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3W 4'x4' Arduino Laser Cutter/Engraver

by FamousMods on December 6, 2014

Table of Contents
3W 4'x4' Arduino Laser Cutter/Engraver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: 3W 4'x4' Arduino Laser Cutter/Engraver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: The Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: The Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: The Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 4: The Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 5: Creating a Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 6: Setup & Printing The Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Author:FamousMods Famousmods.com
Designer / Electrical Engineer

Intro: 3W 4'x4' Arduino Laser Cutter/Engraver

In this tutorial you will learn how to make your own 4 ft by 4 ft, Arduino controlled, 3 watt laser engraver / cutter (for thin materials) for around 300$. The main thing that
separates this tutorial from other laser engraver tutorials on here is the roughly 42 x 42 inch cutting/engraving area. This project arose when I was trying to create a 20 x
15 pixel coffee table. I needed to be able to cut my own fairly large foam grids in order to make the light separation to create the "pixels". One of the most expensive parts
to creating your own pixel table or wall is creating the grid, most have theirs laser cut out of foam by some sort of online laser cutting service. The only problem with the
online service is that it isn't cheap, and I'm a broke college student. The only alternative I saw was building my own laser cutter.
This particular laser cutter is rated for a maximum of 3 watts, even though that power is nothing compared to industrial Co2 laser cutter, which typically starts at around
40 Watts to 500+ watts, the 3 watts is more than enough power to cut thin materials such as foam board, balsa wood, plastic, and cardboard. Even though 3 watts may
not be enough to cut through your thicker materials, its more than enough to engrave images on almost any surface (shown in the pictures above).

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Step 1: The Materials

In total your materials (depending on where you buy them from) should come to about $300. Attached is the full bill of materials (B.O.M. V1) for all of the materials I used,
including links to each. Remember you do not have to use these exact materials, there are lots of different components that will also work for this build. This B.O.M. does
not include the price for bolts, screws, and wood.
Materials
Arduino R3
Proto Board
Stepper Motors
3W Laser
Laser Heat sink
Power Supply
DC-DC regulator
Logic Level MOSFET

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Stepper Motor Driver

Limit Switches
Project Box (Something large enough to contain everything in this list)
Timing Belts
10mm Linear Ball Bearing
Timing Pulley
Ball Bearings
Not included in B.O.M.
2 - 53"x 4" x 3/4" Sheets of wood
2 - 49.5" x 4" x 3/4" Sheets of woods
4 - 3/8" Steel Round rod
Various bolts and nuts
Screws 1.5"
Liquid Grease white Lithium
zip-ties
Tools
Computer
Circular Saw
Screw Driver
Various Drill Bits
Steel fine grit sandpaper
Vice (optional)

Image Notes
1. GT2 Timing Pully
2. Ball Bearings
3. LM10UU 10mm Linear Ball Bearigs
4. NEMA 17 Stepper Motors
5. GT2 Timing Belt
6. DC-DC Regulator

File Downloads

B.O.M. V1 - Sheet1.pdf (64 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'B.O.M. V1 - Sheet1.pdf']

Step 2: The Circuit

The circuit is pretty straight forward if you follow the diagram posted above. There are however a few technical details you do need to pay close attention too:
The Stepper Motors: You may notice that two of the stepper motors are run from one driver. After trial and error (and suggestions from other builds) you do need
in fact need two stepper motors for one of the axis's (two stepper motors from one driver). This is so one side of the axis does not lag behind the other. The two
combined stepper motors are wired the exact same with one of the two stepper motors coils reversed. This is so that one stepper motor runs in revers to the
other, causing them both to pull the belt in the same direction.
Laser Power: When adjusting the DC-DC step down supply make sure you DO NOT exceed the specs for your laser, this will fry your laser and you will have to
purchase another. The laser I am using is rated for 5V and up to roughly 2.4A. Therefore I have the current limited to 2A and the voltage just below 5V.
Logic Level MOSFET: The MOSFET in this circuit is very crucial, It turns the power to the laser diode itself on and off. A Logic Level MOSFET turns fully on or
fully off when very low current is applied to the gate, this is perfect for controlling it with an Arduino because the Arduino sends a very low current to the MOSFET.
If you tried to use a standard MOSFET or transistor the laser would not get full power because the Arduino does not supply enough current to fully close the
connection between your laser and its ground. In the circuit above the MOSFET is inserted between the laser and ground on the DC-DC step down supply.
Cooling: One big problem I ran into when I first put this together was the laser diode overheating if I ran it for too long. The heat-sink is NOT sufficient to disperse
all the heat from the laser, to fix this issue I added a small computer fan mounted right next to the laser. After this addition I haven't had any problems with heat
even when running it for 9+ hours straight. I also added a fan next to the stepper motor drivers because they also produce a lot of heat even when the laser cutter
not running, if the power is on these guys will get very hot.

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Step 3: The Assembly

Attached I have included a 3D design for the laser cutter in order to show you the general frame for the project (created in DesignSpark Mechanical). The design is to
scale and shows you how to assemble the laser cutter.
Building the shuttles: This includes the shuttle that holds the laser (the Y axis in this example), and the two shuttles that make the X axis. No Z axis is required,
instead of a Z axis (like a 3D printer) the laser will be turned on and off. In the CAD pictures above I've given you all the dimensions you should need to be able to
assemble the three shuttles, if you have any questions on the dimensions please refer to the attached 3D Design. All the holes drilled for the round rod to fit into
the side boards or shuttles are 1/2 inch deep. Make sure you pre-drill all the holes in the shuttles to prevent risk of the board cracking.
The Round Rod: I purchased 3/8" steel (Aluminum would work better but steel is cheaper and easier to find) rod from Homedepot, the reason I went with the
thicker 3/8" was to prevent and sagging on the rail. The rod came coated in a grease like substance, this needs to be removed before you can use the rod. Steel
sanding pads, steel wool or high grit sand paper should work, after sanding the steel it should be very smooth and look like it does in the pictures above. After
everything is assembled the rails need to be coated with white lithium grease, this prevents rusting and helps the shuttles glide.
The Belt & Stepper Motors: When it came to mounting the stepper motors to the base and attaching the timing belt I used what tools I had at hand. The stepper
motors and bearings should go on first before you worry about putting the belt on. In order to mount the motors to the wood I cut a rectangular piece of sheet
metal the width of the motors and about twice the width for the length. I then drilled 6 holes, 4 for the top of the motor so you can screw the sheet metal to the
stepper motor, and 2 holes on the far side of the sheet metal. I then bent the sheet metal 90 degrees and screwed the sheet metal to the wood. On the opposite
side from the stepper motor is where you mount your bearings. Each pulley/bearing set consists of one bolt, 2 bearings, a washer, and sheet metal. I simply drilled
two holes in opposite ends of the rectangular piece of sheet metal and one smaller hole in the middle. Then bent the sheet metal into a "C" shape, put the washer
on the bolt first followed by the two bearings and finally put the bolt through both holes on the ends of the sheet metal and tightened it down with a nut on the
bottom. The sheet metal then gets screwed to the wood using the hole drilled in the center of the sheet metal. As for the timing belt I put a screw through each
end of the belt and then screwed each end of the belt to a small piece of wood attached to the corresponding shuttle. You can get a much better picture of what
i'm describing in the pictures above.

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Image Notes
1. The rod is sank 1/2in into the shuttle

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

File Downloads

4x4LaserCutterModel.zip (211 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to '4x4LaserCutterModel.zip']

Step 4: The Software

The required software to run the laser cutter is thankfully free and open source to all. Below are links to each along with the laser engraver extension that is attached to
this step.
Required Software:
Inkscape (For creating and converting your designs)
With the Laser-engraver extension (Attached)
Universal G-code Sender (v1.0.7)
Arduino IDE
With the GRBL Library
To start off download all the required software and put it someone you're not going to loose them (A designated folder in my documents for example). Install Inkscape
then extract the laserengraver.zip file. After the laserengraver.zip has been extracted open up the folder and copy all of the files inside to C:\Program Files
(x86)\Inkscape\share\extensions. Take a look at the commented picture above for more help on what files to copy. Next you want to install the Arduino IDE and GRBL
Library (These must be done separate). I wont go into how to install the GRBL Arduino Library there are plenty of tutorials out there. Finally, extract
UniversalGcodeSender-v1.0.7.zip to its own folder. The Universal G code sender is the software that sends the design information to the Arduino. After you extract the
.zip file you will find a file called start-windows.bat, double click on this file to launch the software.
Configuring the Arduino GRBL settings: First things first you need to upload the GRBL code to the Arduino. This is the easy part, open up the Arduino IDE
click Sketch/Import Library then select grbl at the bottom. A long list of #include<> 's should be loaded onto your sketch now all you have to do is compile and
upload. For more information on importing and uploading the library please visit the link "With the GRBL Library" above in the required software bullets. After the
code has been uploaded to the Arduino you will now need to configure the settings to match your laser cutter. https://github.com/grbl/grbl/wiki/Configuring-Grblv0.9 This link does a great job of explaining what each one of the setting does and how you configure them.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/r.j.noble/ShapeOko/grblcalc/ This link will help you calculate values for each one of your settings based on the materials you used.

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Image Notes
1. These files are located in the laserengraver.zip file. the files need to be copied to C:Program Files (x86)Inkscapeshareextensions

File Downloads

laserengraver.zip (39 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'laserengraver.zip']

Step 5: Creating a Design

Acquire An Idea: One thing you need to remember when thinking of a design is that the laser cutter will not fill in a picture if its supposed to colored. It simply does the
outlines, if you take a look at the first image above you can see an example of what i'm talking about. Inspiration can come from anywhere when you have unlimited
possibilities for a design. The other day I was watching a Ted talk, jotted down some notes and created what you see in the second image above. I also attached the .svg
for the design so that you can edit/use it for yourself. A .svg is not your normal picture format like a .jpeg, its a vector image. This means the entire image is made up of
points instead of pixels, making it totally scale-able without loosing its definition.
Create Design: After you've got some sort of idea on what your about to make you'll need open up a some form of vector based software. For example Inkscape or
Adobe Illustrator is what I use, programs like Photoshop or gimp will not work for creating vectors. You can either create your own images from scrap or user existing
images online and convert them to a vector which I cover more in the video above. Go Media also sells vector packs which I would highly recommend, these make
creating a design very simple.
Convert Design: Once you have your design you now need to convert it to a format the laser cutter can read. This is where the Inkscape Laserengraver extension
comes in handy. Select your design and convert it using that extension. In the video above I go over all of these steps in much greater detail.

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

File Downloads

HowToSpeak.svg (1 MB)
[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'HowToSpeak.svg']

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Step 6: Setup & Printing The Design

In the video above I go over how to connect the laser cutter to your PC, adjust the software settings, and prepare for a run.
Adjusting software settings: Mainly making sure your Max X & Y rates match what speed you set during conversion of your vector.
Adjusting the hardware: You can see in the picture above exactly witch POT I am adjusting to lower the current, this step is not necessary its just an easy way of
focusing your laser without burning the material.
The Print: Make sure the speed is set, the laser has been focused and aligned with the bottom corner of the piece you'll be burning. Now hit send and sit back and
watch!
LASER WARNING
BE VERY CAREFUL when around the laser while it is running, I would highly advise reading through this Wiki page to get a better understanding at just how dangerous
the laser radiation really is. May cause burns to the skin and blindness if used incorrectly. Please click the link below and read before operating the laser.
Laser safety
Thank you all very much for reading through this instructable, a great deal of time has gone into creating this. If you would like to see more projects that we've been
working on swing over to our website at Famousmods.com
Also please vote for us in the CNC challenge, Guerilla Design Contest and the Tools Contest!!
Thanks everyone!

Image Notes
1. This POT controls the current, this is what I was adjusting in the video.
2. This POT controls the current, this is what I was adjusting in the video.

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http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment

view all 191 comments

RenB2 says:

Mar 15, 2015. 2:27 AM REPLY

what you can do: get pcbs with no lacquer on them (or rempve the photoresistant one with acetone), spray paint them black (a matter of seconds +
drying time), and the laser can remove the lacquer. After that, you only have to wipe over it once or twice to remove burnt lacquer residue, and put it
directly into the etching solution of your choice. A 1 Watt laser is sufficient for this.

soilwork says:

Apr 6, 2016. 2:54 PM REPLY

I have a 2.5w laser, and a chinese 1w laser, are you sure this method really work?, any spray paint?, glossy, matte or metallic? obviously black or
very dark color

sottinger says:

Mar 10, 2015. 11:38 AM REPLY

no, however look up laser paint methods. Ben Heck did something a while back on this method. he's on YouTube so you can check it out there.

Raitis says:

Mar 10, 2015. 11:20 AM REPLY

I think there were ways of using some kind of solution over copper which then etches copper due to the laser heating it up. Can't recall any detail right
now though.

thormj says:

Mar 10, 2015. 8:09 AM REPLY

No. Copper is too thermally conductive for anything short of a 1KW+ YAG laser (and that's pushing it... you can punch micro-vias, but cutting traces is
right out).
What this *can* to that others can't however, is you should be able to "print" to a photo-etch board (since this is UV/Blue wavelength). Gotta work out the
exposure, but....

mking52 says:

Mar 24, 2015. 9:50 AM REPLY

Could you please post a link to a suitable TTL or analog modulated driver that could be used for the shaded image capability?

ChrisL4 says:

Mar 14, 2016. 3:25 PM REPLY

Note, that first picture that I posted is before installing the fan upgrade. I'll post more with the new setup.

PicengraverToo says:

Mar 24, 2015. 10:36 AM REPLY

Here is the driver I recommend. It's indusrial quality and FDA safety compliant.
http://jtechphotonics.com/?product_cat=high-curren...

bvandenheuvel says:

Mar 16, 2015. 1:42 PM REPLY

So can you just throw a TTL modulated laser driver on this build and new software, and you have gradient?

PicengraverToo says:

Mar 16, 2015. 3:09 PM REPLY

Not all TTL modulation drivers can except the frequency using PWM. The PWM grbl download in my link is set at 1khz.

Gadget047 says:

Mar 10, 2015. 6:27 AM REPLY

Nice build, it is certainly going into my project list. Have you tried running it vertically instead of horizontally? That would be a real space saver if possible.

Alderin says:

Mar 10, 2015. 4:43 PM REPLY

Vertical would sortof work, but you have to be aware of what kind of work you are doing. For etching, you basically just have to be sure your work is secure.
For cutting, you have to make sure any cut-out pieces won't fall onto the laser or x/y carrier. For wood, the smoke may discolor more area since the smoke
will stay close to the work, and the upper portion of the cut/etch might burn wider than intended.
Personally, I'd make sure it was sturdy enough to store vertical, and pull it out horizontal for use.

AssertiveCollective says:

Mar 14, 2015. 12:38 PM REPLY

You could solve the smoke and cut-out debris issue by tilting the unit 15-20, and it would make supporting work pieces simpler.

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Gadget047 says:

Mar 10, 2015. 5:11 PM REPLY

That makes sense. Vertical storage is a better solution. Maybe put it on a hinge and lower it for use.

FamousMods says:

Mar 10, 2015. 6:36 AM REPLY

I have never tried that but it would be worth a shot!

stannickel says:

Mar 10, 2015. 6:07 AM REPLY

Great job in explanation. I wonder if the stepper motors could be replaced with motors and drives from CD-ROMs? I suppose that would just scale the size
down. A lot. But the ideas could be there. Also I wonder about the lasers in the CD-ROM, do they have enough power to engrave anything? In any case, this
is a very good project. You have my vote!

The Lightning Stalker says:

Mar 10, 2015. 2:10 PM REPLY

CD-ROMs and laser printers all have very weak lasers. They are only about 5-35mW. The laser FamousMods is using here is 600 times more powerful.
A CD-ROM laser won't burn anything, not even black paper.

FamousMods says:

Mar 10, 2015. 6:37 AM REPLY

Im sure that is possible but you are right that it would scale the project down quite dramatically, and you wouldnt get any cutting power from the laser
inside the CD-ROM unless you're only trying to cut black paper.

FamousMods says:

Mar 10, 2015. 10:36 AM REPLY

Just an update guys i forgot to attach the DesignSpark model! Just uploaded the full 3D model, you can find it in step 3! Thanks again for the views and
support everyone!!!

nickw89509 says:

Mar 10, 2015. 7:45 AM REPLY

Hi awesome project. I am the creator of the Laser Ink kickstarter project https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1923304356/la...
You may find some interesting information there. Update #10 has reference to an open source version of grbl that allows you to do image rastering. Update
number 4 gives a brief overview of the theory of operation. Additionally we have created a full software stack that could control this machine.
Additionally I would recommend using the Flexmod P3 Driver to control the laser power this allows the grbl to send an analog signal that is then used to set
the pixels of the image.
Great job.

PicengraverToo says:

Mar 10, 2015. 9:08 AM REPLY

Hey Nick. Where is your instructables you mentioned in your KickStarter Campaign that you were publishing in December? I would be interested in
checking it out, but I can't seem to find it in all my searches.
"In December we will publish an instructables detailing how to convert a Chinese C02 laser to be controlled by an arduino + grbl."

BradyA says:

Mar 9, 2015. 6:26 AM REPLY

have you or anyone tried cutting acrylic with this size laser? if so will it cut 1/4" or 1/8" or maybe 1/16"?? or do you need to be as thin as something like 18 ga
for plastic or acrylic? please let me know, if i can cut at least 1/8th or 16th inch acrylic im making one this week! thanks allot for your contribution. awesome!

FamousMods says:

Mar 9, 2015. 12:45 PM REPLY

I have cut opaque 16th inch black acrylic, If you're trying to cut something translucent however this laser will only engrave the surface it wont cut through.
I haven't experimented too much with acrylic though so theyre may be techniques i haven't tried out yet.

jprada says:

Dec 1, 2016. 5:18 PM REPLY

Great job, is possible cut fabric with laser 3w?

tompie150 says:

Jan 26, 2016. 10:53 AM REPLY

Hi guys,
I'm trying to make my self a lasercutter from scratch.
The design is made, and as a first step in making the dream come true , I'm trying to get the software up and running.
I had found a very useful instructable in which software was recommended:
inkscape in combination with the lasercutter extention or the 305 engineering extention.
Installed all as to the description in the instructable, but am running into issues. On both extentions I get this error when generation G-code:
(see picture attached)
I have tried finding sollutions on line, but none have helped...
anybody have an idea what I can do?

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Thx a bunch
Tom

merlinxx says:

Nov 26, 2016. 12:02 PM REPLY

I am having the exact same errors. Tried on 2 different computers and 2 different laser extensions with the same results. Very frustrating.

TruthHunter says:

Oct 24, 2016. 9:15 AM REPLY

I would really like to know if this printer can cut ripstop nylon. I would like to use one to cut out kites. The need for being able to cut large pieces of more than
2 meters makes off the shelf impossibly expensive. Can you find a piece of fabric and try it?

RobotEyes says:

Sep 3, 2016. 1:20 AM REPLY

Take a look at my new Engraving software

Robot Laser Project page : http://www.robot-eyes.com/en/RobotLaser/
At the moment the software is WORK IN PROGRESS currently, in ALPHA testing.
ALPHA and BETA Versions are totally free.
Please send an email at robotlaser@robot-eyes.com with your opinion, thanks.
Carlo

JurajP1 says:

Sep 1, 2016. 9:37 AM REPLY

almost every similar projects forget, that is very useful install small cooler or air outlet near laser beam... for better laser power...

JurajP1 says:

Sep 1, 2016. 9:41 AM REPLY

and is very useful use a aluminium foil or metal plate on base...

JamesM323 says:

Aug 30, 2016. 10:19 AM REPLY

will this cut or engrave on metal? if not, what laser would i need and what power to do so?

DaminT7 says:
Hi, I 'm building my question is can I install a laser 6W ?

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Jul 5, 2016. 6:24 AM REPLY

okuzster says:

Jun 26, 2016. 1:22 PM REPLY

hey, let's say i have a 3d printer and want to replace it's print-head with a laser diode. what i need beside the diode?

ad5000 says:

May 24, 2016. 12:11 PM REPLY

What can this really cut and how thick? I was thinking more about acrylic or plywood but I want something that could cut 1/4 inch. I was thinking of going with
a 5w laser myself, does anyone have any experience with this? Just really looking for answers on what a 5w laser could do I kinda want to know if I could
engrave metal a bit to but just want to know what a laser of that size could do?

Sam Sidhu says:

Apr 24, 2016. 7:20 PM REPLY

One quick question: With your BOM, what is the difference between the quantity and order? It is confusing.

AaronC123 says:

May 15, 2016. 12:28 PM REPLY

If you click the line item in the PDF, it'll take you to the website used to order. So for example with the 608ZZ bearings, the Qty is 4. That's due to the
seller, selling 1 pack that contains 4 bearings. So the Order is 2, as he uses 8 bearings. So... Qty * order = # of pcs needed. Hope this helps to clear the
confusion.

tylerrkemp88 says:

May 11, 2016. 10:51 PM REPLY

how do i tell the arduino which pins are hooked up to whatever component? did i miss some arduino code somewhere?

AaronC123 says:

May 15, 2016. 12:07 PM REPLY

I assume you figured this out, but here is what pins control what on the Arduino uno. You don't tell the Arduino what is hooked up, you have to connect
the appropriate device to the correct pin.
https://github.com/grbl/grbl/wiki/Connecting-Grbl

tturner-1 says:
Putting it all together was pretty simple. Had a couple snags with the programming side of things

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

May 4, 2016. 3:46 PM REPLY

AaronC123 says:

May 14, 2016. 4:38 PM REPLY

tturner-1 wondering if you could lend some guidance. My scaling seems to be way off when sent to laser. Inkscape shows the circle object as 37mm ID
but when burned it turns out 72mm. Did you run into this problem?

tturner-1 says:

May 4, 2016. 3:48 PM REPLY

Fun build learned alot

ChrisL4 says:

Mar 14, 2016. 3:22 PM REPLY

This a great Instructable! I reduced the size down to about 24"x24" and it works great for my purposes. I wanted to share a couple of things that I found that
work very nicely with this project.
The items can be found here: http://jtechphotonics.com/?product_cat=accessories... Prices are pretty reasonable and the priority mail shipping was pretty
fast.
I bought the laser fan upgrade ($20), the High Efficiency AR coated lens ($20) and the 12x12 laser shielding ($12.49).
I'm probably the most excited about the fan setup. When I mounted it I had to offset it a little from the center so that the mounting screws did not run into the
linear bearing screws. I installed it last night and it woks great! Actually moves more air than I thought it would and I think that it also provides some extra
stability when burning which gives better precision. Also, keeping the laser cooler should result in more consistent burns, especially long ones.
The lens also seems great. It did a nice dark burn but I only did a quick test burn last night so my overall results compared to previous lense (405-G-2 Lens)
are not conclusive yet. I'll give an update once I have done a few more burns. If buying a new laser for this project I do recommend at least upgrading to the
405-G lens, it burns better and stays cooler than the standard glass lens.
Not sure exactly how I'm going to use the shielding yet but it works well for quick checks on your work when you don't have laser protection glasses on.
NOTE: ALWAYS wear protection, the laser will damage your eyes very quickly without protection!
I'll follow this up with some additional photos of my setup.
Thanks again for this awesome instructable, I learned quite a bit and had a lot of fun with it!

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

ccarney4 says:

Feb 15, 2016. 9:49 AM REPLY

How would you upgrade this to be able to do shading?

Rtr SuyashG says:

Feb 4, 2016. 7:33 AM REPLY

Could you please explain the use of the electronic components that you have used for the machine in detail...mainly the limit switches and the SPST switch?

BLADDERWORT says:

Feb 4, 2016. 2:57 AM REPLY

ref queries about plywood and cutting it.

Many plywoods CANNOT BE cut properly by laser due to the glue used.
It IS possible to obtain LASER PLY, usually Birch in various thicknesses and sizes. from various wood dealers.....

arcb007 says:

Jan 24, 2016. 9:15 PM REPLY

Hello there,
Its a nice setup you have developed. I am making he project based on your hardware, but facing some doubts. Can you clear me what in the circuit diagram
is connected to power supply and the connections of buck converter?? it will be a great help

arcb007 says:

Jan 24, 2016. 9:06 PM REPLY

Hello there, it's a very good setup you have made there, I am making my project based on your hardware. Can you clear my doubts regarding your circuit
diagram? The thing is I am unable to get what is connected to the power supply and secondly the connections of buck converter are also little bit confusing

anachum says:

Jan 12, 2016. 10:03 PM REPLY

Hi, can you please post the models in STP or IGES format so we can open them in creo or solidworks. Tnx

anachum says:

Jan 12, 2016. 9:51 PM REPLY

Bery nice! Can you please attach the models as STP files or IGES SO PROPLE CAN USE CREO OR SOLIDWORKS TONOPEN THEM. fil

pachytrance says:
cool

view all 172 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/3W-4x4-Arduino-Laser-CutterEngraver/

Dec 29, 2015. 6:13 PM REPLY