K40 Laser pointer mod with Kitronik 5V LED module

prusaprinters

<p>I've always wanted to install Cloudray head on my K40 CO2 laser and make a beam-thru pointer for it. Some day I've found this led module at Kitronik: <a href="https://kitronik.co.uk/products/35137-5v-mini-led-lamp-module?_pos=43&amp;_sid=61452eb9b&amp;_ss=r">https://kitronik.co.uk/products/35137-5v-mini-led-lamp-module?_pos=43&amp;_sid=61452eb9b&amp;_ss=r</a> The idea was to run the beam thru it and install it in the position where focuesd led light would make three dots of light, laser beam is expected to hit in the centre between them. It (kind of) works, the dots are not extremely well visible, but well, it works for me. Most of the time I just need to draw the box/utline of the cut and make sure it will fit into my material. No high precision required.</p><p>The LED module is secured to the holder with 2x M3 nylon screws. First run metal M3 screw thru the holes to cut the thread. The holder is attached to the K40 case with 3x 10mm neodymium magnets, glued in the “arms”. Whole assembly sits in the round opening of the tibe compartment. When setting up, make sure that the beam goes thru the centre of the adapter and module holes.</p><p>Please note: the dots are best visible in the top left corner of the bed (usually homing position). You can still see blurred, cloudy “dot” in the bottom right &nbsp;corner, good enough for me. Your mileage may vary.</p><p>Update: I've been asked how to align the pointer with the laser beam so it doesn't burn the pointer itself. It's very important to make sure the laser beam doesn't touch the module or the printed holder, as it may cause fire. I use post-it card in front of the pointer to make sure the beam hits the exact centre. See the last picture.</p>