How to Build a Homemade CNC Laser Engraver 14577
June 28, 2016
A DIY project to help with your DIY projects? This edition of Gadget Freak is going meta with a CNC laser engraver made by Amy Kippen and her team of fellow students at Colorado State University.
The CNC laser engraver consists of a user-controlled laser mounted to the Y axis and an engraving plate mounted to the X axis. Motion of the laser and engraving plate are controlled using G-code, which allows the laser to engrave two dimensional designs or images into wood.
A user can input G-code through an SD card on the back of the LCD display. Using the push-button/dial to control the LCD screen, the user selects the correct G-code. The LCD also provides users with visualization and control over the laser casing temperature via alteration of fan speeds. The X and Y axes are each controlled by a stepper motor, and proximity switches are used to limit the motion of each axis past structure walls.
The engraver is also equipped with a safety feature that turns off the laser when the door is open and a program is running. A green LED is lit while the engraver is running. If the door is opened a limit switch inside the door is disengaged and a signal is sent to turn off the green LED and turn on the safety feature, which includes a red LED and an alert buzzer. Disengaging the limit switch also triggers a relay that turns off the laser. Once the door is closed the laser resumes engraving.
Click the image below for a slideshow of the build instructions.
And click here to download the full build instructions including schematics, diagrams, and code.
Do you have a cool, original, homemade gadget you'd like to share with the world? Give us the details at DesignNews.com/GF, and you may receive $500 and automatic entry into our $6000 Gadget Freak of the Year contest!
Parts List
Amount | Part Description | Allied Part # | Notes |
1 | Arduino Mega | ||
1 | voltage regulator | LM317T Adjustable 2.2-3.7 Voltage Regulator | |
1 | glass lens | 405-G-2 Glass Lens for Aixiz Laser Module 405nm | |
1 | diode | Cassio- 2W 445nm M140 Blue Diode | |
1 | mechanical endstop | Signwise 3 pack endstop | |
2 | stepper motor | ZJchao 57-ox-in 1Nm Nema 17 Stepper Motor 1.3A 40mm | |
1 | power supply | NEWSTYLE 12V 30A DC Universal Power Supply 360W | |
1 | controller kit | OSOYOO Printer kit controller RAMPS 1.4Mega 2560 R3Stepper Motor DriverLCD 1286 Graphic display | |
8 | linear bearing | Sprite Science 12LM8U Linear bearings | |
4 | linear rods | Linear motion 8mm shaft 406mm length chrome plated case hardened | |
1 | cooling fan | Uxcell 92 x 25mm DC 12V2 terminal65.01 CFM | |
2 | belt and pulley | Aluminum GT2 16T Pulley and 2M Belt | |
2 | PIC16F88 | 18-Pin PDIP, SOIC | |
1 | transparent wall | 250nm to 520 nm laser shielding - 12” X 12” | |
1 | alert buzzer | 12mm Dia. DC 5V 2 Terminals Electronic Continuous Sound Buzzer | |
1 | 3D-printed parts | 3mm ABS filament | |
1 | laser | 2W 445nm M140 Blue Diode in Copper Module W/Leads & Three Element Glass Lens | |
1 | voltage and current regulator display | DC-DC Voltage Buck Converter Volt Regulator Display | |
1 | thermocouople | Aluminum mount and heat sink for 12mm modules | |
1 | 13 ft of 1 x 1-inch alumium tube | ||
1 | 2 ft 2 x 2-inch aluminum angle | ||
100 | nuts | Hex machine screw nut, 8-32 | |
100 | bolts | Truss combo head machine screw, 8-32 x 1-½” |
Do you have a cool, original, homemade gadget collecting dust in your garage? Give us the details at DesignNews.com/GF, and you may receive $500 and automatic entry into our $6000 Gadget Freak of the Year contest!
[All images courtesy Amy Kippen]
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