12-14-2022, 11:44 PM
I just got into the laser world over the last week or so. It starts with the logical step of adding a laser module to the existing 3D printer. I had already modified the printer to use quick-change extruders. I changed the control board from an 8-bit Rumba to a 32-bit SKR Mini E3 V3.0. It made such a huge difference in the speed and reliability of printing!
Around that time, I saw videos about adding the laser module. I ordered a 5-Watt with air assist. Before it came, I made the mount to add it to the quick-change fleet of extruders. While I was still waiting for the laser, I made a rotary platform to replace the Y-axis. When the laser arrived, I found out that the SKR switches the negative side of the PWM fan supply outlet (normally used to control the laser in an add-on installation). Fortunately, my oscilloscope told me that the negative terminal wasn't just sinking the power coming through the fan - it was using +12 volts to 'shut off' the fan. Of course, this meant editing the gcode file to use S0 for 'On' and S255 for 'Off". Workable for a small on-off file,such as etching lines or cutting with vector files.
A gray-scale file, on the other hand, would involve interpolating every single power level, in the inverse, for all 126,403 lines of code. The obvious solution is to build a whole new laser machine with its own control board built for the purpose. Some parts have arrived, most will be here in the next week. Perfect for a Christmas project.
Around that time, I saw videos about adding the laser module. I ordered a 5-Watt with air assist. Before it came, I made the mount to add it to the quick-change fleet of extruders. While I was still waiting for the laser, I made a rotary platform to replace the Y-axis. When the laser arrived, I found out that the SKR switches the negative side of the PWM fan supply outlet (normally used to control the laser in an add-on installation). Fortunately, my oscilloscope told me that the negative terminal wasn't just sinking the power coming through the fan - it was using +12 volts to 'shut off' the fan. Of course, this meant editing the gcode file to use S0 for 'On' and S255 for 'Off". Workable for a small on-off file,such as etching lines or cutting with vector files.
A gray-scale file, on the other hand, would involve interpolating every single power level, in the inverse, for all 126,403 lines of code. The obvious solution is to build a whole new laser machine with its own control board built for the purpose. Some parts have arrived, most will be here in the next week. Perfect for a Christmas project.
Mike
If you can't get one, make one.
Hawkeye, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Jan 2013.
If you can't get one, make one.
Hawkeye, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Jan 2013.