BOSS LS-3655 150w Laser Engraver: Difference between revisions

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== Aboutt ==
== About ==


The BOSS LS-3655 is an industrial CO2 laser engraver with a 35.4" x 55.1" bed, supporting over-sized material pass-thru on four sides and up to 7 inches of table depth.  Originally shipped with 100W tube, but that has been replaced with 150W tube in May, 2017.
The BOSS LS-3655 is an industrial CO2 laser engraver with a 35.4" x 55.1" bed, supporting over-sized material pass-thru on four sides and up to 7 inches of table depth.  Originally shipped with 100W tube, but that has been replaced with 150W tube in May, 2017.
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== Status ==
== Status ==
* (2020/09/18) Head crash caused some alignment issues. Currently OOO. Parts are on the way, plus beam intensity meter.
 
* (2020/Febrary) New 150W tube installed & aligned. BOSS working well.
CURRENT UPDATES
* (2019/07/25) Beam Combiner installed; Mirrors and Red beam aligned.  Red dot is slightly left (about 3/4 of a dot) of actual cut.  A few more parts needed, but the Boss is operational.
 
* (2019/06/26) Working, 4-in Len replaced by Joe M.  Still waiting on Beam Combiner.
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lo9PNANkkx4Dl1Sy7DjJ_oA8nAStV7FFLykrrypabKM/edit?usp=sharing * CLICK TO VIEW CURRENT STATUS OF ALL LASER SYSTEMS] *
* (2019/06/15) Working, 4-in Lens is cracked from overtightening -- DO NOT CLEAN --; Mirrors aligned.  Beam Combiner and replacement lens on order.
* (2018/12/07) Working, but not that well. Had to use 100% power and speed 5 to cut through relatively thin leather. Perhaps needs to be cleaned?
* (2018/12/01) NOT working. Needs a tube replacement, probably. It's going to be a while. It will not happen faster if you ask when it's going to be fixed. NOBODY KNOWS YET.
* (2018/02/26) Working. Z-Axis motor having some issues? 2-25-2018
* (2017/05/20) 150W Tube & Power Supply installed. Alignment & focusing pending.
* (2017/06/12) The laser has been aligned and focused. 2" Laser lens focal depth set to 5.1mm.


== 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.


*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
Once you create the device configuration and the machine is turned on Lightburn should display Ready just above the Pause button.
*That is not the most recent version of the software, but it is the most recent approved version for PS1. If you are having issues with RDWorks, verify that you are using the correct version of the software.
*If your old shortcut to RDWorks doesn't work, go to start/C:/Program Files/RDWorks and open the program by clicking the application in that folder. DO NOT MOVE THAT APP TO YOUR OWN DESKTOP. You can create a new shortcut to it, but please do not move it.


== 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 ==


How to get authorized: contact the laser-auths@pumpingstationone.org and a laser volunteer will contact you to setup a time.
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


===Authorizers ===
====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
*Andrew Camardella
 


=== Preparing yourself to become authorized ===
=== Preparing yourself to become authorized ===
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== Settings ==
== Settings ==
[https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Boss_Laser_Settings Laser Settings Page]
[[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 ==
[https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/BOSS_Usage Boss Usage]
[[BOSS Usage]]


[https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/BOSS_Maintenance Boss Maintenance]
[[BOSS Maintenance]]


=== Powering On Machine ===
=== Powering On Machine ===
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*** PolyPropylene Foam
*** PolyPropylene Foam
*** Gatorfoam (fire prone)
*** 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:
*** ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
*** 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
*** PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
*** 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.