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

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

dougw — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 21:44:46 GMT

Very nice chassis - it looks like it being clear helps to focus the laser.

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

beacon_dave — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 20:49:58 GMT

Making great progress.

Is the laser holder specifically designed for that laser ? Looks like it might benefit from some sort of a screw adjuster mechanism up top to help give more control when focusing, whilst also keeping fingers clear of the cutting end.

What sort of depth of cut are you expecting to achieve with that laser ? Just wondering if you may need to refocus whilst cutting to get a deep enough cut.

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

DAB — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:15:00 GMT

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.

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

robogary — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 15:24:00 GMT

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