Photon Printer - Micro Laser Engraver

thingiverse

The Laser Engraver is a 3D printable device made from recycled CD Drives. Software and build instructions are available for download, along with a list of necessary components listed in the manual. Legacy files can be found at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2277397. The Laser Engraver began as a quick weekend project but quickly evolved into something more when I realized that there was room for improvement in existing designs. Designing the components proved to be a fun challenge, and the end result was incredibly satisfying. Safety - None of the designs I've seen have any sort of shielding around the laser. Given that even a 5mW diode can be hazardous, any engraver should include safety features such as: • A full enclosure to block reflected laser light • Roller door access • Safety cut off switch on door • Angled ventilation to prevent light leakage 3D print-ability – Printing allows for many features that are not included in other versions. Some of these features include: • Accurate positioning of components • Fits a wide range of CD Drives • Z axis fine tuning adjuster • Built in roller door guides • Custom axis mounts • Low part count • Ease of assembly • Buildable by people without access to machining tools • All parts have one large flat surface to aid in printing Features – Some notable features include: • Coarse laser height adjust for material thickness compensation • Fine laser adjust for focusing • Spring tensioned Z adjust to reduce vibration • Sliding lugs to fit a range of CD Plates • Fits a wide range of laser housings • Suits an Arduino Uno and CNC shield for an easy build • Low parts count • Low cost Video – A video showcasing the device can be found at https://youtu.be/hiiEqVzhY4s. Update History: 2017-10-04 Updated instructions, software added. 2017-07-07 Corrected PPV3 X Laser Mount. 2017-05-06 Parts strengthened. Laser holder modified to hold a variety of heat sinks. Laser driver bracket added. DC jack hole added. Instructions expanded. Legacy files moved to another page. 2015-10-01 Instructions updated, Solidworks and STEP files added 2015-09-27 A small gap added to top of nut traps to compensate for sagging during bridging 2015-09-27 V2 uploaded - Now suits an Arduino uno with CNC shield. Sliding mounting lugs support a wider variety of CD Drives. Springs are now printed, no need to tap the parts. 2015-07-17 Improved electronics schematic by pepperm 2015-07-15 Electronics Schematic updated in better quality 2016-05-24 Step files updated