Yes! Finally, after several iterations we have the installed, aligned and focused CO2 laser wreaking some serious havoc on a piece of MDO.
There are still many tests to run and various safety mechanisms to install, but the system works, and is aligned over a 24″ x 24″ area (at least).
I can think of at least half a dozen improvements to make right now, but they’ll have to wait – for a day or two anyway.
Again – safety glasses are *mandatory* for this kind of work.
The first part of the movie covers some tips for beam alignment, the cutting is right at the end.
…almost forgot about the air-assist nozzle…
…for making nice clean cuts in acrylic.
Steve Hobley works for a software company, but in his spare time likes to deconstruct all the lovely consumer goods with a goal to make unique and interesting things.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Do you anticipate the need to ramp up/down your travel velocity (frow start/stop) to be a future problem? I just got my laser cutter and realize x/y travel rate partially determines cut depth. So assuming you are going to raster/engrave the perimeter will have a deeper cut.
These are good questions, and you are correct.
Right now I’m learning the new tube, finding out what I can do, and what I can’t do. The gantry is big (ie not fast) so rastering photographs might be out.
I polished the gold off one of my mirrors (be real careful cleaning them), so I’m waiting for a new one to arrive, once it does I can continue testing.