80 watt laser engraver

2012-01-23T16:18:34Z

Codohundo:

super rough notes, don't even look at me pls

----

== gotchas ==

*ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT WATER PUMP IS RUNNING, it is turned on by plugging in extra cord that comes out of water cooler
*cutting order is often strange, don't freak out if it looks like it skipped a section, it will come back
*engraving and cutting can be put in same file, when you get them into lasercut select cuts and push them to a later layer (select line, select layer colour)
*think about cut order, if it matters push cuts to different layers, e.g. shark with eye cut out, cut out eye first then shark, otherwise shark could fall away or move before the eye has been cut
*put exhaust fan outside, plug it in and cover up the gap in the bay door
*laser does not cut at lower power levels (TBD) ~ 25 - 30%. Head moves properly but no cutting (although it still may be firing)
*after long cuts LaserCut5.1 often looses contact with the laser, file->reconnect will often restore connectivity, if not: save your project, close LaserCut5.1 unplug the usb connector to the laser, reconnect it, restart LaserCut5.1, open your saved project.
*DXFs exported directly from SketchUp via the plugin linked below tend to crash LaserCut5.1 first filter them through autocad on the laser laptop, see the sample workflow below.

Importance of focusing/lens choice
http://www.thefabricator.com/article/lasercutting/the-importance-of-focal-positions-in-laser-cutting
Focus on the surface, under the surface, or on the bottom surface.

== Using the machine ==
regurgitate the above here

=== Powering up the machine ===

With very few exceptions, the same order of operations should always be maintained for safe proper operation. Failing to enable a portion of the cooling system will damage the laser.
# Open cutting area and remove any objects from the working bed.
# Plug in circulation pump to a 110v circuit. (currently does not power on with chiller),
# Power on 120-240 voltage converter (box on trolley with green light-up switch).
#* Verify that power is applied to the chiller and air pump. These are 220v appliances and need to be plugged directly into the voltage converter.
# Set up ventilation fan outdoors, leave unplugged but switch unit on.
#* During colder temperatures only run exhaust while cutting is taking place.
# Activate power to laser cutter from switch on back of unit.
# Deactivate E-stop with a twisting motion, and power on laser with key switch on front panel. The key had 3 positions, rotating clockwise the positions are off, off, on.

The laser is now active and ready to accept instructions from the laptop.

=== Focusing the Laser ===
[[File:LaserPath.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 1. laser path visualization]]
Depending on the thickness of the material and whether you are cutting or engraving you will need to set an appropriate focal distance. The beam does not come out of the lens parallel, but in fact is conically shaped. See: Figure 1.

==== Focal Depth: ====
[[File:LaserFocus.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 2. Focal Depth: Bottom shows resultant cut shape.]]
For engraving, you want the focal point right on the surface for the fastest/most efficient results.

For cutting, you want the focal point to be near the midpoint of the thickness of the material so that it makes the straightest edges on the cuts. See Figure 2.
----

=== Shutting down the machine ===
Following the same steps in reverse order will help ensure the machine is left in a safe mode.
# Activate E-stop to render the work-area safe.
# Clean out remnants from the cutting area.
# Turn off power from the key switch, this will turn off the work-light.
# Deactivate/put away exhaust fan
# Power down voltage converter (green switch)
# Unplug circulation pump
# Turn off power to back of unit

== cut guidelines ==

charts of

material x thickness

acrylic

2mm speed 5-10 power 100

6mm speed ? power ?

== Sample Workflow ==

This is *a* workflow that has been working consistently, there are other tools and processes that will work but to get started

Process notes

*google sketchup -> dxf via http://www.guitar-list.com/files/skp_to_dxf.rbz
*take file to laser laptop
*open dxf in autocad save as 2004 dxf
*import in lasercut5.1
*download button
*download current
*do setup tests for function, focus,
*use test to setup test piece
*verify cut/engrave speed and power settings
*use test to setup work piece
*cut

80 watt laser engraver

2012-01-23T15:51:42Z

Codohundo:

super rough notes, don't even look at me pls

gotchas

*ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT WATER PUMP IS RUNNING, it is turned on by plugging in extra cord that comes out of water cooler
*cutting order is often strange, don't freak out if it looks like it skipped a section, it will come back
*engraving and cutting can be put in same file, when you get them into lasercut select cuts and push them to a later layer (select line, select layer colour)
*think about cut order, if it matters push cuts to different layers, e.g. shark with eye cut out, cut out eye first then shark, otherwise shark could fall away or move before the eye has been cut
*put exhaust fan outside, plug it in and cover up the gap in the bay door
*laser does not cut at lower power levels (TBD) ~ 25 - 30%. Head moves properly but no cutting (although it still may be firing)
*after long cuts LaserCut5.1 often looses contact with the laser, file->reconnect will often restore connectivity, if not: save your project, close LaserCut5.1 unplug the usb connector to the laser, reconnect it, restart LaserCut5.1, open your saved project.

Process notes

*google sketchup -> dxf via http://www.guitar-list.com/files/skp_to_dxf.rbz
*take file to laser laptop
*open dxf in autocad save as 2004 dxf
*import in lasercut5.1
*download button
*download current
*do setup tests for function, focus,
*use test to setup test piece
*verify cut/engrave speed and power settings
*use test to setup work piece
*cut

cut guidelines

materialxthickness

acrylic

2mm speed 5-10 power 100

6mm speed ? power ?

----

Importance of focusing/lens choice
http://www.thefabricator.com/article/lasercutting/the-importance-of-focal-positions-in-laser-cutting
Focus on the surface, under the surface, or on the bottom surface.

== Using the machine ==
regurgitate the above here

=== Powering up the machine ===

With very few exceptions, the same order of operations should always be maintained for safe proper operation. Failing to enable a portion of the cooling system will damage the laser.
# Open cutting area and remove any objects from the working bed.
# Plug in circulation pump to a 110v circuit. (currently does not power on with chiller),
# Power on 120-240 voltage converter (box on trolley with green light-up switch).
#* Verify that power is applied to the chiller and air pump. These are 220v appliances and need to be plugged directly into the voltage converter.
# Set up ventilation fan outdoors, leave unplugged but switch unit on.
#* During colder temperatures only run exhaust while cutting is taking place.
# Activate power to laser cutter from switch on back of unit.
# Deactivate E-stop with a twisting motion, and power on laser with key switch on front panel. The key had 3 positions, rotating clockwise the positions are off, off, on.

The laser is now active and ready to accept instructions from the laptop.

=== Focusing the Laser ===
[[File:LaserPath.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 1. laser path visualization]]
Depending on the thickness of the material and whether you are cutting or engraving you will need to set an appropriate focal distance. The beam does not come out of the lens parallel, but in fact is conically shaped. See: Figure 1.

==== Focal Depth: ====
[[File:LaserFocus.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 2. Focal Depth: Bottom shows resultant cut shape.]]
For engraving, you want the focal point right on the surface for the fastest/most efficient results.

For cutting, you want the focal point to be near the midpoint of the thickness of the material so that it makes the straightest edges on the cuts. See Figure 2.
----

=== Shutting down the machine ===
Following the same steps in reverse order will help ensure the machine is left in a safe mode.
# Activate E-stop to render the work-area safe.
# Clean out remnants from the cutting area.
# Turn off power from the key switch, this will turn off the work-light.
# Deactivate/put away exhaust fan
# Power down voltage converter (green switch)
# Unplug circulation pump
# Turn off power to back of unit

80 watt laser engraver

2012-01-23T15:29:17Z

Codohundo:

super rough notes, don't even look at me pls

gotchas

*ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT WATER PUMP IS RUNNING, it is turned on by plugging in extra cord that comes out of water cooler
*cutting order is often strange, don't freak out if it looks like it skipped a section, it will come back
*engraving and cutting can be put in same file, when you get them into lasercut select cuts and push them to a later layer (select line, select layer colour)
*think about cut order, if it matters push cuts to different layers, e.g. shark with eye cut out, cut out eye first then shark, otherwise shark could fall away or move before the eye has been cut
*put exhaust fan outside, plug it in and cover up the gap in the bay door
*laser does not cut at lower power levels (TBD) ~ 25 - 30%. Head moves properly but no cutting (although it still may be firing)
*after long cuts LaserCut5.1 often looses contact with the laser, file->reconnect will often restore connectivity, if not: save your project, close LaserCut5.1 unplug the usb connector to the laser, reconnect it, restart LaserCut5.1, open your saved project.

Process notes

*google sketchup -> dxf via http://www.guitar-list.com/files/skp_to_dxf.rbz
*take file to laser laptop
*open dxf in autocad save as 2004 dxf
*import in lasercut5.1
*download button
*download current
*do setup tests for function, focus,
*use test to setup test piece
*verify cut/engrave speed and power settings
*use test to setup work piece
*cut

cut guidelines

materialxthickness

acrylic

2mm speed 5-10 power 100

6mm speed ? power ?

----

Importance of focusing/lens choice
http://www.thefabricator.com/article/lasercutting/the-importance-of-focal-positions-in-laser-cutting
Focus on the surface, under the surface, or on the bottom surface.

== Using the machine ==
regurgitate the above here

=== Powering up the machine ===

With very few exceptions, the same order of operations should always be maintained for safe proper operation. Failing to enable a portion of the cooling system will damage the laser.
# Open cutting area and remove any objects from the working bed.
# Plug in circulation pump to a 110v circuit. (currently does not power on with chiller),
# Power on 120-240 voltage converter (box on trolley with green light-up switch).
#* Verify that power is applied to the chiller and air pump. These are 220v appliances and need to be plugged directly into the voltage converter.
# Set up ventilation fan outdoors, leave unplugged but switch unit on.
#* During colder temperatures only run exhaust while cutting is taking place.
# Activate power to laser cutter from switch on back of unit.
# Deactivate E-stop with a twisting motion, and power on laser with key switch on front panel.

The laser is now active and ready to accept instructions from the laptop.

=== Focusing the Laser ===
[[File:LaserPath.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 1. laser path visualization]]
Depending on the thickness of the material and whether you are cutting or engraving you will need to set an appropriate focal distance. The beam does not come out of the lens parallel, but in fact is conically shaped. See: Figure 1.

==== Focal Depth: ====
[[File:LaserFocus.png|300px|thumb|right|Figure 2. Focal Depth: Bottom shows resultant cut shape.]]
For engraving, you want the focal point right on the surface for the fastest/most efficient results.

For cutting, you want the focal point to be near the midpoint of the thickness of the material so that it makes the straightest edges on the cuts. See Figure 2.
----

=== Shutting down the machine ===
Following the same steps in reverse order will help ensure the machine is left in a safe mode.
# Activate E-stop to render the work-area safe.
# Clean out remnants from the cutting area.
# Turn off power from the key switch, this will turn off the work-light.
# Deactivate/put away exhaust fan
# Power down voltage converter (green switch)
# Unplug circulation pump
# Turn off power to back of unit

80 watt laser engraver

2012-01-21T00:51:24Z

Codohundo:

80 watt laser engraver

2012-01-21T00:49:53Z

Codohundo:

80 watt laser engraver

2012-01-21T00:48:44Z

Codohundo: Created page with "super rough notes, don't even look at me pls gotchas -ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT WATER PUMP IS RUNNING, it is turned on by plugging in extra cord that comes out of water cooler ..."

super rough notes, don't even look at me pls

gotchas

-ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT WATER PUMP IS RUNNING, it is turned on by plugging in extra cord that comes out of water cooler
-cutting order is often strange, don't freak out if it looks like it skipped a section, it will come back
-engraving and cutting can be put in same file, when you get them into lasercut select cuts and push them to a later layer (select line, select layer colour)
-think about cut order, if it matters push cuts to different layers, e.g. shark with eye cut out, cut out eye first then shark, otherwise shark could fall away or move before the eye has been cut

Process notes

google sketchup -> dxf via http://www.guitar-list.com/files/skp_to_dxf.rbz
take file to laser laptop
open dxf in autocad save as 2004 dxf
import in lasercut5.1
download
download current
do setup tests for function, focus,
use test to setup test piece
verify cut/engrave speed and power settings
use test to setup work piece
cut

cut guidelines
materialxthickness

acrylic
2mm speed 5-10 power 100
6mm speed ? power ?

Tools we have

2012-01-21T00:37:49Z

Codohundo:

Treat tools with respect and care! Also put them back before you leave :)

==Protospace tools==
* [http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6096/6374306633_408dc5271e_o.jpg Makerbot cupcake CNC]

==Member tools and gadgets==
Brian:
* [http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6051/6374307163_30109e8947_o.jpg 80W Chinese Laser Cutter with a 4' x 3' cutting area] http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/laser_RL1290.asp
* [http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6239/6374306473_dbbca442d3_o.jpg MAXNC10]
* [http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6579843923_19329e76cb_z.jpg RapMan 3D Printer]
Tremaine:
* 4 1 ton vehicle jack stands
* metric ratchet set with 3/8" and 1/4" drivers (6mm to 19mm sockets)
* metric ratchet 1/2" driver, 1 short extender and 1 long, sockets from 12mm to 24mm (some deep impact)
* metric crescent wrenches 8mm - 24mm
* variety of wrenches, standard screwdrivers
* Metric hex key set
* tap & die set
* Heat gun
* Torque wrench
* Breaker bar with 1/2" driver

(more to be added)

Mike Hermann
* Hitachi 200 MHz digital scope
* Weller Adjustable soldering station
* 2 channel 30 VDC bench supply
* Current clamps for multimeter
* Std metal working handtools
* Std wood working handtools
* Makita LiON contractor pack (4 tool: rotary saw, sabre/sawsall, driver, drill)
* Paintgun (compressor driven)
* Rotary saw
* Jigsaw
* 2.5 T rollaway jack
* Metric and Imperial wrench set
* Large torque wrench
* Shop vac
* Dremel and kit
* Bit set (std drivers, allan key, torx, torx secure, etc)
* (more to be added)

Containers

2011-07-14T19:52:02Z

Codohundo: Created page with "== Background == Protospace at the AGM in June 2011 resolved to give up it's lease to it's home of 1 year downtown. Discussions began immediately regarding finding a new home, ..."

== Background ==
Protospace at the AGM in June 2011 resolved to give up it's lease to it's home of 1 year downtown. Discussions began
immediately regarding finding a new home, or even if such a thing was necessary. Working on the assumption that a
space is necessary, the very excellent Merovingian, acting under the authority vested within him by the very nature
of a [http://www.communitywiki.org/DoOcracy Do Ocracy] started a discussion on the suggestion of building a new home
from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container intermodal containers]

[http://groups.google.com/group/calgary-hackspace/t/8dff253ad360963b Link to Google Groups discussion]

== Issues ==

== Ideas ==

New Home

2011-07-14T19:38:28Z

Codohundo: Created page with "= New Home = Please break discussions into small focused topics so more than one can edit at a time. == Options == Containers"

= New Home =
Please break discussions into small focused topics so more than one can edit at a time.

== Options ==
[[Containers]]

Welcome to Protospace

2011-07-14T18:50:48Z

Codohundo:

'''MediaWiki has been successfully installed.'''

Consult the [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents User's Guide] for information on using the wiki software.

== Getting started ==
* [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
* [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
* [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]

== Discussions ==

* [[Partnerships]] - Partnerships to maintain or obtain with educational institutions, government agencies, industry partnerships...
* [[New Home]] - Wish lists, Requirements, Options, Discussions regarding our new home