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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
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  1. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
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    #1 RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018
    3boysdad likes this.
  2. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
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    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
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  3. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
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    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
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    Do you have files for 3D printed parts?
     
    #4 jeffmorris, Jan 31, 2018
  5. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
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    I’ll upload the STL files tomorrow
     
    #5 RobSaunders, Jan 31, 2018
  6. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    So where's the build???
     
    #6 Metalguru, Feb 1, 2018
  7. Steven Yampolsky

    Steven Yampolsky New
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    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
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    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
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  9. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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  14. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
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    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
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    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
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    Sorry, I needed to publish the updates.
     
    #16 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
  17. RobSaunders

    RobSaunders New
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    I just saved each piece as a SketchUp file.
     
    #17 RobSaunders, Feb 7, 2018
  18. Metalguru

    Metalguru Veteran
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    Yes, there it is. Thank you.

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

    RobSaunders New
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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  23. samuel humeau

    samuel humeau New
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    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
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    Yep, friction fit.
     
    #24 RobSaunders, Feb 12, 2018
  25. samuel humeau

    samuel humeau New
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    Attached Files:

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

    RobSaunders New
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    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
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    *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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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