Robotec 100W Laser
From Makers Local 256
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Contents
[hide]Overview
The Makeshop bought a laser!
Specifications
Robotec 100W Laser Cutter
- Cut area: 1300 x 900mm
- Laser: 100W CO2 Reci W2
- Cutting speed 0-4000cm/min
- Motorized z-axis
- Autofocus
- 110vac Input Power
- Water chiller to cool the laser tube: Water chiller CW5000
- Ventilation fan for exhaust: yes
- Air pump for air assist on cutting surface: yes
- Supply of low-cost replacement laser tubes: 100W CO2 Reci W2 can be found on eBay for about $600 (not sure if other tubes or suppliers are compatible)
- May be controlled from a PC (running Windows, Linux, or both): BMP, PLT, DST, DXF, AI from CorelDraw, PhotoShop, AutoCAD, TAJIMA
- Honeycomb table: yes
- Controller that supports non-PC-connected cutting (USB drives): Yes (RD Color controller)
- Network interface for sending jobs from any computer: yes, through RDWorks8
- Rotary axis for engraving round/multi-sided objects like drinking glasses: yes
- Limit switches: yes (metal sensing)
- Rails: Hiwin Linear Rails
Instructions
- Go download RDWorks8.
- Make sure the big exhaust fan is on (switch breaker labeled Fan).
- Turn on the fume extraction system (switch is by the small laser in fablab).
- Make sure the laser is powered.
- Turn on the cutter lights by pushing the button labeled lights.
- To load a job over USB, connect usb, then click "Download" button in RDWorks8. It will ask you for a job name.
- To load over the network from the comfort of the office, click "Port setting", set up the connection using 10.56.1.66 as the ip address of the laser, select the new device as the target in the Device dropdown box. Click "Download" button in RDWorks8. It will ask you for a job name.
- To move the z-axis, push the center button labeled "Z/U" to access the menu. Ensure "Z move" is highlighted, and push the left/right arrow buttons to make the bed go up and down. then load your material on the laser. then locate the metal zeroing disk and place it on your material. Position the laser over the zeroing disk and go back to the menu, then select "Auto focus" and push enter. the bed will raise until the z-sensor detects the zeroing disk, then it will lower the bed to put the surface of the material in focus for the beam.
- To run a job, push the File button, select your job and push Enter.
Settings
Vector Cutting Setting Suggestions
All settings are merely a suggestion starting point, your experience may vary depending on many things like color, temperature of material etc.
| Material | Thickness | Speed | Power | Repetitions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDF | 1/4" | 15 | 100 | 1 |
Repair and Upgrade Log
On arrival:
- The unit was initially focused by Ryan Coons, thanks Ryan!
- 10 minutes into the first vector cut, one of the E-Stop switches failed open causing a complete loss of power. The switch was replaced from phil's spares and the machine was functional within 30 minutes of failure.
- Currently the vent exhaust is tied back into the 40W Laser's exhaust system, exhaust tubes have been ordered so that the 100W laser can have a parallel system.
