Introduction: Mini XY Laser Engraver

By Makeblock
About: Makeblock was founded in 2012 as the world's first open-source robot and programing platform. With more than 400 mechanical components, electronic modules, and software tools, we are determined to bring meanin…

As one of the most practical kits in Makeblock platform, XY Plotter functions as a drawing robot in its initial form and a laser engraver after adding an add-on pack. Makeblock XY Plotter has been highly acclaimed in various exhibitions, such as Maker Faire. However, the size of XY means it's not a portable machine, especially for people who need to present it during every business trip. Hence we designed this mini XY laser engraver for portability.

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Step 1: Working Principle

The hardware structure of XY Plotter is quite simple, one rectangular frame and linear guide controlled by two stepper motors being the main body. Thru the movement driving by the stepper motors, the laser head is able to locate any point within the working area with high accuracy of 0.1mm.

As for the software, it's composed of 2 parts, including PC client and embedded software. the PC client can be controlled by two software, Benbox and mDraw, both of which are capable of converting a photo to G-code that controls the movement of XY Engraver (those who participated in metalworking practice must be familiar with this). After a photo is converted to G-code, the software will transfer the G-code to the embedded software that will analyze the G-code, then control the position and power of the laser head via the stepper motor, and eventually achieve the goal of engraving.

Step 2:

Step 3: Part List

All parts can be found here: http://www.makeblock.com/

2 HEX Allen Key 1.5mm

1 HEX Allen Key 2.5mm

1 Cross & 2.5mm HEX Screwdriver

1 Double-ended wrench M5+M7

20 Plastic Ring 4*7*2mm

6 Plastic Rivet R4100

16 Plastic Rivet R4060

6 Linkage-024-Blue

6 Timing Pulley18T

1 Flexible coupling 4x4mm

10 Flange Bearing 4x8x3mm

10 Shaft Collar 4mm

2 D Shaft 4x56mm

1 Linear Motion Shaft D4x80mm

2 Micro switch V2.0

4 Pan Head Tapping Screws with Cross Recessed M2.2*9.5mm

2 6P6C RJ25 cable-35cm

2 Bracket-B for Micro switch

4 Foam footpad D12*6

30 Cable ties 1.9*100

5 Rubber band

1 Linear Motion Shaft D4x512mm

4 Linear Motion Shaft D8×312mm-H

3 6P6C RJ25 cable-20cm

1 6P6C RJ25 cable-50cm

1 12V 2A Wall Adapter Power Supply (US standard)

1 USB to Micro USB Cable (1m)

2 RJ25 adapter V2.2

2 Stepper Motor driver V1.0

1 Makeblock Orion V1.0

2 42BYG Stepper Motor

6 Linear Motion Slide Unit 8mm

4 Beam 0824-048 Blue

4 Beam 0824-080 Blue

1 Beam 0824-096 Blue

1 Beam 0824-128 Blue

4 Beam 2424-132 Blue

1 Plate 3*6 - Blue

6 Bracket 3*3

5 U Bracket U1 - Blue

1 Stepper Motor bracket B

2 Plate I1 - Blue

1 Battery bracket

1 Laser Engraver Head 500mW

1 DC adapter

1 Power supply plug 3.96-2P

1 blue-violet laser goggles

Step 4:

Assemble the frame

Step 5:

Assemble the linear motion slide & shaft

Step 6:

Install the supporting leg

Step 7:

Assemble the short beam0824 (1)

Step 8:

Assemble the short beam0824 (2)

Step 9:

Install the other set of linear motion slide & shaft

Step 10:

Fix the stepper motor module

Step 11:

Install the U bracket

Step 12:

Assemble the timing pulley

Step 13:

Assemble the long shaft and timing belt.

Step 14:

Fix the timing belt.

Step 15:

Install the other stepper motor module.

Step 16:

Install the fixing plates

Step 17:

Install the timing belt

Step 18:

Install the laser head

Step 19:

Install the micro switch

Step 20:

Install the Orion main board and laser driver

Step 21:

Install the stepper motor driver

Step 22:

Wire up and install the footpad

Step 23:

Done!