This is may attempt at a somewhat affordable laser cutter. Although it might not be as cheap as a lot of the open air diode ones, I anteted to make sure that it was safe to use, and that it would still be able to cut wood and thin acrylic.
Although it might not be the cheapest diode laser, it is still a lot less expensive than a CO2 laser, and this is enclosed meaning that it will not have to many open fumes. Also I made it witha 10 W laser, so that it would be able to cut most materials as long as it is less than 1 cm thics. I also want to be able to laser cutt parts for other builds, as a lot fo my flat 3d prints warp without an enclosure, so this would be a way fast way to be able to make large, thin, flat things.
For this laser cutter I am using a DLC32, so we are going to use the FluidNC firmware to drive our laser cutter. For using the laser cutter you are going to have to change the config.yaml file so that itstead of cartesian it says CoreXY, It should have a 300 by 300 mm in x and y underneath the deimensions header, and the limit switches should be on pins 36 and 39. Finally, make sure that the GPIO pin for the laser module is 17.
Here is a link to my onshape CAD.
| Part Name | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Motdule | 10 Watt | 149 |
| Z axis | In the kit | 0 |
| Stepper motors | 3 pieces | 30 |
| Inline fan | 12 volt | 11 |
| GT2 belt | 5m | 6 |
| Particle board | 2x4 feet | 15 |
| Idlers | FR695 | 6 |
| Pullies | 16 teeth | 4 |
| Laser controller | PWM | 0 |
| Control board | MKS DLC32 | 49 |
| Motor drivers | TMC2009 | 0 |
| Laser sheild | Actually welding | 20 |
| Plug | 3 wire | 13 |
| Wire | 12 gauge | 6 |
| Wood screws | 20 pieces | 8 |
| Control screen | touchscreen | 7 |
| Total cost 323 |