DC-KIII Laser Cutter
The last laser cutter class was on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 6:30 PM. When a new one is offered, you can sign up on the Eventbright Laser Cutter Class page .
12/29/12 Update: Added a Tips and Tricks section to this Laser Cutter Wiki page. Feel free to add to it, or if you don't have editorial access, just email me or reply back to me in the Forums and I'll add it in. Installed four color fan on radiator and put in new digital thermometer. Plastic air assist hose was stiff in the cold and causing distortions in the cutting, which was fixed by replacing it with the fabric hose on the airbrush compressor.
11/2/12 Update: Installed radiator for the laser cutter cooling system.
10/20/12 Update: I bought and installed CorelDraw, for which the MoshiDraw software has a plug-in, on the laser cutter computer and so we now have good vector image (vs. .bmp and .jpg raster image) use capabilities. I have been using DXF files from CorelDraw successfully using MoshiDraw 2012, the new software that controls the laser cutter. Adobe Illustrator files (.AI) can also be used. When loading .DXF or .AI files in MoshiDraw 2012, remember to set the file dialog box to “show all files”.
10/2/12 Update: LAEP delayed until more funds freed up (just bought an industrial building and land). Talked to David about doing a fund raising project to get a more powerful laser.
9/5/12 Update: Started working on the Laser Area Expansion Project (LAEP).
8/20/12 Update: The new laser tube has been installed.
Tips and Tricks First
- Others have also noticed that the laser cutter works better when the power knob is not turned all the way to the maximum level. I'm not sure why that is, but it seems to be true. I was able to cut .22” acrylic after that with the knob in the 2 o'clock position, but it didn't cut through in the max position.
- Try raising the material up above the bed using some scrap.
- Run your job on some cheap cardboard first.
- CorelDraw MoshiDraw Plug-in: Select all objects you want to cut and then click the middle icon in the plug-in window in CorelDraw to export to MoshiDraw 2013, which will start automatically. The order it cuts objects in is that it cuts the last added object first and the cuts first added object last. You can reorder the order of objects using the object inspector window in CorelDraw.
- Turn off the thermometer and all power strips when you are done.
- This laser cutter does have it's idiosyncrasies. Be aware of them!
Classes
- We are attempting to arrange to have classes on this unit in the near future. Please email Doug (Thorpedo on the forums) at esq37@yahoo.com to be added to a list to be notified when classes are set up.
Safety First
- Do not open laser without shutting it off first.
- Do not destroy laser by running it without the cooling system operating. Ensure that the cooling water doesn't get too hot. Ensure there is sufficient water in the cooling water jug.
- Vent laser to outside (put end of blue ventilation hose out window and check that the other end is firmly attached to the ventilation fan)
- Don't operate laser before first attending instruction class. This laser works a little differently than some other brands.
- This laser cutter does have it's idiosyncrasies. Be aware of them!
Documentation
Software
- MoshiDraw (see 2nd half of manual )\\ \\ * Files supported in MoshiDraw 9.92
YZ or BMP/JPG/JPEG- Support file type in MoshiDraw 2012 and 2013
•MDR -Moshidraw2012 file
•AI -Adobe Illustrator 8 (lines)
•DXF -AUTOCAD R12/R13/R14(line)
•PLT -HPGL Plotter
•BMP -Windows Bitmap
•JPG -JPEG Bitmap
•EMF -Enhanced windows Metafile
•WMF -Windows Metafile - Tips: Working size is set in the option section on the right
'SaveOption' on the output to machine screen sets the defaults (it seems to default to inverse and concave, when you want normal and convex for most things)
The laser head will often get sent off in a random direction and not stop if it is at x0 y0. Just position the head at x1, y1 (or where ever) in the output window to avoid this problem.
- CorelDraw - Including MoshiDraw 2013 plug-in (use the middle icon).
- Microsoft Paint
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Upgrades and Improvement List
- Lid Safety Switch - done
- Remove stamp clamp - done
- Weld-On #3 and bottle - purchased. Used up but now have some Weld-On #4.
- Radiator - needs fan - got four color LED fan - done.
- Ventilation upgrade - Will probably be moved into the art room in 2013 and then will use the old chimney as a ventilation duct.
- Air Assist - The Coleman inflator burned out (did someone leave it running?) but a airbrush compressor was donated and works great (although a little loud) - done.
- Enlarge work area
- Stepper motor drive belt: LL2MR09
- 12mm case hardened shaft
- Y stepping motor:\\ * TYPE 42BYGH48901-39A
- CW No: 11.11.29
- X stepping motor:
- TYPE 42BYGH34907-102
- CW No. 11.11.29
- Cutting area height adjustment with mesh.
- Laser Engraver Computer:
- Install the 2nd Windows disk with the drivers and accessory programs. - Not necessary as moved to a new Windows 7 computer for the laser. - done.
- LAN cable for Internet access - Fixed with Wireless dongle, done.
- CorelDraw plug-in - Done
- MoshiDraw 2013 - Done
- Rotary attachment for engraving mugs, glasses, and vases.
- Acrylic Bender - Heat gun is available, but still would like a
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- sdf
Authorized (trained) users.
- Doug
- Adam
- Jude
- Sean
- Steffin
- Don
- Tony
- Jen
- Bil
- Bob
- Ben
- Kelly
- Michael
- Jonathan
- Jeremy
- Cory
- Scott
- Sam
- Derek
- Brian
- Matt
- Chas
- Alex
- Wayne
- Gabe
- Scott
- Fred
- Peter
- Sebastian
The End
