Laser Cutter Adapter and Script for Thing-O-Matic

thingiverse

Create a 1 watt S3 Arctic Spyder laser holder with Sketchup for the Thing-O-Matic MK6 filament stand. Use a gMax Maxscript to generate cutting paths and control a solenoid to block/unblock the laser light. The laser is powerful enough to cut lightweight materials like paper but works better on dark ones. It can also engrave various materials, especially self-stick vinyl sticker blanks for creating stickers or stencils. Connect a 12 volt solenoid to the Thing-O-Matic's Automated Build Platform output pins to control laser light blockage. Unfortunately, you need to create your own laser light blocker solution; mine is a duct tape and wire setup attached to the solenoid plunger. Check out the videos for laser cutting in action (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Gb6AApnGM), explanation of gmax usage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv2o-0cIW0s), and download the 1 watt S3 Arctic Spyder laser ($300 USD) from WickedLasers.com. To use, remove the hot end from Thing-O-Matic MK6 filament stand, insert the laser into the adapter (you may need to sand the edges), and place it in the filament stand's former location. Open the saved "gmax laser cutting script.ms" file in gMax, configure unit settings for easier work, switch to spline editing mode, create text in the center of the grid, convert it to an editable mesh, and select vertices for laser cutting/engraving paths. Update the vertexSubElements array variable and G1_SPEED according to material being cut or etched. Evaluate the script to generate gcode, copy it into a file that will be opened in ReplicatorG, open the gcode file, move the laser to the center of the build platform, put on safety glasses, turn on the laser, and adjust Z height for optimal focus. Uncheck the Build Platform belt checkbox in the Control Panel, close it, click Build, and marvel at your newly created Thing-O-Matic laser cutter/engraver!