cut all the way through but the edge was rough. | ||
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== Stuff seen around the space == | |||
== ventilation ducting == | |||
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 adaptor 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 | <code>laserduct.scad | ||