K40 40W CO2 Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions
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Forest Darling wrote an Inkscape plugin that allows SVG files to be exported to G-code that can drive the laser cutter. It uses specially named "layers" in Inkscape to determine how the vectors will be engraved or images will be rastered. | Forest Darling wrote an Inkscape plugin that allows SVG files to be exported to G-code that can drive the laser cutter. It uses specially named "layers" in Inkscape to determine how the vectors will be engraved or images will be rastered. | ||
https://github.com/fdarling/inkscape-laser-cutter-extension | |||
== Firmware == | == Firmware == |
Latest revision as of 00:42, 14 March 2022
Overview
Generic Chinese "K40" laser cutter bought off eBay. It has been upgraded from the proprietary motherboard/firmware/software to an open source toolchain using a 3D printer Smoothieware compatible motherboard.
Here is the exact item that was bought on eBay:
High Precise 40W Co2 USB Laser Engraving Cutting Machine Engraver 300x200mm | eBay
Software
LightBurn
Pay-for software, but cross-platform (Windows/macOS/Linux). There is a free 30-day full features trial. It's $40 for the version that supports G-code based open source laser cutting firmwares such as Smoothieware, GRBL, Marlin, etc. It's $80 for the version that also support the Chinese "DSP" RuiDa controllers. The software is very nice!
LaserWeb
TODO add description and possiblly a page for a tutorial
LaserWeb/LaserWeb4: Collaborative effort on the next version of LaserWeb / CNCWeb | GitHub
Inkscape Plugin
Forest Darling wrote an Inkscape plugin that allows SVG files to be exported to G-code that can drive the laser cutter. It uses specially named "layers" in Inkscape to determine how the vectors will be engraved or images will be rastered.
https://github.com/fdarling/inkscape-laser-cutter-extension
Firmware
We use the standard stable Smoothieware "firmware.bin" available here:
https://github.com/Smoothieware/Smoothieware/tree/edge/FirmwareBin
Instructions on how to flash the firmware:
http://smoothieware.org/getting-smoothie
http://smoothieware.org/flashing-smoothie-firmware
Upgrades
Smoothieboard
Actually an MKS SBASE which is a Smoothieware firmware compatible Smoothieboard clone:
older MKS SBASE V1.1 that was donated and installed in the K40
$60.99 -- KINGPRINT NEW Smoothieware Controller Board MKS SBASE V1.3 32bit Controller Panel Board for 3D Printer
MKS SBASE V1.1/V1.2 documentation by pixel3design-hub on GitHub
MKS SBASE V1.0-??? documentation by makerbase-mks on GitHub
NOTE: post says there is no documentation yet for V1.3, I don't think it's very different from a user standpoint though:
MKS-SBASE v1.3 Schematic · Issue #39 · makerbase-mks/MKS-SBASE | GitHub
TODO: document the custom breakout board Forest Darling acid etched to adapt the original ribbon cable for the X axis and homing switches to 3D printer friendly cables. This special FPC connector was needed:
TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 1-84534-2
Low Voltage Power Supplies
Dedicated power supplies (not piggy-backing off the laser high voltage power supply):
$17.31 -- Delta Electronics PMT-24V50W1AA
$15.45 -- Delta Electronics PMC-05V015W1AA
For wiring the 5V power supply to the Raspberry Pi's Micro-USB port:
$1.95 -- Adafruit Industries LLC 2727
$1.02 -- MPD (Memory Protection Devices) EP502A
Additional Power Outlets
$7.48 -- uxcell 5 Pcs AC 125 15A Power Connector 3 Terminals to US 3 Pin Socket
Air Assist
$21.50 -- 18mm Laser Head w/ Air Assisted. Ideal for K40 Machine
$29.99 -- TEN-HIGH Diam 18mm ZnSe Focal Lens for CO2 Laser Cutting, Focal Length of 2"/50.8mm
$10.50 -- 5X8 Silicon Flex Tube for Air Assistance or Water Cooling(10ft)
$46.61 -- Active Aqua Commercial Air Pump, 8 Outlets, 60W, 70 L/min
Water Pump
The included water pump is noisy and pathetic, and a replacement is very inexpensive:
$23.95 -- EcoPlus 728310 Eco 396 Fixed Flow Submersible/Inline Pump 396 GPH
$3.12 -- Banjo HB050-025 Polypropylene Hose Fitting, Adapter, 1/2" NPT Male x 1/4" Barbed
Ventilation
NOTE: This has not been tested! This is a proposed attachment that allows the use of an in-line pump:
$5.99 -- POWERTEC 70150 Rectangular Dust Hood for 4-Inch Hose
Replacement Parts
Laser Power Supply
$65.54 -- 40W Power Supply for CO2 Laser Tubes Engraver Cutter Machine AC 110V
A higher quality alternative (with a different pinout) from a reputable US seller (still made in China):
$205.00 -- 20W~45W PWM CO2 Laser Power Supply (AC110V) | LightObject
High Voltage Cable
$9.50 -- Laser Power Supply Cable Repair Kit | LightObject
Laser Tube
"KH Laser" 40W CO2 laser tube photos:
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Certificate of Conformity (top)
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Certificate of Conformity (bottom)
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QR code
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water contamination in CO2 gas portion of glassware (1/2)
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water contamination in CO2 gas portion of glassware (2/2)
Interface Panel
Test fire button:
TODO: post DXF for the Smoothieboard LCD interface plate.