Hi there everyone! Needing some help with this build. I've built smallish diode lasers before so I'm not a total newbie to this but I'm currently wanting to build a much larger CO2 laser and so I'm running into some technical issues and wanted to address them before I start spending money. The working area I'm after is approx. 1300mmx 2500mm. Doesn't have to be this exactly but cant really be much less. I know that the timing belt is the general setup for lasers but with a design this large it seems a problem sourcing one large enough? I was then thinking of a rack and pinion set up but not really sure what the downsides there would be apart from weight. I would assume that with the extra weight this would slow things down a tad? Possibly a much more secure connection though? Lead screw obviously has whipping problems at this length.
Also see How to calculate V-Slot® deflection Pinion style belt / rack may be too much inertia for a laser - ideally you want to motors mounted to the frame instead of being moving mass You also want to make 100% sure to tie the two Y side carriages together with a driveshaft to prevent it from ever going skew (fire starter combined with moving optics)
ah, that makes sense. Is there any good way to get a belt that long? i imagine splicing two together is a bit dodgy? What would you use as the driveshaft? sorry if my questions are a bit obvious.
Many people use an 8mm (or 5/16 inch = 7.9375mm) diameter aluminum rod for the drive shaft. Then you can easily source shaft couplers.
Open ended belt, available per-foot: GT2-2M Timing Belt - By the Foot or 3GT (GT2-3M) Timing Belt - By the Foot Also available in Bulk spools GT2-2M Timing Belt Spool or 3GT (GT2-3M) Timing Belt Spool At the carriage you connect the two ends - thus closing the loop Something like: (Using Belt Clamp Crimp Style) on each side of the carriage
Sir, what are the limitations of GT2 belt as per length wise usage, like X Axis1600mm -Y axis 1300mm 15mm linear rails setup of CO2 laser, can we use GT2 10mm belt for the setup or have to go for more wider options, please let me know, Thank You.
Not really sure. I'd say try it and see or overspec. Just make sure overspec'ing doesn't have too many disadvantages like making it fit with the rest if the design etc
