K40 40W CO2 Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions
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[[File:K40_Laser_Cutter_Stock_Photo.jpg|thumb|Generic "K40" laser cutter stock photo]] | |||
[[File:K40_40W_CO2_Laser_Cutter_Photo.jpg|thumb|Make Nashville's upgraded K40]] | |||
[[File:K40_Bed_Closeup.jpg|thumb|working area of the laser]] | |||
[[File:K40_Upgraded_Interface_Panel_Closeup.jpg|thumb|upgraded interface panel closeup]] | |||
[[File:K40_Upgraded_Interface_Panel_Wiring.jpg|thumb|upgraded interface panel wiring]] | |||
[[File:K40_MKS_SBASE_Wiring.jpg|thumb|MKS SBASE V1.1 mounted and wired]] | |||
[[File:MKS_SBASE_V1.1_Pinout_Diagram.jpg|thumb|MKS SBASE V1.1 pinout diagram]] | |||
[[File:MKS_SBASE_V1.1_Dimensional_Drawing.jpg|thumb|MKS SBASE V1.1 outline and hole pattern diagram]] | |||
[[File:MKS_SBASE_V1.3_Dimensional_Diagram.png|thumb|MKS SBASE V1.3 outline, plug, and hole pattern diagram]] | |||
== 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:<br/> | |||
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/172333949152 High Precise 40W Co2 USB Laser Engraving Cutting Machine Engraver 300x200mm | eBay] | |||
== Software == | |||
=== LightBurn === | |||
[https://lightburnsoftware.com/ LightBurn Software] | |||
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 | |||
[https://github.com/LaserWeb/LaserWeb4 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 == | == Upgrades == | ||
=== Smoothieboard === | |||
[https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/delta-electronics/PMT-24V50W1AA/1145-1079-ND/4386550 $17. | |||
Actually an MKS SBASE which is a Smoothieware firmware compatible Smoothieboard clone: | |||
[[File:MKS_SBASE_V1.1_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] older MKS SBASE V1.1 that was donated and installed in the K40 | |||
[[File:MKS_SBASE_V1.3_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071X8MBYT/ $60.99 -- KINGPRINT NEW Smoothieware Controller Board MKS SBASE V1.3 32bit Controller Panel Board for 3D Printer] | |||
[https://github.com/pixel3design-hub/MKS-SBASE-FULL-DOCUMENTED MKS SBASE V1.1/V1.2 documentation by pixel3design-hub on GitHub] | |||
[https://github.com/makerbase-mks/MKS-SBASE/tree/master/English 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:<br/> | |||
[https://github.com/makerbase-mks/MKS-SBASE/issues/39 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: | |||
[[File:DigiKey_Part_A100331-ND.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/1-84534-2/A100331-ND/1893453 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 1-84534-2] | |||
=== Low Voltage Power Supplies === | |||
Dedicated power supplies (not piggy-backing off the laser high voltage power supply): | |||
[[File:DigiKey_Part_1145-1079-ND.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/delta-electronics/PMT-24V50W1AA/1145-1079-ND/4386550 $17.31 -- Delta Electronics PMT-24V50W1AA] | |||
[[File:DigiKey_Part_1145-1066-ND.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/delta-electronics/PMC-05V015W1AA/1145-1066-ND/4386537 $15.45 -- Delta Electronics PMC-05V015W1AA] | |||
For wiring the 5V power supply to the Raspberry Pi's Micro-USB port: | |||
[[File:DigiKey_Part_1528-1798-ND.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/adafruit-industries-llc/2727/1528-1798-ND/6560938 $1.95 -- Adafruit Industries LLC 2727] | |||
[[File:DigiKey_Part_EP502A-ND.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/mpd-memory-protection-devices/EP502A/EP502A-ND/2439554 $1.02 -- MPD (Memory Protection Devices) EP502A] | |||
=== Additional Power Outlets === | |||
[[File:Amazon_uxcell_5pcs_125V_15A_3-pin_Panel_Mount_Power_Outlets_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GN61W48/ $7.48 -- uxcell 5 Pcs AC 125 15A Power Connector 3 Terminals to US 3 Pin Socket] | |||
=== Air Assist === | |||
[[File:LightObject_18mm_Air_Assist_Head_for_K40_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [http://a.co/ipZz3WZ $21.50 -- 18mm Laser Head w/ Air Assisted. Ideal for K40 Machine] | |||
[[File:TEN-HIGH_18mm_Diameter_2-inch_Focal_Length_ZnSe_CO2_Laser_Focal_Lens_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [http://a.co/iUxJEBW $29.99 -- TEN-HIGH Diam 18mm ZnSe Focal Lens for CO2 Laser Cutting, Focal Length of 2"/50.8mm] | |||
[[File:LightObject_5mm_ID_8mm_OD_Silicon_Flex_Tube_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [http://a.co/3kJXVo2 $10.50 -- 5X8 Silicon Flex Tube for Air Assistance or Water Cooling(10ft)] | |||
[[File:Amazon_Active_Aqua_Commercial_Air_Pump_60W_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [http://a.co/600F8aY $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: | |||
[[File:EcoPlus_ECO-396_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018X2XT4/ $23.95 -- EcoPlus 728310 Eco 396 Fixed Flow Submersible/Inline Pump 396 GPH] | |||
[[File:Banjo_HB050-025_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AB5X28G/ $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:<br/> | |||
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M3JFNOO/ $5.99 -- POWERTEC 70150 Rectangular Dust Hood for 4-Inch Hose] | |||
== Replacement Parts == | |||
=== Laser Power Supply === | |||
<gallery> | |||
EBay_40W_CO2_Laser_Power_Supply_Using_ZYE_MYGG40W_Flyback_Stock_Photo.jpg | |||
EBay_40W_CO2_Laser_Power_Supply_Using_ZYE_MYGG40W_Flyback_Stock_Photo_2.jpg | |||
</gallery> | |||
[[File:EBay_40W_CO2_Laser_Power_Supply_Using_ZYE_MYGG40W_Flyback_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.ebay.com/itm/182984662205 $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): | |||
[[File:LightObject_LSR-JN40W-1V_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.lightobject.com/20W45W-PWM-CO2-Laser-Power-Supply-AC110V-P71.aspx $205.00 -- 20W~45W PWM CO2 Laser Power Supply (AC110V) | LightObject] | |||
=== High Voltage Cable === | |||
[[File:LightObject_LSR-CBLKIT_Stock_Photo.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.lightobject.com/Laser-Power-Supply-Cable-Repair-Kit-P974.aspx $9.50 -- Laser Power Supply Cable Repair Kit | LightObject] | |||
=== Laser Tube === | |||
"KH Laser" 40W CO2 laser tube photos: | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:K40_KH_Laser_Tube_Certificate_of_Conformity_Label_Top.jpg|Certificate of Conformity (top) | |||
File:K40_KH_Laser_Tube_Certificate_of_Conformity_Label_Bottom.jpg|Certificate of Conformity (bottom) | |||
File:K40_KH_Laser_Tube_QR_Code_Closeup.jpg|QR code | |||
File:K40_KH_Laser_Tube_Damage_Closeup_1.jpg|water contamination in CO2 gas portion of glassware (1/2) | |||
File:K40_KH_Laser_Tube_Damage_Closeup_2.jpg|water contamination in CO2 gas portion of glassware (2/2) | |||
</gallery> | |||
=== Interface Panel === | |||
Test fire button: | |||
[[File:DigiKey_Part_EG2045-ND.jpg|64x64px]] [https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/e-switch/PS1057ARED/EG2045-ND/46295 E-Switch PS1057ARED] | |||
[ | |||
TODO: post DXF for the Smoothieboard LCD interface plate. | |||
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:
-
Certificate of Conformity (top)
-
Certificate of Conformity (bottom)
-
QR code
-
water contamination in CO2 gas portion of glassware (1/2)
-
water contamination in CO2 gas portion of glassware (2/2)
Interface Panel
Test fire button:
TODO: post DXF for the Smoothieboard LCD interface plate.