Horizontal Cantilever or Vertical Diode Laser Engraver

thingiverse

If you build this so it can also do vertical engraving, you might want to also make the self centering turntable to engrave cylindrical objects. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4958047 **11/15/2021 Update** I added an optional **X-Axis_Mech_LS_Bracket_M2.5_V821.stl** & **Y-Axis_Mech_LS_Bracket_M2.5_V821.stl** that someone wanted for using M2.5 screws on limit switches without locknuts, so the holes are only 2.5mm diameter instead of the 3.2mm on original. **10/03/2021 Update** After someone spotted some files missing for one of the options, I added the files: **BottomPlate_2020_V821.stl M5x23_Standoff.stl OverHd_2020x2060_Bracket_V821.1.stl TopPlate_2020_V821.stl** And I also updated assembly guide a little, **Assembly Guide for Cantilever Laser Engraver V821.2.pdf** **09/21/2021 Update** I updated the BOM & Build guide to better cover the different options. The version of these files is V821.1. I have also added plastic M5 spacers from 1mm to 4mm in height if you need them to shim up for M5 screws that might be a little too long, **8x_M5x1mmSpacers.stl, 8x_M5x2mmSpacers.stl, 8x_M5x3mmSpacers.stl, 8x_M5x4mmSpacers.stl** There is also a mirrored version of the motor mount & idler mount in case you want to put laser carriage on opposite side of the cantilever. **MotorMount_Above_M_V821.stl** & **IdlerMount_Above_M_V821.stl** **08/28/2021 Update** **BottomPlate_2040_V821.1.stl** & **TopPlate_2040_V821.1.stl** had minor changes to location of M5 Tee Nut holes & inside cutout at V-Slot 2040 beam to be symmetrical about the 2040. I added _2040 to the name of both of these as there will be another optional set of plates that use a double 2020 beam set instead of the 1-2040 beam & will be less confusing later. **08/28/2021 Update** I updated Carriage belt clamps slightly. **CarBeltConnect_V821.1.stl** and **CarBeltConnect_M_V821.1.stl** to be 1mm thicker where M5x30mm top wheel screw goes in so end of screw does not protrude beyond Locknut which gives more belt clearance. I also added the option to use **2xM5_Spacer_4mmHt.stl** instead of the 1mm & 3mm aluminum spacers at bottom of carriage. I am adding some more options to this build & will update the build guide when I am done. I uploaded a design for a simple turntable to engrave circular objects in Vertical mode. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4940478 **08/19/2021 Update** After a suggestion from Mark at openbuilds about doing vertical engraving with this, I was able to make minor changes to get this to work. All I did was change the feet to use 2060x500mm & connect the 2060x250mm at 90 degrees with an angle bracket & side 90 degree bracket on each side & it works great. I updated the cover photo to show the changes as well as adding a few more photos. Summary This is an update design to the 1st version of this released in 09/2020, https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4605853. Most of the parts between the 2 builds are interchangeable. There are no tapped holes needed with this build & it is a more sturdy build with the use of V-Slot 2060x250mm extrusions instead of the plastic feet. This design has simple manual Z-axis & added limit switch mounts for X & Y axis. The 2 main plates are a little simpler than previous version and the top plate is smaller, but do require 4 eccentric nuts versus the 2 before. The motor & idler mount for the cantilever changed very little. I added a little more clearance for the idler connection to the V-Slot 2020 & little more clearance on the motor for the timing pulley. There is no need for low profile screws with this build & you can adjust the offset of the cantilever V-Slot 2020 without removing anything other than loosening 3- M5 screws. There are press fit endcaps for the 2060 feet & the end of the V-Slot 2020 cantilever. I am using a M5x5mm sets crew for the belt clamp on each end of the V-Slot 2040 so it will fit inside the V2040x2060 Brackets. The cost is about the same $170-$200 range or less if you already have some of the parts. This is a cantilever laser Engraver design originally based on https://www.modelflying.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/44406-a-different-kind-of-build/#comments . I am currently running grbl firmware on a Eleksmaker mana 3 controller board with DRV8825 drivers. I have also tested the keyestudio CNC shield V4 & arduino UNO compatible board with CNC Shield V3. I used 1270mm (50") of GT2 belt for the cantilever arm & 800mm (31.5") for the V-Slot 2040 motor but left a little extra on there in case I make it longer & have 390mm (15.35") along the V-Slot 2040 (x-axis) and 305mm (12") along the V-Slot 2020 (y-axis). The nema 17 motors I am using are 42mm deep, but since there is not much torque with this build you can get away with 34mm deep motors or pancakes might work. The Z-axis can be adjusted easily by loosening only one M5x12mm screw that attaches to a short V-Slot 2020 that the laser can slide up & down on manually. My V-Slot 2020 for the Z-axis is 125mm from a 250mm length cut in half. I have included a PDF build guide and spreadsheet of a BOM. I would get extra screws & Tee Nuts in case you need them. You can find a hinged case design for the UNO & Eleksmaker mana 3 board here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4877889 Build log for this design is part of my previous log & starts about here in the thread: https://forum.v1engineering.com/t/cantilevered-laser-engraver/19179/300 Warning: Be sure to get some good laser safety glasses that protect your eyes against the wave length laser you are using. I found the electronics the most difficult part of this build because of the laser connections. Be sure to understand how to connect your particular laser before attempting this project because you could easily destroy your laser.