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• Laser engraving machine project
• Update on the laser engraving machine
• Laser blowing system
• Rotating axis for laser engraving machines
• Update the laser engraving machine to use a rotating axis

Some theoretical knowledge... Solid-state lasers were not originally created for engraving, let alone for cutting materials, but the fact is that they can... They engrave very well and can also cut, but to improve the cutting process, you need to blow over the burnt marks vigorously.
 

The power of the laser is not very strong, only 5.5W. Some materials need to be cut multiple times, and after the first pass of the beam, coal will form in the groove. The gap is too narrow for oxygen to enter, as it is a catalyst for combustion. This is why a very simple compressed air supply system was created.
 

In addition, the blowing system is very effective in removing smoke during the cutting and engraving process, as this smoke might obscure the laser focusing lens.
 

Because my compressor is designed for airbrushes and the receiver is quite small, I created an air supply system that allows it to work efficiently with this compressor, and it actually works.
 

I used a copper pipe with a thickness of 2mm and an inner diameter of 1mm. They are used in refrigerators and air conditioners, and of course, they are easy to find and purchase.
 

It's used for hose fittings with a diameter of 4mm, and the installation thread is M6. I printed the fittings to connect the quick-release connectors because I didn't have an adapter with the required thread. I've already ordered the future ones, but I've also prepared STL files for both metal fittings and printable plastic fittings.
 

You can see for yourself how the burning process went this time. This time, I used a variety of materials, and after I posted the previous video, I was often asked about the cutting process. As for the cutting itself - in principle, I can cut these materials at a slow speed in one go, but if I do it at high speed twice or more, the cutting quality will be better and the edges will be cleaner.
 

On the page of the laser head sellerNEJE 20W laser module DIY kitThere is a table on the website listing the materials that this laser can be used with. It states that acrylic cannot be cut or engraved, etc. However, you can check for yourself that it can definitely cut and engrave. In principle, you can cut thicker materials by blowing air, but unfortunately, I don't have suitable acrylic sheets. The 450nm laser cannot process transparent materials, but even in this case, you can solve the problem by washing off the markings with water or applying an opaque film to the engraved areas.
 

More details - watch the video:
 

This time, I used plywood, acrylic, aluminum plates, stainless steel plates
 

However, I can't give specific advice on power and speed. In each case, you must choose the best mode for the task and materials. For this, you can create a test template with gradients, lines, and so on.
 

Use what I mentioned in the pastLightBurnThis program is very easy and fast to use, and I highly recommend it.
 

Give it a try, and you'll succeed! But don't forget - using lasers requires adhering to safety regulations!
 

Here are the links to the components:

• NEJE 20W laser module DIY kit
• Fengda PU air hose
• PC4-M6 connector
• 1/8" to 1/8" adapter
• 1/8" quick disconnect joint
• A quick-release coupling adapter for disconnecting the adapter
• Quick-release adapter
• 1/4" to 1/8" adapter
• The outer diameter of the PTFE tube is 4mm.
• The outer diameter of the copper pipe is 2mm, and the inner diameter is 1mm.
• Compressor
• Double compressor
• Cellular workbench

If you think it's too difficult to create such an engraving machine, then I recommend you take a look at this model:40W laser engraving machineIn the near future, I will try to introduce it to you.
 

Another laser engraving machine has joined the ranks of smart machines

My new machine:

My favorite:

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This means a great deal of recognition to me, and it will greatly help me to keep going!

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