Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Sign Up

Z-Axis for Laser Diode

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018.

Z-Axis for Laser Diode

Z-Axis for Laser Diode

Discussion in 'Laser Cutters' started by RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018.

Custom Z Axis for OptLaser 6watt and the Acro System

Z Axis Laser POWERPACK_ENTRY
Page 1 of 2
  1. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    #1 RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018
    3boysdad likes this.
  2. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2015
    Messages:
    3,017
    Likes Received:
    1,682
    Nice! I did something similar with a NEMA 14 motor and the 9mm rod I harvested from a scanner. I wanted something light.
     
    #2 Giarc, Jan 31, 2018
    RobSaunders likes this.
  3. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Yeah I didn’t add much for details.... This is using a 8x100mm screw, two shafts with linear bearings and a nema17 stepper. The rest I drew up and 3D printed
     
    #3 RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018
  4. jeffmorris

    jeffmorris Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2017
    Messages:
    496
    Likes Received:
    115
    Do you have files for 3D printed parts?
     
    #4 jeffmorris, Jan 31, 2018
  5. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    I’ll upload the STL files tomorrow
     
    #5 RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018
  6. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2015
    Messages:
    752
    Likes Received:
    548
    So where's the build???
     
    #6 Metalguru, Feb 1, 2018
  7. Steven Yampolsky

    Steven Yampolsky New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2017
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    8
    This is awesome! How do you focus the laser? I mean the z axis helps you adjust for material thickness but how do you make sure that the laser is in focus for appropriate thickness? Some kind of touch sensor?
     
    #7 Steven Yampolsky, Feb 6, 2018
  8. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Thanks! I just use a test piece and adjust the lense to get the height close to where I want it then I bump the z height with the software until it’s perfect. It’s always right on. Once I have the right height I get a measurement and verify it occasionally. I have limit switches but never installed them since this has been working so well.
     
    #8 RobSaunders, Feb 6, 2018
    Steven Yampolsky likes this.
  9. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Sorry I’ve been busy. I’ll try posting them tonight if I don’t get home to late
     
    #9 RobSaunders, Feb 6, 2018
  10. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Hi! Finally found time to upload the STLs for the zAxis parts. This weekend I'll try putting together a parts list to go with.
     
    #10 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
  11. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Sorry, wrong files. Realized I uploaded my first version. I'll get the correct files posted tonight.
     
    #11 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
  12. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2015
    Messages:
    752
    Likes Received:
    548
    I just want some photos and/or Sketchup models so I can see what this thing looks like. So far, there is only the mediocre photo in the upper right which is impossible to see any detail.

    MG
     
    #12 Metalguru, Feb 7, 2018
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2018
  13. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Tonight I'll post drawings and photos. Tough to find time with all the kids activities going on, but tonight I'm free.
     
    #13 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
    Steven Yampolsky likes this.
  14. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    I uploaded the correct files this time. I posted pictures and the STL's. You mentioned SketchUp, let me know if you'd like me to save them as .skp for sketchup. I'm using DesignSpark if you're familiar with that.
     
    #14 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
  15. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2015
    Messages:
    752
    Likes Received:
    548
    Rob:

    Yeah, I wouldn't mind an .skp model.

    Is it just me? I still don't see anything... Where are you uploading your files to?

    I would assume they were in the files and drawings tab at the top of the page??? I don't see anything in any of the tabs except the Discussion tab.

    MG
     
    #15 Metalguru, Feb 7, 2018
  16. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Sorry, I needed to publish the updates.
     
    #16 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
  17. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    I just saved each piece as a SketchUp file.
     
    #17 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
  18. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2015
    Messages:
    752
    Likes Received:
    548
    Yes, there it is. Thank you.

    MG
     
    #18 Metalguru, Feb 7, 2018
  19. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    I'm curios to know what you think. The way it is now you can slide together the parts one way or another to get a different height and then the intent was to glue them together once you know how you're going to mount on your specific frame.
     
    #19 RobSaunders, Feb 8, 2018
  20. samuel humeau

    samuel humeau New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2018
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    This is awesome. I was thinking of building this kind of Z axis for the acro system and this seems to fit very nicely.
     
    #20 samuel humeau, Feb 10, 2018
  21. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Hi Jeff... Letting you know I posted the parts files if you're interested. Let me know what you think. Enjoy.
     
    #21 RobSaunders, Feb 11, 2018
  22. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Yeah I love this Acro System. Let me know if you have any questions. This weekend I added limit switches and started 3D printing flexible cable channels to tidy up the wiring
     

    Attached Files:

    #22 RobSaunders, Feb 11, 2018
    Mark Carew likes this.
  23. samuel humeau

    samuel humeau New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2018
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Very nice. How did you fix the linear bearings to your custom 3d parts ? Only friction?
     
    #23 samuel humeau, Feb 12, 2018
  24. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Yep, friction fit.
     
    #24 RobSaunders, Feb 12, 2018
  25. samuel humeau

    samuel humeau New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2018
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0

    Attached Files:

    #25 samuel humeau, Mar 14, 2018
  26. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    58
    Hi Samual,
    That looks really nice and is very similar to what I have. The first version I have, the motor doesn't move like yours. For the bearing, I had a similar flange pillow bearing assembly and removed the bearing and mounted it in my lower block. I wanted my linear rods closer together and that flange is so big and gets in the way. The pillar block I had, you could rotate the bearing and it slides right out. For some reason I couldn't find just the bearing for a good price. Hope I understood you right and explained it ok.
     

    Attached Files:

    #26 RobSaunders, Mar 15, 2018
  27. 3boysdad

    3boysdad New
    Builder

    Joined:
    May 27, 2017
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    14
    *where* did you find a lead screw @ 100mm...i've been looking before and could never find one...
     
    #27 3boysdad, Jun 6, 2018
  28. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2015
    Messages:
    752
    Likes Received:
    548
    You can cut leadscrew easily, you don't have to find a piece of exact length. Just cut it with a hacksaw, use a grinder to put a bevel on the cut end, and a wire wheel to clean up the ends of the threads. Piece of cake!

    MG
     
    #28 Metalguru, Jun 6, 2018
  29. 3boysdad

    3boysdad New
    Builder

    Joined:
    May 27, 2017
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    14
    that's where i was headed as well - have few rods from other things..but heck if i'm buying rods already and can source a lead screw from the same location?
     
    #29 3boysdad, Jun 6, 2018
  30. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2015
    Messages:
    752
    Likes Received:
    548
    Buy them from the OB store, on this site. They sell the proper lead nuts and all. Don't use plain old threaded rod, it's junk for leadscrews.
     
    #30 Metalguru, Jun 6, 2018
Page 1 of 2

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.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice