I'm filling a series of small bottles in series so I was thinking of having a z-axis be sub-floor so I could run something like a rail based tray I could slide out after being filled. Only issue is that I would need to adjust the z-axis floor for example, in the future if I want to fill larger (taller) bottles, I would be able to lower the z-axis to accommodate a taller bottle. I plan on keeping the dispenser nozzle array as lightweight as possible so mostly a bunch of small diameter hoses or capillary tubes. Speed/accuracy of dispensing was a factor so the Acro setup seemed to be a good fit.

Are there any specs regarding what the weight/size limits are for the attachment plate before operation of the system becomes unreliable?

I plan on designing a sub-floor system with ad-hoc v-slot parts so hopefully that will anchor the legs of the Acro sufficiently and not add any additional stress, essentially leaving the Acro at stock height.

 

Thank you - much appreciated.
Motorized Z axis add weight and influence your rigidity at high engraving speeds.
Difficult to have it all I suppose

 

This looks like an amazing little unit to have.

I was just wondering if a sketchup model or plans are available for the Acro as I have a C-Beam XL that is working really well and I could easily produce the plates myself and then purchase all the other bits I need to build one, I like the idea of machines making machines and would love to have a go at it.

Cheers Glenn.

 

Glenn, it looks like there is a sketchup model linked under 'Files and Drawings' on the build page.

Others, I'm going to be ordering my diode in a bit. For me, it is down to the more powerful 6w laser from Opt Lasers or the 3.8w laser from JH photonics. I like the idea of getting the most powerful diode laser available and I love the design of the Opt Laser. But the JH photonics looks like it is better set up for safety with a key switch, more safety interlocks for preventing the laser from being powered on accidentally, and easy integration with an enclosure switch that will turn off the laser automatically if the enclosure opens.

Any thoughts on this? If you have seen the results of both, does the extra couple of watts in the Opt Laser matter a lot? Are there safety interlock kits available for the Opt Laser to replicate the safer setup of the JH Photonics kit?

-D

 

Hi! I need to 3d print textile (one layer - flat) around 120cmx40cm. To be able to do it I`m considering combining 3d printer head(from the 3d printer I have) and X/Y plate - ACRO SYSTEM. What do u Think about this Idea? I´m a beginner when it comes to codeing etc.. but willing to learn !

 

All these safety options that you've mentioned are very easily implemented in a DIY style and shouldn't be too expensive to do.

 

Do I need Z axis even though I wanna print one layer pattern?

 

Yes, you may need it despite the 'only one layer' since material may vary in thickness AND...you may change your mind about the 'only one layer' once you have it up and running. You don't have to make it controlled by a stepper motor, you can make it a manual control. Saves you some complexity.

 

So with regards to the suggested use of a 20x40 rail for z height adjustment, I am not convinced the stock plate would work with both a stepper motor, the laser and the wheels necessary to work. The universal vslot plate appears too big, and the smaller one wouldn't work with a 20x40 unless it was installed perpendicular to the x-axis. (edited since originally written while waiting in line at the Baltimore airport)

 

Can anyone on the Acro team recommend how to source any outstanding parts required for the full system. Specifically do you have a source for reliable limit switches, wiring harnesses (if needed) or other misc components that are not in the kit?

 

chuckd - think the question really bears a bit more detail from you. there are several controller options - the one that you can buy with the kit, smoothie, a few others. i'm going to use my Azteeg Mini that has a busted thermistor port, along with some limit switches i left over from several different 3d printers, and i'm picking up 12 watt laser from AliExpress. there's a few other odd/ends i'm still mulling over on my build (wiring, host for laser web, etc). but i am with you - maybe a list of things to consider in the build instructions would be kind of cool.

 

Yea, I have a standard setup with XPRO motor driver, atx power supply. Maybe its trivial but i'm wondering if there are drawbacks to a given form factor for limit switches? I would prefer to use switches that are lower profile but am not sure they have the same accuracy as a hinged style option.

 

if they are mechanical switches...i can't see why even the cheap ones can't work for the purposes here.

 

Yea, I might be over-thinking it but i'm not running a laser, rather a series of 100's of hoses so anything that can get snagged is a risk.

 

i concede your point, i've used other laser cutters and realized early on that if you are close enough and if the laser is cutting/engraving where you kind of want it....great. with the smoothie boards (that aren't converted to Grbl) the 'size' of the cutting floor is more of a guide rather than an absolute. having the mechanical end-stops is a nice thing to avoid the having the device go outside its boundry's

 

Hi Guys, wondering if anyone has created a cad model for this? I live in the UK so its rather expensive to get this shipped over, was going to attempt to build it using parts from ooznest (UK distributor of openbuilds)

 

Hi Peter, would there be any dxf's/drawings of the acro plates?

 

Hi mate, i'm currently building it in Solidworks, but sketch-up uses lines rather than curves, could do with a dxf which is curves rather than just lines, so its easier to mate all the parts together.

 

Is it possible to transport Acro system, when its in one piece?(the biggest one - 150cmx150cm)