BOSS LS-3655 150w Laser Engraver: Difference between revisions
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Makelemonade (talk | contribs) m Need to have the switch for the cooling on when taking a break for it to cool. |
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| contact=[[CNC|Lasers Area Host]] | | contact=[[CNC|Lasers Area Host]] | ||
| where=CNC Shop | | where=CNC Shop | ||
| certification=yes | | certification=yes | ||
| hackable=no | | hackable=no | ||
| value=$17,000 | | value=$17,000 | ||
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== Status == | == Status == | ||
CURRENT UPDATES | |||
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lo9PNANkkx4Dl1Sy7DjJ_oA8nAStV7FFLykrrypabKM/edit?usp=sharing * CLICK TO VIEW CURRENT STATUS OF ALL LASER SYSTEMS] * | |||
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== Software == | == Software == | ||
=== RDWorksV8 === | |||
*The software that drives the Boss laser from the attached computer is called RDWorksV8, the version that is appropriate to use is '''8.01.18'''. That is not the most recent version of the software, but it is the most recent approved version for PS1. It is available for free download if you'd like to set up your files prior to coming to use the laser. | |||
*If you are having issues with loading RDWorks files, verify that you are using the correct version of the software as they are not backwards compatible. | |||
*If RDWorks is missing from your start menu or desktop, or your old shortcut to RDWorks doesn't work, you can find the program at start/C:/Program Files/RDWorks. You can open the program by clicking the RDWorksV8 application in that folder. | |||
** '''DO NOT MOVE THAT APP TO YOUR OWN DESKTOP.''' or everyone will lose access to it. | |||
** If you'd like to add a shortcut to your desktop right click on the application>create shortcut and place the shortcut on your desktop. | |||
=== Lightburn === | |||
*Lightburn is a paid/licensed software and is very similar to RDWorks but with a cleaner user experience and improved set of features. | |||
*Computer updates can sometimes wipe the license. You can reactivate the local license using the copy of the license found on the root of the C:\ drive of the Boss' computer. | |||
===== Device Setup: ===== | |||
You will need to add the machine settings to Lightburn to communicate with the Boss. | |||
In the Laser panel in the lower left corner click on Devices | |||
In the popup window click Create Manually. | |||
* The controller type is Ruida. | |||
* The connection type is Serial/USB. | |||
* Give the device a name "Boss" | |||
* The work area is X: 1400mm Y: 900mm. | |||
* The machine origin is the Right Rear. | |||
Once you create the device configuration and the machine is turned on Lightburn should display Ready just above the Pause button. | |||
== Usage Policy == | == Usage Policy == | ||
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* If someone is waiting in line to use the laser, no active test cut or cut series shall be longer than 1 hour. No jobs will be allowed to start that overrun the 1 hour time limit when a new user is waiting. | * If someone is waiting in line to use the laser, no active test cut or cut series shall be longer than 1 hour. No jobs will be allowed to start that overrun the 1 hour time limit when a new user is waiting. | ||
* In the case that your last cut is longer than the 1 hour time limit, and a waiting user presents themselves after the cut has started, the cut job shall be allowed to finish and the waiting user will be allowed to set up their file in their own user account, during the cutting period. | * In the case that your last cut is longer than the 1 hour time limit, and a waiting user presents themselves after the cut has started, the cut job shall be allowed to finish and the waiting user will be allowed to set up their file in their own user account, during the cutting period. | ||
* Continuous cutting shall not exceed 3 consecutive hours without a half hour break for the laser to cool. If a new user arrives before or during the cooling period the current user shall cede the laser to the next user, and the next user will wait for the cooling period to finish and the cooling period shall not count towards the 1 hours limit should another user present themselves. | * Continuous cutting shall not exceed 3 consecutive hours without a half hour break for the laser to cool. Note that you must leave the air assist/cooling switch on to keep the cooling running during this break. If a new user arrives before or during the cooling period the current user shall cede the laser to the next user, and the next user will wait for the cooling period to finish and the cooling period shall not count towards the 1 hours limit should another user present themselves. | ||
* Waiting users shall notify the current user verbally that they are waiting and where they will be waiting until it is their turn. If multiple users are waiting, the next waiting user must start their test cutting or cut job within 10 minutes of being notified of a laser opening. The current user will keep a record of who is waiting, where they will be, and notify subsequent users of the status of the queue. The current user will find the next waiting user and verbally inform them that the laser is available. | * Waiting users shall notify the current user verbally that they are waiting and where they will be waiting until it is their turn. If multiple users are waiting, the next waiting user must start their test cutting or cut job within 10 minutes of being notified of a laser opening. The current user will keep a record of who is waiting, where they will be, and notify subsequent users of the status of the queue. The current user will find the next waiting user and verbally inform them that the laser is available. | ||
== Authorization == | == Authorization == | ||
Authorization for the laser is not virtual, meaning you must fill out this [https://forms.gle/9HSYAVLtJuPLWixXA Sign Up Form] to schedule an onsite authorization. | |||
The laser volunteers will be notified automatically after the form is submitted. You will then be contacted when the next authorization is scheduled. (approx. every 2 weeks at the authorizers discretion) | |||
If no authorizations are scheduled in the next 30 days, then post on #lasers slack channel; look for a recent thread about laser authorizations and post there. | |||
Please review the wiki and the reference materials before attending an authorization. | |||
If you have other questions after the reviewing the wiki and reaching out on #lasers slack channel please contact laser-auths@pumpingstationone.org | |||
====Area Host==== | ====Area Host==== | ||
* [[wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Category:CNC]] | * [[wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Category:CNC]] | ||
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====Volunteer authorizers:==== | ====Volunteer authorizers:==== | ||
*Jeff Zelnio | *Jeff Zelnio | ||
=== Preparing yourself to become authorized === | === Preparing yourself to become authorized === | ||
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* 1. Know what you're doing as best as you can - come pre-trained on your own time to make the authorization go smoother and faster. | * 1. Know what you're doing as best as you can - come pre-trained on your own time to make the authorization go smoother and faster. | ||
* 2. Have a PS1 username set up before starting the authorization http://membership.pumpingstationone.org | * 2. Have a PS1 username set up before starting the authorization http://membership.pumpingstationone.org | ||
* 3. Have some familiarity with the kinds of files you would bring to the Boss to cut. | * 3. Have some familiarity with the kinds of files you would bring to the Boss to cut. | ||
To that end; you could download and become familiar a bit with RDWorks, the software you will use to drive the Boss. Links are on this page. | To that end; you could download and become familiar a bit with RDWorks, the software you will use to drive the Boss. Links are on this page. | ||
You can read a bit of the manual, which is also linked on this page, or watch some YouTube videos. | You can read a bit of the manual, which is also linked on this page, or watch some YouTube videos. | ||
Bring files in from Adobe Illustrator in Illustrator format, with lines set to have SOME sort of stroke, I'd recommend 1 point stroke, and some simple color applied to the stroke for each "layer" you want to have in RDWorks. You will want to have one color/layer assigned for each type or strength of cut/engrave you'll be doing in that job. For instance, you might want a deep engraving, a shallow engraving, a cut that goes all the way through the material and maybe a cut that just barely touches the top surface (called a 'kiss cut) and that would mean you would need four distinct colors of stroke used in your file. You should investigate the usefullness of SVG, DXF and DWG files as well, but Illustrator files will give you the best first experiences. | Bring files in from Adobe Illustrator in Illustrator format, with lines set to have SOME sort of stroke, I'd recommend 1 point stroke, and some simple color applied to the stroke for each "layer" you want to have in RDWorks. You will want to have one color/layer assigned for each type or strength of cut/engrave you'll be doing in that job. For instance, you might want a deep engraving, a shallow engraving, a cut that goes all the way through the material and maybe a cut that just barely touches the top surface (called a 'kiss cut) and that would mean you would need four distinct colors of stroke used in your file. You should investigate the usefullness of SVG, DXF and DWG files as well, but Illustrator files will give you the best first experiences. | ||
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== Settings == | == Settings == | ||
[ | [[Boss_Laser_Settings|Laser Settings Page]] | ||
* Honeycomb vs. Aluminum Lamella : The honeycomb is used for engraving and pieces that benefit from precise leveling. Use the aluminum lamella (slats under honeycomb) for cutting through to reduce flashback and improve airflow (warning small pieces will fall through). | * Honeycomb vs. Aluminum Lamella : The honeycomb is used for engraving and pieces that benefit from precise leveling. Use the aluminum lamella (slats under honeycomb) for cutting through to reduce flashback and improve airflow (warning small pieces will fall through). | ||
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== Procedures == | == Procedures == | ||
[ | [[BOSS Usage]] | ||
[ | [[BOSS Maintenance]] | ||
=== Powering On Machine === | === Powering On Machine === | ||
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*** PolyStyrene Foam | *** PolyStyrene Foam | ||
*** PolyPropylene Foam | *** PolyPropylene Foam | ||
*** Gatorfoam (fire prone) | |||
*** PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) | |||
** Other: | ** Other: | ||
*** Epoxy | *** Epoxy | ||
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=== Safe Materials for Cutting === | === Safe Materials for Cutting === | ||
** Plastics: | ** Plastics: | ||
*** Acrylic (also known as Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA) | *** Acrylic (also known as Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA) | ||
*** Delrin (POM, acetal) | *** Delrin (POM, acetal) | ||
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*** Mylar (polyester) | *** Mylar (polyester) | ||
*** Nylon – melts badly | *** Nylon – melts badly | ||
*** Styrene | *** Styrene | ||
*** Two-tone acrylic – top color different than core material, usually for custom instrumentation panels, signs, and plaques. | *** Two-tone acrylic – top color different than core material, usually for custom instrumentation panels, signs, and plaques. | ||
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*** Depron foam – often used for RC planes. | *** Depron foam – often used for RC planes. | ||
*** EPM | *** EPM | ||
*** Gator foam – foam core gets burned and eaten away compared to the top and bottom hard shell. | *** <s>Gator foam – foam core gets burned and eaten away compared to the top and bottom hard shell.</s> ''(Removed due to fire prone)'' | ||
** Other: | ** Other: | ||
*** Cloths (leather, suede, felt, hemp, cotton) | *** Cloths (leather, suede, felt, hemp, cotton) | ||
