Rabbit Laser

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General

  • Owner/Loaner: LVL1
  • Serial Number: Serial Number
  • Make/Model: Rabbit QX-80-1290
  • Arrival Date: 8/23/2014
  • Usability: Yes
  • Contact:
  • Where: Common Room
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About

  • 80 Watt Laser
  • 1200 mm x 900 mm cutting area (~4'x3')
  • Currently configured with a Standard 55mm Focal Depth lens.
    • This is a "Compromise" lens: Okay at cutting, okay at engraving, but great at neither.
    • We have a "Premium" 55mm lens in stock also.

Manual

Important Laser Guidelines

  • Do not use the laser without being trained. Ask questions. If you have any doubts, refrain from lasering.
  • If the laser is moved, it must be recalibrated. Laser calibration is a long and difficult process.
  • Install the laser tube with the water outlet facing up.
  • The laser is intentionally pulled a couple feet from the wall for access.
  • The laser control software will not work without the USB dongle installed. This dongle is a $250 device.
  • Do not set power higher than 85% or lower than 10%. Higher power simply saturates the power supply and results in no benefit. Lower power does not lase.
  • If a fire begins, open the laser lid immediately. This interrupts power to the laser.

Where to find information

Acceptable File Formats

  • DXF (Autocad 2002 or 2004 format)
  • BMP
  • JPG
  • Others
  • NOT SVG. SVG is NOT usable.

How to use the Laser in Table mode

  1. Turn on the laser.
  2. Home the X and Y Axes by pressing the "X-Y 0" button. If the laser doesn't home, ensure that the machine is not in "Jog" mode. If any menu item is highlighted, the machine is not in "Jog" mode.
  3. Jog the Z Axis until your material will fit under the laser head.
  4. Jog the home switch of the laser head over your material. Ensure the laser is in "Jog" mode by pressing "Esc" under no menu items are selected.
  5. Home the Z Axis by pressing the "Z 0" button. The Z axis will automatically back off to the correct focus point.
  6. Open the "Laser Cut Table" software on the laser PC.
  7. Import your project, or draw a test shape. (It is HIGHLY recommended that you test your cut settings on scrap material before attempting a real cut).
  8. In the upper right-hand corner, set the laser power and speed settings. Use the settings in the manual as a guideline.
  9. Click "Calculate" to generate G-Code.
  10. Click "Download" to send G-Code to the laser.
  11. On the "Download" menu, press, "Delete All," followed by "Download Current." This ensures that your project is the only one loaded on the laser.
  12. Jog the laser head to the upper-right corner of your intended cut area.
  13. Press the "Test" button to see the area that will be cut by the laser. Ensure that your material is lined up correctly.
  14. Close the lid of the laser.
  15. Press "Start" to begin cutting.

How to use the Laser in Rotary Mode

Future DIY Upgrades

  • High pressure air assist using shop air
    • Design instructions in manual
  • Rotary Enlongening
    • A custom aluminum bottom plate for the rotary would easily add length.

Troubleshooting

  • If "Immediate" mode doesn't seem to work properly, try downloading the config again.
    • From the "Download" menu, press the "Download Config" button. The laser will be unresponsive for a few moments. Wait until the menu responds to input before uploading your laser file.

Maintenance Log

  • 8/23/2014 - Received Laser
  • 9/8/2014 - Cleaned lens, inspected lens mirror.
  • 9/27/2014 - Installed carbon filter, exterior venting.
  • 11/04/2014 - Cleaned main lens. Not particularly dirty.

Maintenance Schedule

  • Based on observation, this schedule is 3x the length of the "estimated" schedule recommended for full-time laser shops.
  • Every three weeks - Clean the main lens.
  • Every three months - Clean the lens mirror.
  • Every six months - Clean the X-axis gantry mirror.
  • Every nine months - Clean the Y-axis mirror.
  • Every year - Clean the laser output lens/mirror assembly.
  • As needed - Lubricate the linear slides with 3-in-1 oil (or similar light machine oil).
  • As needed - Clean crumbs out of crumb tray.
  • As Needed - Replace coolant water (use distilled water only).

Maintenance Tips

  • Add a couple of tablespoons of roundup to the coolant, and it won't need changed as often.