Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter

Updated : 16/3 Add step 4, about using the stage.
Updated : 18/3 Add photos (cutting vinyl adhesive sheet)
Updated : 19/3 Add step 5, acting as pen plotter
Updated : 20/3 Add laser engraving video (Wood) and photo
Updated : 22/3 Add 2 drawings to show the structures of machine, also visit this link.

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I read many posts and now I had finished my first mini Lazer Cutter.

The design is simple and reliable ( u can see the video )

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It is using Arduino Duemilanove + GRBL (0.8c) + 100mW blue/ violet lazer with external battery power supply (5V)

Drawing program is inkscape + gcodetools, gcode sender is Unversai G Code Sender

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I want to share with u but it is really difficult for me to explain it in english...

I just want to share some experiences, or, may be u can ask me...

Also, most of the technical things (especially about GRBL) u can find in the following articles.

https://www.instructables.com/id/MicroSlice-A-tiny-...

Step 1: Main Body...

I had read many GRBL lazer-cutter design (especially using CDROM as axis-motor)

most of them is beautiful but I can't made them.

It is because I did not have powerful tools to make them, even prepare a wooden board is difficult to me.

Since I think the axis-motor is running smooth, I use a metal frame together with few blocks to setup the structures.

I think u know how to build it by looking at the photo.

The tricky thing is.... u need to buy 3 small stages...

and all the stage/ metal frame are connected with a wooden block

the circuit in a small plastic box (photo) is a variable DC voltage supply, u can use any similar things instead.

Step 2: DIY GRBL Shield

I am using easydriver for controlling the movement of the stepping motor.

Some website said GRBL support not only Arduino Uno but also Duemilanove, nano.....

So I wonder I can make a shield for easily testing those arduino.

First, I screw the easydriver on a plastic stick, then solder them with wire.

Second, I allow the easydriver connect with arduino by pins (for easy configuration)

Third, I screw the plastic stick on a standard arduino shield and the whole things now can be plug and play with any arduino that come with GRBL.

I had soldered IRF510 for controlling the on/off of the lazer on the shield, together with power jack.

Step 3: Sharing...

1. I try to make 3-axis CNC miller first with CDROM.... however, the final product really big in size.... if u are interested please watch the video....

2. I make this 3-axis lazer cutter because I can still cut paper whatever the platform is not leveling. just repeat the gcode with different depth...

3. Grbl Controller 3.5 is great but if u are using Arduino Duemilanove, there might be some problems on communication. Also, Grbl controller may have problems in interpret G-code generate from inkscape. If so, please using other sender...

Step 4: About Using the Stage

The stage is tricky to use...

U need to drill holes by yourself. (Photo 1)

Also, the gap between the slide and base is little (Photo 2,3), so I drill one hole twice...

first, using appropriate drill size to drill a hole; and the second time I use a large one to make a hole for accommodate the screw head (Photo 4). So, it also the slider move without blocking by the screw head. (using flat-top screw)

For the stage, all the metal parts is not fix on the epoxy well (the epoxy is fragile), so the better way is using "wooden block" as medium (the epoxy parts are clamp tight between the wooden board and the screw). Also, if u using wooden board as medium, the holes you drill does not need to be very accurate, because u can make fine-adjustment (leveling) on the wooden board and the body frame.

Last but not least, the maximum movable distance is only achieved by applying object with similar width on the top of the slider (Photo 5), so, I can apply a larger working platform after I had added a wooden board (similar width) on the top of the slider.

Step 5: Acting As Pen Plotter

This project can convert to pen plotter by replace the lazer diode with writing instrument.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Mini-Pen-Plotter/

Cheers

Comments

[PieterVanBeers]

what code did you put on the arduino?

[kokpat]

## Arduino

U can download GRBL and put it in Arduino (through Arduino IDE).

https://github.com/grbl/grbl

## Generate G-code

Using Inkscape etc.

## PC to Arduino Interface

The PC interface can be any type (that can send G-code).

[Ammar Atef Ali]

can i buy lazer can be used for cutting wood?

[kokpat]

Even 1W laser can't cut wood.

[Ammar Atef Ali]

what will do then?

[space_pac]

With 1 W you can cut Paper

[curtis.newton.104203]

and where did you get the lazer ? what reference ?

[kokpat]

Since I live in Hong Kong, I brough lazer from China.
Normally, 100mW or 200mW can use for engrave something.
But none of them can use to cut wood or plastics.

http://s.taobao.com/search?q=100mW+%E6%BF%80%E5%85%89&commend=all&ssid=s5-e&search_type=mall&sourceId=tb.index&spm=a215z.7106357.5803581.d4908513

[curtis.newton.104203]

lol, lo idea wich one to choose, it's all chinese or something

[curtis.newton.104203]

wahat about protective glasses , did you use any?

[bparker2]

Hi How did you work out the steps per revolution on your steppers?

[kokpat]

For the stepping motor, u can refer to the following pdf.
http://robocup.idi.ntnu.no/wiki/images/c/c6/PL15S0...

Since the pitch of the motor is mainly 3mm or 2mm, the value is 53.333 or 80.
For detail step of calculation u can refer to the following link
https://www.instructables.com/id/MicroSlice-A-tiny-...

[penelopeblue_330]

I'm planning to make one. this is so rare that you've got a z-axis. can u try and cut acrylics with the reciprocating laser concept? it moves the laser up and down to compensate for the laser's low power and missed focus (due to the thickness of materials). it'll be fascinating if a mini-walts laser can cut acrylics, even though time is needed in excess.

see http://builders.reprap.org/2010/08/selective-laser-sintering-part-8.html?m=1

[kokpat]

I had read the reciprocating laser concept before I make this lazer cutter.
However, I did not have "enough time" to cut a really thick acrylics.
The z-axis actually using reciprocating laser concept which compensate the leveling problem of lazer cutting by repeating cutting.
Also, this z-axis also make it as a pen plotting without much modification.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Mini-Pen-Plotter/

[penelopeblue_330]

just 3mm.. is the diode powerful enough?

another curious question to ask
你能讀中文嗎？

[kokpat]

I don't think 100mW can make a perfect cut of plastic....

其實我的母語是中文。

[penelopeblue_330]

也罷
哈哈 他鄉遇知音

[marcelo.mugen.5]

Great project, awesome!

[kokpat]

Thank you very much.

[djmelvinv]

Hi nice instructable! I've built my onw cnc milling machine but it's running on a printer port. Arduino is easy for me but there is one thing I don't understand. With an arduino uno I can upload a sketch. duration about 5 to 10 seconds. But how does de uno work in this cnc proces? I've read about uploading some firmware or something. But then when you upload a gcode it overwrites the uploaded firmware right?? second option I thought it worked could be uploading de firmware an send in realtime the gcode from your Pc trough usb to arduino and arduino drives the stepper drivers and motors. If this is the way it works.. then whats about the 5 to 10 seconds?
Can you please explane the workflow. very much.