Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Adding laser to Lead 1515

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by rbrown55, Nov 10, 2023.

  1. rbrown55

    rbrown55 New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2023
    Messages:
    93
    Likes Received:
    10
    Hello

    I am completely clueless on what all has to be done or what is need to add a laser to the 1515. Can I please get some feedback on where to start and what restrictions adding the laser to the cnc has versus just getting something like the xtool?

    Interested mostly in laser engraving but would also do some cutting but mostly the engraving, tumblers, etc

    Thank you
     
    petermoskalyk likes this.
  2. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    3,046
    Likes Received:
    1,706
    First read through the docs if you are using a Blackbox to control your machine. docs:blackbox-4x:connect-3-wire-laser [OpenBuilds Documentation]
    If you plan to engrave tumblers, then you will need to get a rotary axis. Also, software like Lightburn (Lightburn V1.4) makes things much easier. I have a dedicated laser cutter/engraver so i can not speak to just adding one to your 1515, but I have a spare diode I was thinking of adding to my current larger machine. I just have not got around to it so can not give much in the way of pros and cons.
     
    rbrown55 likes this.
  3. Joel Gamboa

    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2021
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi, I have the same question. I have Lead1515 and I want to be able to cut acrylic using laser. Someone can advise what is the compatible add-ons i can use with my existing machine to do that
     
  4. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    3,046
    Likes Received:
    1,706
    If using a diode laser, you will only be able to cut certain colors of acrylic.
     
  5. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    15,601
    Likes Received:
    4,448
    And even then, "cut" is very relative. 5-6w is very little power.

    You already have a very capable router that will cut that acrylic beautifully and way way faster
     
  6. rbrown55

    rbrown55 New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2023
    Messages:
    93
    Likes Received:
    10
    I agree as I have cut acrylic using an Oflute bit and it flew threw the material (I cut 1/8 and 3/32). I am mainly interested in the laser from an engraving standpoint but if you are engraving a sheet and then will need to cut just seems more efficient in that scenario if the laser cuts when you done engraving instead of having to switch everything over.

    I openly admit I am extremely new to all of this so please tell me if I am off on my thinking as I am eager to learn all I can.
     
  7. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    15,601
    Likes Received:
    4,448
    A correctly set up machine switches over in seconds. Known offsets between laser and endmill etc makes it easy.

    Your concept makes sense if you have a 80w, or a 100w laser. Not with a little 5-10w Diode laser. Its just not powerful enough. And you have a way more powerful cutting tool right there.

    Use the best tool for each part of the job

    For example

     
  8. rbrown55

    rbrown55 New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2023
    Messages:
    93
    Likes Received:
    10

    Thank you Peter. Very much appreciate all the feedback
     
  9. Joel Gamboa

    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2021
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for the info, what do you recommend if I want to cut even a 1/8 " thickness clear acrylic
     
  10. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    15,601
    Likes Received:
    4,448
    Use the Router (or a 80-100w CO2 Laser)
     
  11. Emmanuel almonte marte

    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2025
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Quiero comprar la openbuilds 1515 le voy a añadir un hunsillo el hy huanyang 110 v 2.2kw, como haria para poderle poner un laser xt8 de 45 w que adaptaciones deberia hacer oh como me sugieren que lo haga
     
  12. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
    Moderator Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2018
    Messages:
    2,823
    Likes Received:
    1,384
    English only please.

    Translation;-

    "I want to buy the openbuilds 1515. I'm going to add a 110v 2.2kw hy huanyang spindle. How would I install a 45w xt8 laser? What adaptations should I make? Or how do you suggest I do it?"

    Alex.
     
    #12 Alex Chambers, Apr 12, 2025
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2025
  13. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    15,601
    Likes Received:
    4,448
    Checkout the Laser wiring section of docs:blackbox-x32:start [OpenBuilds Documentation]

    Essentially we provide the industry standard 3.3v PWM signal. How it's wired to your module of choice, can be found at the modules instructions/vendor. Bad vendors lack instructions/support so choosing accordingly will help, otherwise go for Optlaser or JTech. Laser diodes are +-6w each. Good vendors like Optlaser fit multiple diodes and collaminate with optics. Some cheap Chinese brands just lie (single 6w diode with "up to 45w" claims) so again, choose carefully
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice