Diy Arduino Laser Engraver

I started this project because first time I wanted to build something like what I found on the Internet does not contain all information had to look for more projects to put them together to understand something and I wanted to be as simple and cheaper for a draft wekend.
SAFETY WARNING - Please Be Safe When Using lasers. The Laser Used in this machine of can cause permanent eyesight damage, and probably Even blindness. When working with powerful lasers (> 5 mW), always wear a pair of laser safety glasses designed to block your laser's wavelength.

Step 1: The Frame

The frame is constructed of rectangular 15x15 mm, height being 275 mm, width 375 mm and length of 345mm.
Must take into account all inbinarile be 90 degrees, for if these are not the y axis will not work properly and will lock and can not do the whole race. All pipes must be cut accurately.

Round 8 mm pipes to be installed in four holes at 125mm from below. On 8 mm round pipe will introduce two pieces of 8mm round pipe inside. On pieces of pipe 8mm x axis will weld nuts and under them two 5 mm. All details are displayed in pictures. After the pieces were welded cleaned of rust and paint but first we will protect the nuts and 8mm pipe is not painted.

Step 2: X and Y Axes

We'll use threaded rod to 5 mm and will give 4 holes at 114 mm from the bottom.
The rod will be 365 mm and we will fix the frame with nuts in the following order in the rear with auto lock nut, 15 mm pipe sauiba with two nuts locked together, coming just two tipsy with washer inside the frame. Now if you rotate the threaded rod to rotate but it will not get out of the frame. X we use 5mm threaded rod will give two holes in and we use the same technique as the Y fixing.

Step 3: Mounting the Motor

I used 28byj-48 5V motor first need to hack, disassemble the blue cap and cut the red wire, because we will not folosi.Pe circuit board, we see the connection between coils, circuit scratch as I did.
If you want to know why I did that search the Internet and find out the answer for sure. Th motors fixed to the chassis with a screw of 3 mm and nuts, the connection between the motor and the threaded rod, is made of a piece of rubber with a through-hole of 4 mm.

For cheap motors by from here

3 stepper motor 2.12 buy from here
or 30$ 5 big stepper motor from here

Step 4: Electronics .Stepper Motors, Drivers ,Laser Diode

arduino uno 5.33$ buy from here

2 easydriver 2.12 buy from here

3 stepper motor 2.12 buy from here

or 30$ 5 big stepper motor from here

Step 5: Software

The machine is controlled by an Arduino Uno running grbl, and I'm using Universal Gcode Sender to stream gcode commands. To actually turn vector images into gcode, I'm using Inkscape with the gcodetools plugin. I used the spindle direction pin to turn the laser on and off, since that was easy to do with gcodetools.

Comments

[LawrenceT4]

You should always emphasize that when using a laser cutter, there are hazardous fumes that can be generated as well as harmful laser light. Most leather, for example, is "chrome tanned." When using a laser cutter or engraver, this leather will give off haxavalent chrome fumes, which are extremely hazardous carcinogens. Laser cutters should ONLY be used in well-ventilated areas. There are no masks that will remove hexavalent chrome fumes.

[brightled]

yes I have an exhaust fan feeding into a 2.5inch hose which goes directly into and up the chimney.

[brightled]

the suction fan hose is zip tied directly onto the laser head and turns on with machine power.

[instructablejim]

WOW!!!! I NEVER would have thought that! THANK YOU! I deal with Hexavalent here at work (power plant) when contractors are welding. We have to go through a 21 PAGE procedure ANYTIME Hexavalent chromium is a threat. Although Ive never worked with leather, I CERTAINLY APPRECIATE you giving us a heads up! God Bless.
Jim

[instructablejim]

...and when Lawrence says "extremely hazardous" folks. HE IS NOT JOKING! THAT STUFF IS BAD NEWS!!!

[John T MacF Mood]

That sort of stuff is SUPER DANGEROUS, so AMEN!~ You are spot on about venting gases with chrome tanned leather.

[CurtR]

What wattage is the laser that you used with the circuit shown?

[brightled]

Curently I have 2 machines one has a 2500mw@450nm and the other 500mw 638nm,and I am waiting for a good price on a 7000mw450nm laser as it will cut tricore corrugated paper or cardboard.Right now I cut paste board and paper

[PaulF88]

I'm not an inventor but want to know more about low output laser. I want to make a laser lawnmower or weed eater. What kind of laser will cut through grass and weed and not metal.?

[brightled]

Fire hazzard

[tomcam]

Sadly, your laser lawnmower won't work without hundreds of thousands of dollars (at least) in equipment and millions of dollars in tooling--plus, it would eat vast amounts of energy. Cutting a lawn takes a lot more energy than you might think, and you'd need at least dozens of lasers much more powerful than the one in this Instructable for it to be done in a reasonable amount of time.

[calincostelcoty]

I think green grass will work only with dry grass will ignite you can test a laser diode 1w

[bmiller91]

If he's looking to build something as fast as a normal lawn mower forget it! Might be possible to build a Roomba style device to SLOWLY mow the entire yard but that's a vastly more complex project.

[Czarcharles]

I have a laser engraver I got on line from China, but could never get the software. The assembled product looks much like yours. Any idea what I could do about software to drive it short of going to China?

[brightled]

google laser grbl.

[calincostelcoty]

grbl controller sofware

[Czarcharles]

Thank you.

[crodaddie.]

How deep would this laser be able to cut into hardened steel or SS for serial number applications?

[brightled]

In order to cut or engrave SS or hardened steel you need to go to a CO2 laser @50moin to 100 watt power.Be prepared to spend $5000 up.

[John T MacF Mood]

Most solid state (diode lasers) can't engrave directly into metals, but you can make a resist mask with adhesive vinyl sticker material apply the resist with the number or image you want with Ferric Chloride 50%/ Water 50%. (Safety goggles and a breather mask for fumes and good ventilation are a VERY good idea.)

Some etches require immersion, but a serial number should do OK by using a Q-Tip to apply only on the zones uncovered by the vinyl, and let stand for a few minutes, rinse, check progress, and etch more if needed.Disposal of used solution should not be necessary for several etches, but when you do, an auto supply house may be able to dispose of it in an eco-friendly way (as in it's very much like battery acid) once mixed it forms hydrochloric acid. Car batteries use sulphuric acid. Neutralizing with baking soda until the bubbling stops is a good safety measure.