Laser Engraver Mega Update

Updated the entry due to the fact that it became unavailable

Initially, I was not going to make an update for this laser, because in that version it also suited me, but back in September Banggood got interested in my activity, and after negotiations they began to send me different equipment for my hobby. And we agreed on this kind of cooperation, where I myself choose what I need and what I think will be useful, both for me, so it may be interesting for you. So I got a 5.5W Neje laser head.

And do not pay attention to what is indicated on the label 20 W - this is, as it were, the consumed power, but we are interested in optical, marketing, you know ... So I was guided by the optical when choosing, although I was modest, it could have been more powerful, but then the point will be larger. I needed the best option for a small machine tool, because I already have a large one, and yes !, the point there is larger and it is almost three times more powerful ...

But just to update - so to update, .. I decided, .. and bought another controller along with an autonomous controller, so as not to use the computer for engraving, because the laser is such a thing that there is a lot of smoke from it, and it is better to take it away while it is working ...

The main controller was chosen from Makerbase DLC v.2, running on GRBL, as well as a stand-alone 3.5-inch screen with a touchscreen from the same manufacturer:

As for the screen, I want to add a few comments: firstly, it comes with a firmware for a 3D printer, it needs to be reflashed for a laser. The firmware itself can be downloaded from the GitHub or already configured for this machine from my archive. In the description, the manufacturer has detailed instructions on how to change the images of buttons and splash screens ... It is enough to copy the firmware files to the SD card and reboot the display, the update will start automatically. BUT! There is a nuance: do not write files to the card from under the Mac, only from under Windows, otherwise the images become incorrectly and look torn. The images themselves are converted into binary codes by a special program, this procedure is also described in the description of the display. Perhaps it worked out for me, but it took a very long time before I achieved the result. Secondly, it can be used with other controllers as well ...

I installed the drivers TMC 2208, with them the movements are silent.

In terms of mechanics, there was also one change, seemingly a trifle, and nevertheless it is very important. The bearings I originally used were roller bearings to tighten the X carriage belt and they rattled a little. I replaced them with MR63ZZ by installing in pairs, now the movement has become silent and soft.

You can watch the video for other details of the update, assembly and engraving process. It remains only to comment on the work with cutting plywood. For this process, an intensive blowing is needed, which I will put later, without it you can get to the inner knot and cutting will be impossible, it will just heat the coal, you can also get to a large area of glue inside the layers of plywood, in which case each pass of the ray will melt the glue which will polymerize again. In general, blowing is needed, and next time I will show. I also tried to cut solid wood 8 mm thick, as a result, it almost cut through, but without blowing it was difficult. As I said in the video, you can watch everything:

In conclusion, I would also like to note the program for using the engraver, this is perhaps the best program that I have seen - LightBurn.

Multilingual interface, support for major systems, work directly through the port, as well as preparation and storage of GCODE. A huge mass of possibilities, built-in vector editor and many, many options.

A trial version is also present, try it, I recommend: LightBurn

Parts links below:

NEJE 20W Laser Module DIY Kit
MKS DLC v.2
MKS TFT3.5
TMC2208
Bearing MR63ZZ
Hex Nylon Standoff Spacer
Flat head screws M3
Honeycomb working table

If you think that creating such an engraver is too difficult, then I recommend taking a look at this model: 40W Laser Engraving Machine In the near future I will try to introduce you to her.