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

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=[http://elykogit.co.cc UNDER COSTRUCTION, PLEASE SEE THIS POST IN RESERVE COPY]=
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=[http://elykogit.co.cc CLICK HERE]=
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[[File:Laser-cutter-installed.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
[[File:Laser-cutter-installed.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
[[File:Laser-cut-key-rings.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
[[File:Laser-cut-key-rings.jpg|thumb|right]]
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==Model==
 
==Model==
−
* [http://hpclaser.co.uk/ HPC] LS3060 "plus" laser engraver and cutter.
+
* [http://hpclaser.co.uk/ HPC] LS3060 &quot;plus&quot; laser engraver and cutter.
 
====Specification====
 
====Specification====
−
{| class="topalign"
+
{| class=&quot;topalign&quot;
 
| '''Laser:'''
 
| '''Laser:'''
−
|| 40W - water cooled CO<sub>2</sub> laser.
+
|| 40W - water cooled CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; laser.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Working area:'''
 
| '''Working area:'''
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====Manuals====
 
====Manuals====
 
* [http://www.scottware.net/Lasers/FAQ/FAQ_17/User%20Manual(DSP5.3).pdf LaserCut software manual]
 
* [http://www.scottware.net/Lasers/FAQ/FAQ_17/User%20Manual(DSP5.3).pdf LaserCut software manual]
−
* [[:File:JSM3040N&3060N Manual.pdf | HPC LS3060 hardware manual]]
+
* [[:File:JSM3040N&amp;3060N Manual.pdf | HPC LS3060 hardware manual]]
  
 
==Safety information==
 
==Safety information==
−
'''<div style="color:red">Please don't touch or fiddle with the laser cutter unless you've have been trained.</div>'''
+
'''&lt;div style=&quot;color:red&quot;&gt;Please don't touch or fiddle with the laser cutter unless you've have been trained.&lt;/div&gt;'''
  
 
* '''Please don't affect the cooling system without consultation''' - overheating or rapid cooling can damage the laser.
 
* '''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.
 
* '''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 the CO<sub>2</sub> extinguisher by the laser cutter first. Do not use the powder extinguisher unless you feel that you can't control the fire.
+
* '''In case of fire''' - Use the CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; extinguisher by the laser cutter first. Do not use the powder extinguisher unless you feel that you can't control the fire.
 
* '''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.
 
* '''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 [http://hpclaser.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=17 "Thermark Laser Engraving Spray / Paste"], or use anodised aluminium.
+
* '''Do not try to cut metal in the laser cutter''' - If you wish to mark the metal, please use [http://hpclaser.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=2&amp;products_id=17 &quot;Thermark Laser Engraving Spray / Paste&quot;], or use anodised aluminium.
  
 
==Instructions==
 
==Instructions==
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# Insert key and turn - the PC is turned on using the 'sleep' button on the keyboard.
 
# Insert key and turn - the PC is turned on using the 'sleep' button on the keyboard.
 
# '''Always''' perform the following pre-checks:
 
# '''Always''' perform the following pre-checks:
−
## Check that there is a '''CO<sub>2</sub>''' fire extinguisher '''immediately to hand'''.
+
## Check that there is a '''CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;''' fire extinguisher '''immediately to hand'''.
 
## Check that the water pump is running
 
## Check that the water pump is running
 
## Check that the extractor fan is on
 
## Check that the extractor fan is on
 
# '''Caution:''' Be certain that the water coolant is at a suitable temperature.
 
# '''Caution:''' Be certain that the water coolant is at a suitable temperature.
 
#* If you are unsure if the cutter has been '''used recently''', or you have been using the cutter for an '''extended period of time''' (an hour or so) check the temperature of the water using the infra-red thermometer.
 
#* If you are unsure if the cutter has been '''used recently''', or you have been using the cutter for an '''extended period of time''' (an hour or so) check the temperature of the water using the infra-red thermometer.
−
#* If the water temperature is outside the acceptable operating range (22 &plusmn; 3 &deg;C) then wait for the water to cool before using the cutter.
+
#* If the water temperature is outside the acceptable operating range (22 &amp;plusmn; 3 &amp;deg;C) then wait for the water to cool before using the cutter.
  
 
====Preparing your design====
 
====Preparing your design====
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If you found some sweet settings please share them here.
 
If you found some sweet settings please share them here.
 
====Cutting====
 
====Cutting====
−
{| border="1"
+
{| border=&quot;1&quot;
 
!|Material
 
!|Material
 
!|Thickness (mm)
 
!|Thickness (mm)
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====Engraving====
 
====Engraving====
−
{| border="1"
+
{| border=&quot;1&quot;
 
!|Material
 
!|Material
 
!|Speed (mm/sec)
 
!|Speed (mm/sec)
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|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/russss/4991794474/ LHS logo on black phone]
 
|[http://www.flickr.com/photos/russss/4991794474/ LHS logo on black phone]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Anodized aluminium (Macbook Pro) (Vector - in "cut" mode)
+
|Anodized aluminium (Macbook Pro) (Vector - in &quot;cut&quot; mode)
 
|100
 
|100
 
|100
 
|100
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==Consumables==
 
==Consumables==
 
* [http://www.plasticonline.co.uk/ Plastic Online]
 
* [http://www.plasticonline.co.uk/ Plastic Online]
−
* [http://hpclaser.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3&zenid=b68f5a7bd4307cba7fc3822122b2e661 HPC sheet products] - Laser ply, perspex, engraving laminate - where we purchased the cutter.
+
* [http://hpclaser.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=3&amp;zenid=b68f5a7bd4307cba7fc3822122b2e661 HPC sheet products] - Laser ply, perspex, engraving laminate - where we purchased the cutter.
 
* [http://www.theplasticshop.co.uk/ The Plastics Shop] - [[User:MattP|mattp]] purchased the plastic for the first batch of [[Media:Laser-cut-key-rings.jpg|Hackspace key rings]] from here.
 
* [http://www.theplasticshop.co.uk/ The Plastics Shop] - [[User:MattP|mattp]] purchased the plastic for the first batch of [[Media:Laser-cut-key-rings.jpg|Hackspace key rings]] from here.
 
* [http://hamaracrylic.co.uk Hamar Acrylic] Cuts to size, and is ~10mins walk from the space. Order by phone and it should be cut and ready to collect on arrival.
 
* [http://hamaracrylic.co.uk Hamar Acrylic] Cuts to size, and is ~10mins walk from the space. Order by phone and it should be cut and ready to collect on arrival.
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** [http://www.jqlaser.com/service/service.html Latest version of the software]
 
** [http://www.jqlaser.com/service/service.html Latest version of the software]
 
** [http://www.leetro.com/english/down/59.html Firmware for MPC6515 controller and software] (hit the download page for latest version)
 
** [http://www.leetro.com/english/down/59.html Firmware for MPC6515 controller and software] (hit the download page for latest version)
−
* For making boxes, you can use [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:404 this script] - recommended settings of "--bolt_length 13 --nut_multiplier 1.8" YMMV
+
* For making boxes, you can use [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:404 this script] - recommended settings of &quot;--bolt_length 13 --nut_multiplier 1.8&quot; YMMV
 
* http://rahulbotics.com/personal-projects/boxmaker/?boxmaker/ is also _very_ good for making boxes.
 
* http://rahulbotics.com/personal-projects/boxmaker/?boxmaker/ is also _very_ good for making boxes.
 
* [http://www.ribbonsoft.com/qcad.html QCAD] - open source .dxf exporting 2D CAD program
 
* [http://www.ribbonsoft.com/qcad.html QCAD] - open source .dxf exporting 2D CAD program

Revision as of 23:53, 23 November 2010

UNDER COSTRUCTION, PLEASE SEE THIS POST IN RESERVE COPY

CLICK HERE

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

Status

The cutter is currently operational - check the logbook for more information.

We're currently trying to reverse engineer the software.

Information about additional useful bits of software installed on the machine can be found on the software page.

Model

  • HPC LS3060 "plus" laser engraver and cutter.

Specification

Laser: 40W - water cooled CO<sub>2</sub> 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).

Manuals

Safety information

<div style="color:red">Please don't touch or fiddle with the laser cutter unless you've have been trained.</div>

  • 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 the CO<sub>2</sub> extinguisher by the laser cutter first. Do not use the powder extinguisher unless you feel that you can't control the fire.
  • 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

These instructions are intended as a companion to laser cutter safety training - not a replacement.

Powering on

  1. Insert key and turn - the PC is turned on using the 'sleep' button on the keyboard.
  2. Always perform the following pre-checks:
    1. Check that there is a CO<sub>2</sub> fire extinguisher immediately to hand.
    2. Check that the water pump is running
    3. Check that the extractor fan is on
  3. Caution: Be certain that the water coolant is at a suitable temperature.
    • If you are unsure if the cutter has been used recently, or you have been using the cutter for an extended period of time (an hour or so) check the temperature of the water using the infra-red thermometer.
    • If the water temperature is outside the acceptable operating range (22 &plusmn; 3 &deg;C) then wait for the water to cool before using the cutter.

Preparing your design

  • Start the 'LaserCut' application and load/import your design.
  • TODO Different file types pros/cons
    • DXF is nice because it maintains absolute dimensions.
  • Sometimes it's useful scale your design. The Laser cutter application allows for this but it's rather quirky:
    • From the Laser software menu select 'Tools/Size'
    • Calculate and enter your new widths/heights in Google/calc etc.
  • The work-area in the LaserCut software is not an absolute representation of the laser cutter bed. The origin must be set relative to your design.
    • From the LaserCut application menu select 'Laser/Set laser origin'
    • Move the 'target' cursor and click on the location on your design where you wish to position the origin (this is usually at the top right of the design)
    • You may also manually enter the position - the top corner of bed is located at (299, 559)
  • Layers can be used in your design to provide combinations of different cut types and engrave options on a single piece. For example you may wish to cut out a key-ring and then engrave a name on it.
    • Each layer can be assigned different action, speed and power settings - consult the manual or the wiki for appropriate settings.
    • Finer control of layer power and speed settings is available by clicking on the layer

Uploading your data file

  • Upload the file to the design and settings to the laser cutter hardware as follows:
    • Select the 'Download' button
    • Remove any existing files by selecting them and clicking 'Del all'
    • Download (upload) your file by clicking 'Download current'
    • You should hear the laser cutter machine beep.

Positioning your material

  • Caution: Know your material - be absolutely certain that your material is safe to use in the laser cutter. If in doubt - ask. For unidentified plastics try this test method.
  • Caution: There are a number of electrically live areas inside the cabinet towards the back. Be very careful when reaching around at the back as you may get a shock.
  • Place the material on the cutter bed.
  • The bed height must be adjusted to the thickness of your material. This can be done as follows:
    • Press the 'Z' button on the control panel with your material on the bed.
    • The display will show 'Z-Axis operate'
    • Then press the 'Datum' button
    • The display should now show 'Z-Axis datum' and the bed should move to the correct height for your material.
  • To make sure that your design will be cut within the boundary of your material you can have the cutter mark out the bounding box with the red-dot pointer. Note that you must upload your design to the cutter before doing this.
    • Click the 'Run box' button in the laser cutter application
    • Observe the path of the red-dot pointer

Cutting

  • Caution: Never leave the machine unattended. The laser cuts and engraves by burning the material so you must be present to deal with any fires should this process undesirably escalate.
  • Turn on the air pump on the main control panel
  • To begin cutting press the 'Start' button in the laser cutter application.
  • Monitoring progress
    • TODO What to watch out for
    • TODO What to do in case of problems
  • TODO What to try if the result is not what you expect
  • Log your Laser Cutter use in the logbook

Parameters for different materials

If you found some sweet settings please share them here.

Cutting

Material Thickness (mm) Speed (mm/sec) Power (%) Corner power (%) Examples
Ply wood 3 ? ? ?
MDF 3 4 100 20
Acrylic - Perspex 4 3.5 100 21
Acrylic - Palglas 3 6 100 21 Cubauble

Engraving

Material Speed (mm/sec) Power (%) Corner power (%) Examples
Anodized aluminium (dyed black) 450 90 ? LHS logo on black phone
Anodized aluminium (Macbook Pro) (Vector - in "cut" mode) 100 100 80 Russ's Macbook Pro

Consumables

  • Plastic Online
  • HPC sheet products - Laser ply, perspex, engraving laminate - where we purchased the cutter.
  • The Plastics Shop - mattp purchased the plastic for the first batch of Hackspace key rings from here.
  • Hamar Acrylic Cuts to size, and is ~10mins walk from the space. Order by phone and it should be cut and ready to collect on arrival.
    • Price guide 320x600x4mm (laser bed size) clear acrylic = £8.
  • Acrylic-Online - Elliot has bought some Palglas from here. They cut to size - delivery £8.00. Price guide (incl. VAT):
    • 320x600x3mm (laser bed size) clear acrylic (Palglas) = £3.84
    • 320x600x4mm (laser bed size) clear acrylic (Palglas) = £5.12
    • 320x600x5mm (laser bed size) clear acrylic (Palglas) = £6.29

Guide For bulk order Quote

(bed size sheets)

Acrylic (perspex)

  • Clear:
    • 10 x 1.5mm
    • 10 x 3mm
    • 10 x 5mm
    • 5 x 10mm
  • Solid: Black:
    • 10 x 1.5mm
    • 10 x 3mm
    • 10 x 5mm
  • Solid: Red, Blue (ea):
    • 5 x 1.5mm
    • 5 x 3mm
    • 5 x 5mm

More information

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