Laser Cutter - Revision history

Doug.moen: /* Inkscape */

2012-09-11T14:35:03Z

Inkscape

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 11 September 2012
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	=== Inkscape ===		=== Inkscape ===
	Inkscape is a Free and Open Source vector graphics program.		Inkscape is a Free and Open Source vector graphics program.
−	It does have the ability to save to dxf files, but in order to get ~~a good result there are some things to be aware of:~~	+	It does have the ability to save to dxf files, but you need special knowledge in order to get usable results.
		+	* Before starting Inkscape, run "sudo apt-get install pstoedit" from the shell. This will install the recommended DXF export filter.
	* There are two DXF export filters, both with their own features and bugs.		* There are two DXF export filters, both with their own features and bugs.
−	** One is "AutoCAD DXF R12". This is the one I ~~currently~~ recommend. It works by using Postscript as an intermediate format, but you don't have to set any parameters in the postscript dialog, just click through. This filter has the best support for preserving your content. It preserves colours, which turn into layers in LaserCut -- very nice if you have mixed cutting and engraving. Unfortunately, it screws up position and scaling information. You need to move the object back onto the cutting area, and scale it to back the desired height and width.	+	** One is "AutoCAD DXF R12" (installed with the pstoedit package). This is the one I recommend. It works by using Postscript as an intermediate format, but you don't have to set any parameters in the postscript dialog, just click through. This filter has the best support for preserving your content. It preserves colours, which turn into layers in LaserCut -- very nice if you have mixed cutting and engraving. Unfortunately, it screws up position and scaling information. You need to move the object back onto the cutting area, and scale it to back the desired height and width.
−	** The other is "Desktop Cutting Plotter (R13)". This one ~~mostly~~ works for ~~me with default options~~. It preserves scale and measurement. It doesn't preserve colours. Sometimes, it deletes content and there's nothing you can do about it. If you group several objects, then duplicate or copy/paste the group, then the copy will have the "transform" attribute set in the SVG file, and it will not be exported to DXF. That's a deal breaker for one of my projects.	+	** The other is "Desktop Cutting Plotter (R13)". This one works for some models, but is unusable for others. It preserves scale and measurement. It doesn't preserve colours. Sometimes, it deletes content and there's nothing you can do about it. If you group several objects, then duplicate or copy/paste the group, then the copy will have the "transform" attribute set in the SVG file, and it will not be exported to DXF. That's a deal breaker for one of my projects.
	* Inkscape's dxf exporter only exports paths. In Inkscape, most things (like squares and circles and text, etc.) are not paths by default.		* Inkscape's dxf exporter only exports paths. In Inkscape, most things (like squares and circles and text, etc.) are not paths by default.
	** If you highlight the things you want to export and click "Path -> Object to Path" from the top menu it will convert the selected items into paths.		** If you highlight the things you want to export and click "Path -> Object to Path" from the top menu it will convert the selected items into paths.

Doc: /* DO NOT USE THESE MATERIALS EVER */

2012-08-21T15:43:40Z

DO NOT USE THESE MATERIALS EVER

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:43, 21 August 2012
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	* Particle board & Plywood (or any other wood containing glue)		* Particle board & Plywood (or any other wood containing glue)
	* Human flesh (really!)		* Human flesh (really!)
−	* Anything else ~~with~~ chlorine ~~in it~~	+	* Polystyrene or Polypropylene foam (FIRE!)
		+	* Anything else that gives off chlorine gas when burned

	== Maintenance ==		== Maintenance ==

Doc: /* Other Hackerspace Lasers */

2012-08-21T15:40:07Z

Other Hackerspace Lasers

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 21 August 2012
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	* [http://i3detroit.com/wi/index.php?title=Laser_Cutter i3 Detroit]		* [http://i3detroit.com/wi/index.php?title=Laser_Cutter i3 Detroit]
	* [https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Lasercutter Noisebridge] - Full Spectrum 12x16 40W		* [https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Lasercutter Noisebridge] - Full Spectrum 12x16 40W
		+	* DIYode has a G. Weike LG900N (same as us)

Doc: /* Speeds & Feeds */

2012-08-21T15:36:59Z

Speeds & Feeds

Doc: /* Vector Engrave */

2012-08-21T15:35:08Z

Vector Engrave

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:35, 21 August 2012
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	\| Acrylic \|\| 25\|\| 300 \|\| Works quite well. Fairly shallow etch but no fogging and text is definitely readable.		\| Acrylic \|\| 25\|\| 300 \|\| Works quite well. Fairly shallow etch but no fogging and text is definitely readable.
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Engraving Rubber \|\| 200\|\| 30 \|\| (From Speedball) For making rubber stamps. ~~May require two passes~~. ~~Tape sheet or use large~~ sheet to prevent curling ~~during engraving~~	+	\| Engraving Rubber \|\| 200\|\| 30 \|\| (From Speedball) For making rubber stamps. Material rigid enough for single pass. Engrave on full sheet to prevent curling from heat
	\|}		\|}

Tmorey: Insert note about no autofocus, and clarify manual focus instructions.

2012-08-09T18:09:09Z

Insert note about no autofocus, and clarify manual focus instructions.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:09, 9 August 2012
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	\|Hackable=No		\|Hackable=No
	}}		}}
−
	== Hardware ==		== Hardware ==

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	Focus the laser. If the material is hard and flat then you can use the autofocus function. If the material is soft or thin then you must focus manually.		Focus the laser. If the material is hard and flat then you can use the autofocus function. If the material is soft or thin then you must focus manually.
		+
		+	NOTE: The autofocus feature is currently disabled. You must focus manually.

	==== Automatic focus ====		==== Automatic focus ====
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	==== Manual focus ====		==== Manual focus ====
−	Lower the Z-axis, ~~leaving enough room to~~ place the material underneath the laser head ~~plus 60~~ mm. Slowly ~~raise~~ the Z-axis while using the Focus Measuring Tool to check the height of the laser head. ~~When the Z-axis is at the right height, the laser head will line up to 55 mm.~~ The "Tool" is a 15mm x 58mm clear acrylic rectangle with the word TOOL engraved on it, with an overhang to mark the height of 55 mm. <br>	+	Lower the Z-axis, so you can place the material underneath the lower tip of the laser head with about 3 mm of space. Slowly adjust the Z-axis while using the Focus Measuring Tool to check the height of the laser head. The "Tool" is a 15mm x 58mm clear acrylic rectangle with the word TOOL engraved on it, with an overhang to mark the height of 55 mm, which is the distance from the top of the laser head to the material. The overhang on the tool is placed on the top of the laser head, and will extend down past the laser head and just sit on the material when adjusted correctly.<br>
	'''WARNING''': Do not lower the Z axis all the way to the bottom. There is no limit switch. If this happens, the table will need to be realigned. DO NOT CONTINUE IF THIS HAPPENS!		'''WARNING''': Do not lower the Z axis all the way to the bottom. There is no limit switch. If this happens, the table will need to be realigned. DO NOT CONTINUE IF THIS HAPPENS!

Karlw: /* Manuals */

2012-06-25T17:29:41Z

Manuals

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 25 June 2012
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	== Reference ==		== Reference ==
	=== Manuals ===		=== Manuals ===
		+	* [http://www.kwartzlab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Kwartzlab-Laser-Cutter-Procedure.doc Kwartzlab Laser Cutter Procedure with pictures]
	* [[Media:USB_6090_Machine_Manual.pdf‎\|Hardware Manual]] (PDF) - Not specifically for our machine, but close enough.		* [[Media:USB_6090_Machine_Manual.pdf‎\|Hardware Manual]] (PDF) - Not specifically for our machine, but close enough.
	* [[Media:LaserCut_5_1_Manual.pdf\|LaserCut 5.1 Software Manual]] (PDF)		* [[Media:LaserCut_5_1_Manual.pdf\|LaserCut 5.1 Software Manual]] (PDF)

Doc: /* Maintenance */ linking in the new maint page

2012-06-18T14:55:56Z

Maintenance: linking in the new maint page

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 18 June 2012
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	== Maintenance ==		== Maintenance ==
−	~~TBD~~

−	~~=== Cleaning~~ the ~~lens ===~~	+
−	* Use acetone & q-tip [~~http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/FAQ/FAQ_0/FAQ_0.html (Source)~~]	+	'''Maintenance for the Laser Cutter now has it's own wiki page:'''
−	* DO NOT apply pressure to the lens	+
		+	[[Laser Cutter Maintenance]]

	== TODO ==		== TODO ==

Doc: /* Vector Cut */

2012-06-17T01:29:45Z

Vector Cut

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:29, 17 June 2012
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	\|-		\|-
	\| Hardboard, 1/8" \|\| 30 \|\| 100 \|\| Very cheap from Home Depot (1.35/24x24 sheet)		\| Hardboard, 1/8" \|\| 30 \|\| 100 \|\| Very cheap from Home Depot (1.35/24x24 sheet)
		+	\|-
		+	\| Leather (thin) \|\| 30 \|\| 30 \|\|
	\|}		\|}

Doc: /* Vector Engrave */

2012-06-16T03:19:54Z

Vector Engrave

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:19, 16 June 2012
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	\| Acrylic \|\| 25\|\| 300 \|\| Works quite well. Fairly shallow etch but no fogging and text is definitely readable.		\| Acrylic \|\| 25\|\| 300 \|\| Works quite well. Fairly shallow etch but no fogging and text is definitely readable.
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Engraving Rubber \|\| 30\|\| ~~200~~ \|\| (From Speedball) For making rubber stamps. May require two passes. Tape sheet or use large sheet to prevent curling during engraving	+	\| Engraving Rubber \|\| 200\|\| 30 \|\| (From Speedball) For making rubber stamps. May require two passes. Tape sheet or use large sheet to prevent curling during engraving
	\|}		\|}

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:36, 21 August 2012
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	{\|		{\|
	\| Material \|\| Speed \|\| Power \|\| Notes		\| Material \|\| Speed \|\| Power \|\| Notes
		+	\|-
		+	\| Acrylic 3mm \|\| 25\|\| 300 \|\| Works quite well. Fairly shallow etch but no fogging and text is definitely readable.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Anodized Aluminum \|\| 250 \|\| 40 \|\|		\| Anodized Aluminum \|\| 250 \|\| 40 \|\|
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	\| Anodized Aluminum \|\| 75 \|\| 100 \|\| Seemed okay, maybe a bit slower next time.		\| Anodized Aluminum \|\| 75 \|\| 100 \|\| Seemed okay, maybe a bit slower next time.
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Acrylic \|\| 30 \|\| 30 \|\| Not great. Some fogging (Heat damage?) of the lines and some of the tighter sections were messy. Text was readable, though.	+	\| Acrylic 3mm \|\| 30 \|\| 30 \|\| Not great. Some fogging (Heat damage?) of the lines and some of the tighter sections were messy. Text was readable, though.
−	\|-	+
−	~~\| Acrylic \|\| 25\|\| 300 \|\| Works quite well. Fairly shallow etch but no fogging and text is definitely readable~~.	+
	\|-		\|-
	\| Engraving Rubber \|\| 200\|\| 30 \|\| (From Speedball) For making rubber stamps. Material rigid enough for single pass. Engrave on full sheet to prevent curling from heat		\| Engraving Rubber \|\| 200\|\| 30 \|\| (From Speedball) For making rubber stamps. Material rigid enough for single pass. Engrave on full sheet to prevent curling from heat
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	\| Material \|\| Speed \|\| Power \|\| Notes		\| Material \|\| Speed \|\| Power \|\| Notes
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Acrylic \|\| 20 \|\| 100 \|\| Seemed to cut fine, was likely overkill. The edge wasn't smooth, but was more wavey than rough.	+	\| Acrylic 3mm \|\| 20 \|\| 100 \|\| Seemed to cut fine, was likely overkill. The edge wasn't smooth, but was more wavey than rough.
	\|-		\|-
−	\| Acrylic \|\| 20 \|\| 80 \|\| Cuts very well, edges are smooth and sealed	+	\| Acrylic 3mm \|\| 20 \|\| 80 \|\| Cuts very well, edges are smooth and sealed
	\|-		\|-
	\| Felt \|\| 90 \|\| 100 \|\| Dollar Giant felt (acrylic?) - very nice cut; edges sealed		\| Felt \|\| 90 \|\| 100 \|\| Dollar Giant felt (acrylic?) - very nice cut; edges sealed