Difference between revisions of "Equipment/HPC LS3060 Laser Cutter"

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* Caution regarding live areas inside the cabinet
 
* Caution regarding live areas inside the cabinet
 
* Setting the bed Z-axis
 
* Setting the bed Z-axis
* Viewing the bounding box with assist laser
+
* Viewing the bounding box with red-dot pointer
  
 
====Cutting====
 
====Cutting====

Revision as of 09:07, 15 September 2010

Laser-cutter-installed.jpg
Laser-cut-key-rings.jpg

Logbook

15/09/2010 Operator Russ

  • Cut some 1.5mm neoprene fairly successfully - needs high power and it's a bit smelly. (Settings in the book.)
  • Circle issue is fixed. It was a problem with the tension on the frontmost X drive belt.
  • Did some awesome etching onto black anodised aluminium - 450mm/sec, 90% power.

13/09/2010 Operator: samthetechie

Todo: Test CorelDraw X3 with 20mm circles on paper and compare to test using LaserCutter Software

12/09/2010 Operator: samthetechie

Model

  • HPC LS3060 "plus" laser engraver and cutter.

Specification

Laser: 40W - water cooled CO2 laser.
Working area: 320 x 600mm honeycomb bed (cutting area possibly about 300 x 550mm)
Features: Air-assist (removes debris from cutting region),

red-dot pointer (to show beam location)

Water cooling: Simple tube cooling circuit connected with (9mm OD, 6mm ID) latex tube.

Uses supplied submersible pond pump (2.8m head, 2800L/H flow).

Safety information

*** Please don't touch or fiddle with the laser cutter unless you've had permission from either Russ or Jonty. ***

  • Please don't affect the cooling system without consultation - overheating or rapid cooling can damage the laser.
  • Never leave the laser cutter unattended - Your material may ignite, and an unchecked fire in the laser cutter could be both dangerous and costly.
  • In case of fire - Use only the CO2 extinguisher positioned by the cutter.
  • Never cut PVC or chlorinated plastic - You should always know what material you are cutting, and chlorinated plastics should be avoided because they release chlorine gas when cut.
  • Do not try to cut metal in the laser cutter - If you wish to mark the metal, please use "Thermark Laser Engraving Spray / Paste", or use anodised aluminium.

Instructions

Powering on

TODO

  • Pre-checks
    • Water pump
    • Extractor fan
  • Caution regarding length of use and water temperature.

Uploading your data file

TODO

  • Different file types pros/cons
  • Setting the scale
  • Setting the origin - what to watch out for
  • Who do you know when the file is sent successfully

Positioning your material

TODO

  • Caution regarding live areas inside the cabinet
  • Setting the bed Z-axis
  • Viewing the bounding box with red-dot pointer

Cutting

TODO

  • Initiating the cut
  • Monitoring progress
    • What to watch out for
    • What to do in case of problems

Parameters for different materials

Cutting

Material Thickness Speed Power Corner power Examples
Ply wood 3mm ? ? ? some images

Engraving

Material Thickness Speed Power Corner power Examples
Ply wood 3mm ? ? ? some images

Tips

Consumables