Differences

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--- k40_laser_engraver [2018/11/07 18:53] – sdh7
+++ k40_laser_engraver [2021/07/13 23:24] (current) – sdh7
@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 Specifications:
   * Power output: 40 W (theoretically, anyway)
-  * Cutting area: roughly 4"x6"? (need to measure work clamp area)
+  * Cutting area: Clamp area is a little less than 8"x4". 7" x 3.5 should easily fit inside
   * Coolant: currently a mix of distilled water and RV antifreeze (3:1 ratio), a few drops of algicide, and a few drops of dish soap.
   * Exhaust: Fume extraction via a BOFA AD-Access fume extractor/filter
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 Fixes implemented:
   * Bad connection on the power inlet between the hot and fuse. Re-soldered.
-  * Jumpered water break detection since detector is NFG.
+  * Jumpered water break detection since detector is seemingly NFG.
     * Test again with new coolant pump to make sure it wasn't just low flow?
+    * Tested again. Maybe backwards? Maybe NFG.
 Fix needed:
@@ Line 30: / Line 31: @@
-Laser does work, <del>though not yet from triggering on the front panel (or via Gcode)</del>
+Laser does work
-Software: I suggest [[http://www.scorchworks.com/K40whisperer/k40whisperer.html|K40 Whisperer]], as the LaserDRW thing it came with is not so hot.
+Software: I suggest [[http://www.scorchworks.com/K40whisperer/k40whisperer.html|K40 Whisperer]], as the LaserDRW thing it came with is not so hot. [[https://github.com/meerk40t/meerk40t|MeerK40t]] is also good, though has trouble parsing certain SVG files.
 Usage: It's not ready for production jobs yet, so DON'T USE IT. We're getting there...
+  * How to format your SVG drawings for K40 Whisperer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=9wYvbenigtk
+  * Basic concept- using K40W, move the head over the upper left hand part of your work. maybe use the "laser test" button to make sure you're actually over the work. and then choose whichever of your engrave/cut options (do engraves first, and cut last).
+  * Specialized documentation: [[HOWTO Inkscape for the Laser]]
 Safety considerations: https://techbravo.net/hosting/knowledgebase/4191/CO2-Laser-Engraver-Safety.html
@@ Line 40: / Line 44: @@
   * NO PVC OR VINYL-BASED MATERIALS - Chlorine gas is bad for you!
   * Wood and Acrylic are OK. ATX Hackerspace has a recommended list of materials [[http://atxhackerspace.org/wiki/Laser_Cutter_Materials|here]]- don't consider it gospel just yet, but a series of recommendations.
+Power levels:
+  * Wood (engraving) - 8% does a fine job on the random wood pieces we've tested with.
+  * wood (cutting) - 11% was sufficient to cut 3mm baltic birch plywood?
+  * Acrylic - 25% was great for engraving, but slightly insufficient for cutting (the cut edges did snap off easily, though). 33-35% should be good for cutting at 10mm/s.
 Upgrades to consider in the near term:
@@ Line 45: / Line 55: @@
   * <del>Fire Extinguisher</del> done
   * Air assist (pump acquired, need to get tubing/fittings/etc.)
-  * honeycomb base (http://www.scorchworks.com/Blog/spring-loaded-k40-laser-platform/ for a good way to do it)
+  <del>* honeycomb base (http://www.scorchworks.com/Blog/spring-loaded-k40-laser-platform/ for a good way to do it)</del> done
   * <del>Thermometer & flow meter for cooling pump (i.e. https://www.amazon.com/Thermometer-Cooling-Liquid-Cooler-System/dp/B074SDFW51/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1521656040&sr=8-3&keywords=LED+Thermometer+3+Way+Flow+Meter+FlowMeter+For+Water+Cooling+Liquid+Cooler+System)</del> ordered
   *<del> improved chiller pump</del> done