Aaron EasthamNetwork Security & Electronics Program

Dept. of Applied Engineering & TechnologyEastern Kentucky University

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OUTLINE Overview

Motivation

Introduction

Problem Statement

Assumptions

Proposed Solution

Results

Video

Conclusions

Future Work

References

Acknowledgements

MOTIVATIONAlways wanted one.

To see if I could accomplish it.

Save money.

Fun to play with.

To incorporate a microcontroller into my project.

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http://www.mouser.com/arduino/

INTRODUCTIONEver since I had something laser engraved

for me I have been interested in them.

I researched the internet for different ways to control the machine, laser types and how the machine moves.

There were two different ways to control the machine: A raspberry pi or an Arduino and I started with the pi then switched to the Arduino.

An in depth knowledge of electronics and Arduino programming.

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PROBLEM STATEMENTThe reason I started this project was to

make a low cost laser engraver that I could use as for hobby.

Learning more about software and hardware integration.

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ASSUMPTIONSThe laser and motor drivers are

connected directly to the microcontroller and when a design is uploaded, it should output the correct directions.

An implicit assumption is that the person enjoys working with hardware and software, along with the time and money for the project.

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PROPOSED SOLUTIONThere were many steps to solve this problem.

I tried using a Raspberry Pi and an Arduino, along with two different types of motor drivers and laser drivers.

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SOLUTION CONTINUEDEventually picked the Arduino with EasyDrivers for

stepper motor and a laser with a built in driver.

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SOLUTION CONTINUEDThe assembly of the machine was tricky as

everything had to be perfectly straight or it wouldn’t work.

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SOLUTION CONTINUEDPrototyping for the motor drivers and motors went as

planned but the laser driver proved to be pretty difficult, one miscalculation and the laser goes up in smoke.

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SOLUTION CONTINUED Once everything was together and running I got to test it out

and then troubleshoot the problems.

Motors didn’t go as far as they should have.

I had to calculate the steps/mm of my specific threaded rod and motor combo. Then recalibrate the machine.

Laser wouldn’t come on when command was given.

I found out that the Arduino is touchy with the ground pins and where they go. After I figured that out the laser started working.

Once the laser worked it just burned black spots instead of the design.

This had a pretty simple solution of just changing the speed until it performed as it should.

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RESULTS An Arduino controlled

laser engraver that uses GRBL to execute G-Code commands.

A laser that can travel left to right across the X-Axis of the machine, which is connected to the Y-Axis to allow font to back travel.

Auto on/off for laser during engraving process.

RESULTS CONTINUED

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RESULTS CONTINUED

AutoCAD Design Prototype Actual Laser Engraver

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RESULTS CONTINUED

AutoCAD Design Prototype Actual Laser Engraver

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SRjOHVzrUA

Arduino Laser Engraver

Click to watch video

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CONCLUSIONSIn conclusion this project was a great

learning experience of the Arduino platform and circuit design.

I learned a lot about Arduino programming, as this is something I didn’t have much background in, and my electronics knowledge has grown considerably.

FUTURE WORK Implications:

Good learning experience on software and hardware integration.

This project helped with developing good time management skills.

Possible extensions to project Change out the threaded rod with ball screws for

smoother movement. Add a Z-Axis for possible milling with a power tool such as

a dremel Invite audience for suggestions

Thank You for your time!

Aaron_Eastham2@eku.edu

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Comments or Questions?

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REFERENCES engravR (RPi Laser Engraver) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://

www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xxQ33cNIXxU

Monk, S. (2012, June 6). Adafruit’s Raspberry Pi Lesson 4 GPIO Setup. Message posted to http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-4-gpio-setup/overview.

McMill, I. (N.D.). Frankenstein Laser Engraver. Retrieved from http://www.instructables.com/id/Frankenstein-Laser-Engraver/

TingaWinga5 (Why do laser diodes need driver circuits and how do they work?) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

=eF1dSMcfteo

Monk, S. (2012, October 31). Arduino Lesson 16 Stepper Motors. Message posted http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-16-stepper-motors/overview

Skogsrud, S. (N.D.). Grbl is software for controlling the motion of machines that make things. Retrieved from http://bengler.no/grbl

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSI would like to thank my Dad for letting me

use some scrap material and the machines at his work.

I would like to also thank Zack for putting up with me for all of our group projects.