Twist, Turn and Move Design Challenge - Unlimited CNC Robot Blog #4

5 Sep 2022

Unlimited CNC Robot Blog #4

In this update I will show where I am at with my project and setting up the laser. I will also show what I have added to my project. As a note, I don't do many videos so this won't be perfect.

Please watch the video:

Thank you for watching, please comment or give any suggestions

Dale Winhold

dwinhold over 3 years ago in reply to DAB

Hi DAB,
i agree laser safety is top priority. Today I also added a wireless remote to start the robot which also has an emergency shutdown.
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DAB over 3 years ago

Nice update.

I was about to suggest a fan to keep the optical path from the laser to the material clear, then I saw you were already there.

I do worry about laser reflections.

Hopefully you keep everyone away from it during operation and always wear laser goggles.
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dwinhold over 3 years ago in reply to robogary

Hi robogary,

I didn't realize I said "blow the smoke", that is quite amusing!! As for the laser, I wanted to get a 10w laser (just couldn't afford it at this time ($400.00 +)). The 1.5w laser was in my affordable range. I do have a 5.5w laser but I wasn't going to tear apart my CNC downstairs. With the 1.5w laser is will at least prove my concept works.

Thank you for your comment and information

Dale
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robogary over 3 years ago

Nice. I got a chuckle when you said in the video "a fan was added to blow the smoke". I know you meant the laser smoke, but it still was funny to have a double meaning.

Your laser burning demonstration really piqued my curiosity.. How much laser power does it take VS linear speed VS cutting depth VS material ? Why blue (higher freq, higher energy)? I found this website on cutting lasers, they look to get pretty pricey https://www.bestlaserpointers.com/burning-lasers.

You mentioned about adding a battery pack for the Arduino. A buck/boost power supply could be used to tap off existing batteries. It saves some weigh and cost, I've previously used the XL6009 modules in some projects. Here are a couple examples of boost power supplies. (not endorsing Amazon, but I do look them up if parts are needed quickly)

https://www.amazon.com/XL6009-XL6009E1-Boost-Converter-Module/dp/B07XG323G8/ref=sr_1_11?crid=SSVI3VH2F4G0&keywords=boost+power+supply+module+XL6009&qid=1662391071&sprefix=boost+power+supply+module+xl6009%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-11

https://www.amazon.com/Eiechip-Voltage-Regulator-Converter-Module/dp/B07RNBJK5F/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1V71RB244FRX6&keywords=boost+power+supply+module&qid=1662391199&sprefix=boost+power+supply+module%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-4
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