Yeah I know.
I haven’t even spent any time using the finished v1 LAYZOR and I’m already upgrading it again 🙂
The thing was, I had to disassemble the machine partly in order to finish the plans. I was working from memory but here and there I needed to double check the details. So while the machine was opened up again, I figured why not add some stuff I had already ordered and received.
Firstly but least crucial was replacing the main ribbon cable. I had modified it before, and then undid that modification. In the end I found it had become a bit of a mess, so I searched for and actually found an exact replacement. One less variable to worry about when I end up having an electrical issue down the line.
Secondly, I replaced the stock Nano controller with a Cohesion 3D board in conjunction with its affiliated Lightburn software. I must say from the little testing I already did these are awesome products which I can’t recommend enough! On the picture below you can see the board mounted where the old Nano board used to be. The seller recommends using a separate 24V power supply for the board, so that’s what I did. I found some space to the left of the exhaust fan.
I also added a small air pump for air assist in the back. I’ve noticed that a lot of people that have this particular air pump have it suspended as to minimize vibration and noise. I used some rubberbands as suspension and they actually seem to do the trick.
The back is getting crowded ;-).
The back panel already has the hole pattern to match the C3D layout.
Last but not least, I added a temperature sensor with digital readout, and a button to switch the air assist pump on or off. I didn’t want to take off the top panel, because too many parts are already mounted to it, so I used a dremel with a fine endmill, a steady hand and my trademark nonexisting patience to cut the required holes. It worked out OK though.
First test run with all the upgrades:
Can you talk a bit about Cohesion 3D (mini?)? What benefits do you see? How did you choose it over other controllers like Smoothieboard, MKS SBase, etc.?
Well it is well documented and supported. It has a very good track record and supports Lightburn software. So it is an upgrade in every area of the workflow. And it is more or less plug-and-play since it’s a straight replacement for the nano board.
It looks like a very high-quality board. It’s an excellent upgrade for sure.
Your blog has inspired me to design my own laser cutter. I’ll opt for a different board, since I don’t benefit from a drop-in replacement.
Excellent job, by the way. I appreciate the time you take to document your process and successes.
Thanks! I’ll warn you though. It will eat up a lot of time 😎
Did you have to change any of the setting on the C3D for belting and pulley’s?
Hey,
You probably need to tweak the settings slightly; it kind of depends on various factors such as applied belt tension. Just draw a large rectangle and measure the actual size vs. theoretical. Adjust the C3D settings accordingly. By default they should be set at 157.575 steps/mm.
Okay thank you. It’s going to be a long time before I get to that point. I’m still acquiring parts. I got your parts kit and the 2020 aluminum. I can’t wait till it’s built.
You inspired me to build my own too. I got to say, this is some project..
I’m to the point of siting in my laser mirrors (Using Bore site for rifle). Then i need to mount laser tube, get water chiller, and Air vent fan. I had the Cohesion 3d MIni and was going to drop it in the K40 but then
i seen your machine and i said that is it !!! Super Cool Man !!
I added variable fans in the front to have a two stage process of eliminating order from the machine. Hopefully
it will work. I have Allen Bradley Safety circuit Estops and RFID door switch… Components that they threw out at work. ; ) Few more weeks left before startup…
thanks, and good luck with your build!
Did you ever wire the Air assist on your cohesion 3d mini ?
I am having difficulty understanding the there layout.
Do I provide power on the Mosfet Power in and ground ?
I am the Laser Power PWM on 2.5 so i was planning on using P2.6
I was wondering if i apply 24v on the left does that interfere with the 2.5
signal ?
Strange…Not sure i understand this..
Mine is not hooked up to the Cohesion board. It has a separate power supply and a dedicated button to just switch it on or off.