http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

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Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutterby kokpat on March 14, 2014

Table of Contents

Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro:   Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1:   Main Body... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 2:   DIY GRBL shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Step 3:   Sharing... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 4:   About using the stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 5:   Acting as pen plotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Intro:  Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-CutterUpdated : 16/3 Add step 4, about using the stage.Updated : 18/3 Add photos (cutting vinyl adhesive sheet)Updated : 19/3 Add step 5, acting as pen plotterUpdated : 20/3 Add laser engraving video (Wood) and photoUpdated : 22/3 Add 2 drawings to show the structures of machine, also visit this link.

+++++++++++++++++++I read many posts and now I had finished my first mini Lazer Cutter.

The design is simple and reliable ( u can see the video )

+++++++++++++++++++

It is using Arduino Duemilanove + GRBL (0.8c) + 100mW blue/ violet lazer with external battery power supply (5V)

Drawing program is inkscape + gcodetools, gcode sender is Unversai G Code Sender

++++++++++++++++++++

I want to share with u but it is really difficult for me to explain it in english...

I just want to share some experiences, or, may be u can ask me...

Also, most of the technical things (especially about GRBL) u can find in the following articles.

http://www.instructables.com/id/MicroSlice-A-tiny-...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 1: Main Body...I had read many GRBL lazer-cutter design (especially using CDROM as axis-motor)

most of them is beautiful but I can't made them.

It is because I did not have powerful tools to make them, even prepare a wooden board is difficult to me.

Since I think the axis-motor is running smooth, I use a metal frame together with few blocks to setup the structures.

I think u know how to build it by looking at the photo.

The tricky thing is.... u need to buy 3 small stages...

and all the stage/ metal frame are connected with a wooden block

the circuit in a small plastic box (photo) is a variable DC voltage supply, u can use any similar things instead.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 2: DIY GRBL shieldI am using easydriver for controlling the movement of the stepping motor.

Some website said GRBL support not only Arduino Uno but also Duemilanove, nano.....

So I wonder I can make a shield for easily testing those arduino.

First, I screw the easydriver on a plastic stick, then solder them with wire.

Second, I allow the easydriver connect with arduino by pins (for easy configuration)

Third, I screw the plastic stick on a standard arduino shield and the whole things now can be plug and play with any arduino that come with GRBL.

I had soldered IRF510 for controlling the on/off of the lazer on the shield, together with power jack.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 3: Sharing...1. I try to make 3-axis CNC miller first with CDROM.... however, the final product really big in size.... if u are interested please watch the video....

2. I make this 3-axis lazer cutter because I can still cut paper whatever the platform is not leveling. just repeat the gcode with different depth...

3. Grbl Controller 3.5 is great but if u are using Arduino Duemilanove, there might be some problems on communication. Also, Grbl controller may have problems ininterpret G-code generate from inkscape. If so, please using other sender...

Step 4: About using the stageThe stage is tricky to use...

U need to drill holes by yourself. (Photo 1)

Also, the gap between the slide and base is little (Photo 2,3), so I drill one hole twice...

first, using appropriate drill size to drill a hole; and the second time I use a large one to make a hole for accommodate the screw head (Photo 4). So, it also the slidermove without blocking by the screw head. (using flat-top screw)

For the stage, all the metal parts is not fix on the epoxy well (the epoxy is fragile), so the better way is using "wooden block" as medium (the epoxy parts are clamp tightbetween the wooden board and the screw). Also, if u using wooden board as medium, the holes you drill does not need to be very accurate, because u can make fine-adjustment (leveling) on the wooden board and the body frame.

Last but not least, the maximum movable distance is only achieved by applying object with similar width on the top of the slider (Photo 5), so, I can apply a larger workingplatform after I had added a wooden board (similar width) on the top of the slider.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 5: Acting as pen plotterThis project can convert to pen plotter by replace the lazer diode with writing instrument.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Mini-Pen-Plotter/

Cheers

Related Instructables

FrankensteinLaser Engraverby ianmcmill

Pocket laserengraver. byGroover

The MicroSlice |A tiny Arduinolaser cutter bySilverJimny

CHEAPARDUINO CNCbysiemenwauters

Arduino MiniPen Plotter bykokpat

CNC circuitmade easy!! byAustinCrane

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

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Comments

22 comments Add Comment

 soilwork says:  Mar 22, 2014. 7:33 AM  REPLYdon't worry about writhing your knowledge in English , do it in your main language,, if the people really want to learn they I'll use Google translator or chromeplugin,,don't feel bad with commentary's saying why is not in English,,, they're to lazy to translate the page.

 kokpat says:  Mar 23, 2014. 11:00 PM  REPLYThx.

=^.^=

 jhall30 says:  Mar 20, 2014. 9:16 AM  REPLYI've seen in this Instructable, and a few places in the comments, an interest in cutting vinyl. With an extremely low-power laser like this one, it's probably notsignificant, but it can be dangerous to cut vinyl with a laser, as it produces toxic fumes. Those same fumes can also erode your optics, eventually requiringreplacement of the optics and/or laser tube.

Again, with the low power output of this laser, the outgassing is minimal, but it is something to keep in mind. There are mechanical CNC cutters in theconsumer market that can cut vinyl safely, such as the Cricut Explore (we own a different Cricut, and there are other machines, such as the SilhouetteCameo, as well). These do cost more than the parts list for this laser cutter, though.

I really like this Instructable, and I might even try it myself! Great job, and don't be discouraged by naysayers!

 kokpat says:  Mar 21, 2014. 5:03 AM  REPLYThx u very much.

I am a hobbyist, and it is my first time to making 3-axis machine. I wish my son (4 years old, ha ha !) will have the skill of mastering CNC and 3D printing,but there is no other reason for me to buy one at home. After I saw the one made from old CD ROM, I think maybe I can make one. So, I start fromzero... reading a lot of posts....and finally, I made this.

I believe only maker can understand the happiness of making something, and I just want to share my design for all. From now, I have a chance to learnand practice how to use drawing software and preparing G-code.

BTW, I do not know "Cricut" before, thx u, it is very interesting... I love it.

=^.^=

 dmassote says:  Mar 19, 2014. 6:47 AM  REPLYcongratulations. I wish I would have the skills to build one for me.

do you think it is possible for it to write on wood? also, if you have some sort of fan, maybe you could remove the dust while writing. I think a cpu coolerwould do the job.

your instructable is well done. we can follow all steps and understand everything. don't let the bad critics hit you. I wonder if these people speak otherlanguage than english.

 kokpat says:  Mar 19, 2014. 11:28 PM  REPLYThx, you are very kind.

It is time consuming for writing instructable because there is no official name for the materials, especially those very cheap things.

Anyway, I had specially record a video and take a photo about writing on a piece of wood. 100mW lazer can make a sharp image especially repeat theroute or using slower feed rate.

Thx for your encourage. Cheers.

 kokpat says:  Mar 19, 2014. 11:33 PM  REPLYFor more information, due to the short moving distance of the stage, popsicle is a good choice of wood for laser engraving.

 marcoboers says:  Mar 19, 2014. 1:58 AM  REPLYGreat job! Wonder if you could share a material list?

 kokpat says:  Mar 19, 2014. 2:11 AM  REPLYI had shared in the comment.

The other can see it in photo.

Cheers

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

 chriswooten57 says:  Mar 18, 2014. 7:53 PM  REPLYcool is the word that comes to mind.

 Victor8o5 says:  Mar 18, 2014. 10:27 AM  REPLYNow I've seen it I want to make one to cut circuit designs out of vinyl adhesive sheets and to stick them on pcb's to make a defined etch without effort.

 mario59 says:  Mar 16, 2014. 8:28 AM  REPLYCiao!

You did a fantastic job! congratulation for it's semplicity.

Can you show me where you bought the blue/violet laser?

thanks!

Mario

 kokpat says:  Mar 16, 2014. 9:08 AM  REPLYThe price for making it (regard the prototype) is about US$65. It really unbeatable....

I can give my supplier link for your reference....

Shop A - Lazer - RMB 66

http://trade.taobao.com/trade/detail/tradeSnap.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.41.hrPuB1&tradeID=541608169255487

Shop A - Stage - RMB 26.90

http://trade.taobao.com/trade/detail/tradeSnap.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.45.hrPuB1&tradeID=541608169265487

Shop B - Easydriver - RMB 26.00

http://tradearchive.taobao.com/trade/detail/tradeSnap.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.266.hrPuB1&tradeID=458684926385487

 Shanjaq says:  Mar 15, 2014. 5:38 PM  REPLYHow are the stages connected to the wooden blocks? I don't see any screw-holes in the ebay listing pictures, did you use epoxy?

 kokpat says:  Mar 15, 2014. 7:10 PM  REPLYI add "step 4" to explain this.Cheers

 Tex Arcana says:  Mar 14, 2014. 11:53 PM  REPLYPerhaps it's time that Instructables.com developed or offered an editorial service, so situations like this could be eliminated by cleaning up the text for theauthor.

 kokpat says:  Mar 15, 2014. 2:15 AM  REPLYThanks.

I want to share that the main problem to write a post here is... I don't know the English name of the tools/ things and even the products that I made. It isbecause most of the tools/ things present here is not covered in common textbook vocabulary. So, I need spend quit a long time to search the name ininternet...

For example, "pizza saver" and "fish tank divider"

Anyway, to help my poor presentation, I always add many photos and video in the instructable. I think most of the people here can understand/ feel whatI am described.

 DTOM_Bear says:  Mar 15, 2014. 1:31 AM  REPLYThere's the "English Language Help" section of the Community Forum.

 Antzy Carmasaic says:  Mar 15, 2014. 12:40 AM  REPLYThat looks awesome. The third axis is for focusing the laser only?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

 kokpat says:  Mar 15, 2014. 1:58 AM  REPLYIn this case, the third axis is for focusing the laser.In fact, I just want to master GRBL and making three axis seems more interesting that two (and more flexible, like convert the design to microscope....)

 mohamed4data says:  Mar 14, 2014. 12:29 PM  REPLYcoool

 gada888 says:  Mar 14, 2014. 3:07 AM  REPLYCOOl