laser cutter questions

[Shawn Wilson]

Hi all,

I was wondering if the laser cutter:

1) will cut foamboard (foam sandwiched between paper layers)?

2) could cut foamboard do a depth of 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through?

3) could cut a copper clad pcb (not cutting the traces but cutting the board outline)?

What's the overall dimensions?

What's the model?

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Shawn Wilson

www.glassgiant.com

@glassgiant

[Chris McDonald]

It will cut foam board with a bit of caution as laser cutting foam board has been known to start fires. Depth is limited by the lens to around 1/4". Deeper cuts may be possible with less accuracy. 

I'm not sure about the PCB.

 

20"x12"

I'm pretty sure this is it:

http://fslaser.com/products/lasers/hobby-lasers/newhobby

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Chris McDonald

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[Chris McDonald]

This is the first thing I want to cut out of acrylic:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:39889

I'll have to cut the big piece in two parts and then chemical weld them back together. 

This page has a good write up on what can and can't be laser cut:

https://www.pololu.com/docs/0J24?section=3

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Chris

[Shawn Wilson]

Cool, thanks.  I stuck that info in the wiki.  That CNC router looks very minimalistic.  I like it.

Looks like no PCBs from the cutter. :(

[Chris McDonald]

That is a 3d printer, not a CNC router.

A small PCB mill wouldn't be that difficult to build using the laser cutter and the 3d printer. You could use one of those mini air die grinders as the spindle. 100mmx100mm would be very easy to build. It would only need like 20mm of z travel. 

[Shawn Wilson]

Oh, duh.  I had  cnc router on the brain -  I had just been going through my parts for a cnc router. :)

While I'm sure you're right, I'd be reluctant to mess with the Makerspace's 3d printer in that way.  If I ever pull my thumb out and devote some time to my router, it should be able to do pcbs.  

[peter greathead]

Speaking of cnc's and printers, I have an extra melzi board for a motion controller. I bought a cheapo one from Sainsmart which works fine, except I fried the hotbed mosfet, so if you're building something else, it's available.

[Chris McDonald]

I'm suggesting that we print parts for a PCB router and not use the printer as a router.

Parts wise we would need a RAMPS board(~$20 for everything) and 3 steppers(~$10 each). We could laser cut racks and pinion gears. I think its a very do able project. Maybe some LM8UU bearings and shaft. I have everything on hand. Time is about the only thing I'm lacking. Oh and we would need some 1/8" shank endmills. 

[Shawn Wilson]

Duh again.  I think I need to go back to bed.

You make it sound so easy. :)  So the rack and pinion instead of belts or screws?  Sounds like a good project for after the pinball is done or slows down, unless there are other non-pinballers within the Makerspace who might have the time and inclination.  I'd be happy to pitch in with labour and a few bucks.