Converting K40IV CO2 Laser machine to DSP

[shaneburton]

Thanks Marco, you are more than welcome to use the diagram. I am not sure if you use Visio, but I created Stencils for everything you see there if you want it.

BTW, my motors are working fine...as I mentioned below, I had ELX- and ELY- switched around and that caused my issues. I just wanted to let people know that may be their issue if they are having problems.

As for the power, I have adjusted the max power to 58% in LaserCad which running at 6mm/s is hitting 17-18mA. However I am still having issues getting it to cut. I just did a Saltine Cracker cardboard box and it took 6 times to finally cut through it. I looked at the lens, and some of the coating seems have worn off. Do I need to get a new one?

[Tech_Marco]

See me a picture of the lens. It's very important to have a good focus lens

See the comparison here: viewtopic.php?f=61&t=831


Marco

[shaneburton]

Here it is.

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[waltfl]

Hi
this lens are gone it must be clear and no scratch at all
greetings
waltfl

Here it is.

2013-01-31_14-12-17_798.jpg

2013-01-31_14-12-54_157.jpg

2013-01-31_14-13-02_753.jpg

[shaneburton]

Thanks! I will order a new one. So quick question though...the size 20mm, is that how big around it is supposed to be? I measured mine and it is only 12mm.

[Tech_Marco]

Use warm water + soap see if you can clean it. But don't rug it as it may scratch the surface.
Also, check the focus set up on your machine. Then lens you have could be 30.8mm or 50.8mm.
If focus is not right, you can't do good cutting. Even an engraving a line looks very thick. If focus is fine tuned, it should cut a very fine line at 10~12% power.


Marco

[Tech_Marco]

You can't use 20mm. If you have ordered a laser head from me, then you should go for 18mm.
ZnSe value is proportional to the size of the lens. 12mm is cheaper than 16mm and 16mm is cheaper than 18mm and so on.
Also, there is two or three grade quality


Marco

[shaneburton]

Ok so tell me what I should get if I want to get a new laser head with air assist, new mirrors, new mirror/head mounts, and a new lens. My mounts are pretty bad too. I really just want to start over new with this thing. The laser head you sent with the kit is 12mm as well so I don't want to use it if I don't have too.

[Tech_Marco]

12mm from me? Can't be as I never stock 12mm ZnSe focus lens. The smaller I carry is 14mm. Also, the laser head should fit up to 18mm lens. Now you scary me , I got to check my inventory...

Marco

[shaneburton]

No you are right. It will hold an 18mm...I did not realize there was another part that unscrewed inside. Also here is the diagram with the meter...is it correct?

[shaneburton]

Just a suggestion on the kit, you should include a new lens and the acrylic panel too.

[Tech_Marco]

Lens : Someone would like to save money and using the original lens that come with the machine

Panel: Will think about it. But it cost a lot to get acrylic sheet to cut. Plus, I think that it may be a good project for folks to try on their machine. If the machine is completed, why not make the cut using the machine and driven by the DSP! Right? Plus, I really got no time to do he extra work. As matter of fact, I did purchase a few colorful acrylic panel and let custom to pick the color they like: green, blue, and gray.
Again, time is an issue. Let me take care accouting and my warehouse and I'll be in full throttle to do laser work!

Marco

[shaneburton]

Understood Marco. As for the acrylic panel, do you have a LaserCad file already done up that we could use to cut one out? If not I will try to come up with one when I have a chance. Also was the new diagram correct with the meter?

Thanks,
Shane

[Tech_Marco]

The panel is in "G-code" format (CNC file). I haven't done the CorelDraw yet.
It's almost completed but I don't think it's a good idea to draw 5V from the DSP controller. Reason 2: prevent any 'discharge' feedback to the DSP controller. 2) DSP controller supply up to 40mA current but the meter does need 80mA. Even though it works, but it is under current. So, I would suggest to use a 24V to 5V isolated power module to get power from the DC24V 5A (or 15A) power supply instead.


Marco

[Tech_Marco]

Update: my buddy just sent me files for the panel and USB panel. It's in LaserCad format

Marco