I will be hosting a laser maintenance party where we’ll assess, fix, clean, research, order parts, fix, document, laze, measure, … and just you know … fix it up real nice.
When: Sunday, September 2nd, 1pm—5pm
Who
I think 4 people would be a good number. Ideally one other LCC member, plus two other regular laser users who are interested in getting more involved.
The laser area. The laser will be unavailable for use during this time. It would be great if we had the entire area around the lathe and cnc mills as well, since we’ll probably be opening the filter box.
In the past, someone was able to hack the LaserCAD software so these buttons didn’t appear. A physical wiring change that prevents this would be better.
Chiller system flow switch is not reliable
The flow switch doesn’t seem to be working reliably, which causes the laser to move without lasing. The chiller water is due for replacement, which may be gunking up the switch. Ideally the switch would be mounted in a box with a powered circuit that indicates the status, and a relay for actually driving the interlock attached to the laser. The interlock should also disengage if the water isn’t being chilled adequately (i.e. water temperature is too high). The original chilling unit may be able to be hacked and incorporated with the updated chiller to provide the interlock with both adequate temperature and flow.
Gas springs in lid need to be replaced
Replacement parts are on order.
The LED light strip that was mounted to the front of the lid should be replaced.
Lid switch is unreliable
The microswitch that detects when the lid is closed needs some TLC.
When the laser computer failed in the early spring, the spare laser cutter computer that @toma had put together came in super handy as a drop-in replacement. It would be great to fix up the original or create another spare.
Need long-term solution for long workpieces (replace tape and properly route cables)
The enclosure has an opening at the back that allows longer workpieces to be cut, but this is typically covered with tape to improve fume extraction. There are also cables for the laser tube and the tubing for the chiller water run along the back of the laser cutter that can longer workpieces can get snagged on.
A flexible curtain with some magnets or something would allow this to be opened when necessary, and remain closed/sealed otherwise.
Routing and securing the cables so they don’t get snagged.
New Control Panel Cover
An acrylic cover currently prevents users from interacting with the touch controls on the laser. This is important, since changing the settings can inadvertently damage the machine. However, it also covers the display which sometimes shows useful information (e.g. your design extends past the bounds of the laser)
Need to design and cut and new panel cover that secures the buttons against unauthorized use while keeping the display visible. The buttons should be accessible when the LCC needs to use them for machine maintenance.
Exhaust System and- Filter needs upgrade
This is a longer term project, and likely dependent on the specifics of a new space. We need a more efficient /effective and easier to maintain fume extraction system.
Pump cut-out for chiller cooler top
@polishdude20 replaced the broken pump in the chiller. It would be nice to make a sealable port in the top of the cooler so the lid can be close completely
However, I would really like to see at least one new name that I don’t already recognize from their previous contributions. If you’re new to VHS and looking for a good way to pitch in and earn some sweet social cred, this is it!
Fixed the e-stop button which had come loose and fallen out
Fixed LED strips, one of which had fallen and someone removed completely
Made a new cover for the controller screen, so you can read it without removing it.
Cleaned the chiller reservoir and purged the lines
Notched out the cooler for the pump cord, so the lid closes fully
Organized the tubing and cables a bit better
Opened the filter box but found there had been no filters in there (!) Found a few and added them.
Organized the flat storage and threw out lots of tiny scraps
Added a second door switch which is wired as a hard cutout switch, which prevents the laser from firing when the door is open no matter what. We left the existing door switch to function as a soft (advisory) cutout for the controller so it will pause the running program, stop the stepper motors, etc. See below for a wiring diagram of how this was accomplished.
Future work required:
The water flow switch is finicky. After today’s troubleshooting we are certain that it is responsible for the intermittent issues where the laser cutter is moving but the laser isn’t firing. We adjusted it and positioned it to be less prone to trapped air bubbles and it seems to be working fairly reliably now. I would like to get it replaced with a flow switch rather than this one which works based on pressure.
Two pairs of laser glasses are broken, and one is missing a lens. Two pairs are in good shape.
Not sure what to make of the empty filter box. It needs some attention, and one of the sensors is still missing.
Still waiting on replacement gas springs to arrive
They can be harvested if you want, but i wouldn’t bother, they’re full of paint.
The water flow switch is finicky. After today’s troubleshooting we are certain that it is responsible for the intermittent issues where the laser cutter is moving but the laser isn’t firing. We adjusted it and positioned it to be less prone to trapped air bubbles and it seems to be working fairly reliably now. I would like to get it replaced with a flow switch rather than this one which works based on pressure.
What can i do to expidite this fix? Every time i come in it stops me from being able to cut.
