k40 with Lightobject DSP for production work?

[Toasty]

I'm getting ready to purchase a k40 laser and dsp kit for a conversion.

I'm curious if anyone is using this setup for any light production work?

I plan on using mine mostly for engraving things like name tags and small acrylic awards. I may be using it for several hours a day at times.

I currently work full time in the awards industry using Laserpro and Universal lasers so I'm not really new to all of this but I also realize that this is a hobby grade machine. I'm aware of it's limitations but a small desktop machine is really appealing for what I'm planning on using it for.

So, is anyone on here using their machine for something like this? If so could you maybe post up some examples of your work?

[waltfl]

Hi toasty
I am using one what I converted to the DSP and it runs pretty much 6 to 8 hr a day 6 days a week.
during the conversion process I made new laser head rollers with two bearings each, mad a new angle and
pully for the X axis belt, and replaced all the mirrors with self made mirrors from old hardrive disc and
replaced the focal lens with a GaAs lens.

eaglelaseracryl1.JPG (147.04 KiB) Viewed 5179 times

6tilepic.jpg (61.45 KiB) Viewed 5179 times

4golfcart2.jpg (68.76 KiB) Viewed 5179 times

greetings
waltfl

I'm getting ready to purchase a k40 laser and dsp kit for a conversion.

I'm curious if anyone is using this setup for any light production work?

I plan on using mine mostly for engraving things like name tags and small acrylic awards. I may be using it for several hours a day at times.

I currently work full time in the awards industry using Laserpro and Universal lasers so I'm not really new to all of this but I also realize that this is a hobby grade machine. I'm aware of it's limitations but a small desktop machine is really appealing for what I'm planning on using it for.

So, is anyone on here using their machine for something like this? If so could you maybe post up some examples of your work?

[TeacDance]

I'm getting ready to purchase a k40 laser and dsp kit for a conversion.

I'm curious if anyone is using this setup for any light production work?

I plan on using mine mostly for engraving things like name tags and small acrylic awards. I may be using it for several hours a day at times.

I currently work full time in the awards industry using Laserpro and Universal lasers so I'm not really new to all of this but I also realize that this is a hobby grade machine. I'm aware of it's limitations but a small desktop machine is really appealing for what I'm planning on using it for.

So, is anyone on here using their machine for something like this? If so could you maybe post up some examples of your work?

I use that machine my company. i make corporate gifts several company their own logo

Here i's one example sauna meter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUKTEUBL5Oo

i allready make those meter about 1500pc and still working

www.pairtec.com

[Toasty]

Thanks for the photos! It's good to see that you can use one of these small machine for serious work.

I ordered my own today and I'll be placing an order for the dsp kit early this coming week. I'm looking forward to my new toy.

I'm sure I'll be asking more questions as I get into my conversion.

[wctx1977]

Hi toasty
I am using one what I converted to the DSP and it runs pretty much 6 to 8 hr a day 6 days a week.
during the conversion process I made new laser head rollers with two bearings each, mad a new angle and
pully for the X axis belt, and

replaced all the mirrors with self made mirrors from old hardrive disc

and
replaced the focal lens with a GaAs lens.

eaglelaseracryl1.JPG

6tilepic.jpg

4golfcart2.jpg

greetings
waltfl

Hi Walt! what is the difference between the original mirrors tha came with the machine and those you made from a hard drive disk, also how did you cut the disk plates? I have a bad hard disk drive that I just opened apart and I was wondering if I should do the same...

I'm getting ready to purchase a k40 laser and dsp kit for a conversion.

I'm curious if anyone is using this setup for any light production work?

I plan on using mine mostly for engraving things like name tags and small acrylic awards. I may be using it for several hours a day at times.

I currently work full time in the awards industry using Laserpro and Universal lasers so I'm not really new to all of this but I also realize that this is a hobby grade machine. I'm aware of it's limitations but a small desktop machine is really appealing for what I'm planning on using it for.

So, is anyone on here using their machine for something like this? If so could you maybe post up some examples of your work?

[Tech_Marco]

Thanks for the photos! It's good to see that you can use one of these small machine for serious work.

I ordered my own today and I'll be placing an order for the dsp kit early this coming week. I'm looking forward to my new toy.

I'm sure I'll be asking more questions as I get into my conversion.

Make sure the one you order come with the PWM power supply. The one who recommended to you on cnczone was not coming with the good power supply, instead it is a low grade analog PS and been phased out by the original K40. Stay away from it.

Someone recommend you to buy a $3000 or $4000 machine instead of doing the upgrade on K40. Well, it's nothing wrong with it. It's matter of "Do you want to learn how to DIY" and gained yourself some skill when dealing with big machine in the near future. I can't say you should or shouldn't as I'm a seller of the DSP so I need to myself "neutral " or people may think that I may want to make a sale to you. Sometimes I found my situation in a little embarrassing position. Knowing something wasn't quite right but can't speak it out someone may backfire on me

Marco

[waltfl]

Hi there
the difference between the original and the HD mirrors is
1. the reflection grad is better then 95.5%
2. the HD mirror are verry scratch resistend even with cleaning with a eyglass cleaning rag
3. not to forget the price!! out of 1 HD disc you get 5 to 6 mirrors
4. I cut them with a metal hole saw and a jig tim wherdid a nice write up for this
greetings
walt

Hi toasty
I am using one what I converted to the DSP and it runs pretty much 6 to 8 hr a day 6 days a week.
during the conversion process I made new laser head rollers with two bearings each, mad a new angle and
pully for the X axis belt, and

replaced all the mirrors with self made mirrors from old hardrive disc

and
replaced the focal lens with a GaAs lens.

eaglelaseracryl1.JPG

6tilepic.jpg

4golfcart2.jpg

greetings
waltfl

Hi Walt! what is the difference between the original mirrors tha came with the machine and those you made from a hard drive disk, also how did you cut the disk plates? I have a bad hard disk drive that I just opened apart and I was wondering if I should do the same...

I'm getting ready to purchase a k40 laser and dsp kit for a conversion.

I'm curious if anyone is using this setup for any light production work?

I plan on using mine mostly for engraving things like name tags and small acrylic awards. I may be using it for several hours a day at times.

I currently work full time in the awards industry using Laserpro and Universal lasers so I'm not really new to all of this but I also realize that this is a hobby grade machine. I'm aware of it's limitations but a small desktop machine is really appealing for what I'm planning on using it for.

So, is anyone on here using their machine for something like this? If so could you maybe post up some examples of your work?

[Toasty]

Make sure the one you order come with the PWM power supply. The one who recommended to you on cnczone was not coming with the good power supply, instead it is a low grade analog PS and been phased out by the original K40. Stay away from it.

Someone recommend you to buy a $3000 or $4000 machine instead of doing the upgrade on K40. Well, it's nothing wrong with it. It's matter of "Do you want to learn how to DIY" and gained yourself some skill when dealing with big machine in the near future. I can't say you should or shouldn't as I'm a seller of the DSP so I need to myself "neutral " or people may think that I may want to make a sale to you. Sometimes I found my situation in a little embarrassing position. Knowing something wasn't quite right but can't speak it out someone may backfire on me

Marco

Marco,

I ordered one from an ebay seller. I spent quite a bit of time trying to find one that knew what a PWM power supply was. So, I think I'm getting one with the correct part. I'm a bit concerned about the shipping of the machine now though. The seller states in the auction (several times) that they ship from the United States but I just got a tracking number from EMS (a shipper from China). I was also very clear that I didn't want to import a machine so we might have a problem...

And I'm taking everything said on that other forum with a grain of salt. These small machines are obviously a sore subject with a lot of people there. I'm glad I found this forum.

After doing a lot of research I'm set on the k40 with the DSP upgrade. I'm actually really looking forward to doing the work on it.

I've been working with small CNC machines for several years and went through the same thing on the forums regarding desktop mills. Everyone told me to not waste my money and save up for a big mill so I could do "real" work with it. The fact was, I was making small parts and they ended up working great for what I was doing.

I think these small machines have their place if you're realistic about what you want to do.

Now I just need to get my hands on the machine I ordered. Hopefully everything goes well.

[Tech_Marco]

The K40 comes with bad controller and bad power supply. But I'd the XY stages though. It is a good design and don't under estimate the job it can handle. Someone accuse of the plastic wheel but it's not plastic by made of neylon may be mixed with fiber. You don't need stainless wheel for such small XY and the wheel is adjustable if you pay a little attention to it. Since the laser head is very small and light weight, it wont wore up as stainless. But, the machine I mentioned above must be coming from Shenhui while there are so many copy cat selling similar machine. I don't mean Shenhui make good laser machine and I actually don't like the machine from them. But the small machine they make is specia. It runs very smooth.

If you want it to run better, some day you want want to replace the following parts:
1) X motor. Currently it's running 0.4A, low torque Nema 17. Get something like 0.8A or 1A same size motor

2) Replace the ZnSe focuse lens with higer quality and you will be 20% power boost

But for now, stick with it till you get some knowledge of how to DIY laser. Then, you will do it even without my advise.

You know, I do eBay too and I hate some seller 'cheating'. My price is a little higher than those guys from Hong Kong or China because my items all stock in Ca. And I paid shipping fee for importing, I paid imort tax and I pay unclde Sam 34% tax and I do have support in US. But those seller can sell you junks without the services. Even I complained to eBay and told them that some claimed that they're in US or U.K., but they are not. They're in Hong Kong (HK). Or, I complained that the RF controller diddn't have FCC but my RC unit were certified by FCC. eBay didn't care. All eBay care is money money money! I'm now doing less eBay but doing more on Amazon and on my website. I gained better business rather than doing price game with those non-US seller. I can't beat their price for sure, but they can't beat my services on the other hand. However, customer only focus on price and know not much behind the story though. By the way, be careful those low price laser tube say $175 with S/H. I don't know who make it, where they made it or how could they make money. The price is not making sense at all.

Anyway, I wsh good luck and more anexious to see your work soon. I did post a step by step procedures of how to do K40 conversion. Read through it and it will save you a lot of work

Regards,
Marco

[Toasty]

Marco,

I certainly appreciate the eBay issue with you. I've been doing business on there for several years and have had problems with foreign sellers making exact copies of my items and selling them for next to nothing.

I struggled with getting a laser from eBay but a tight budget forced me to go that route. I am, however, going to get the dsp kit from your site for sure. In fact, I plan on ordering it this week.

Ok... For all of you running your machines several hours a day, what kind of cooling are you using for the tube? Just water or are you using a chiller?

Also, has anyone made a manually adjustable up/down table for their machine? I'll probably buy the one from here when they have them back in stock but I would love to see what everyone else is doing for a table.

I'm also curious to see if anyone has bolted rulers down to the top and left on their table so they have a repeatable starting point for multiple items. All of the USA machines I've ever used have this but I've never seen it on the lasers from China. That's something I'll have to modify right away.

[Tech_Marco]

For the K40, an air-cooled system 2400mm water cooler + dual fan and 2 gallon of water should be good enough. See pictures. No chiller is need as it is a 40W laser. Don't waste money on that unless you have 60W or above, then you will consider a chiller. I'm assuming you're running the machine indoor with 72'F or below.

The production of the power 'Z' table is almost done. It take a couple more days to finish it. Then, it take about 7 days to ship to me. You may want to pre-order now as I may have 20x coming for the 1st patch. Then, then the next patch may take at least a month or longer to get it as Chinese New Year is coming. The whole nation celebrate the new year for about a month.


Marco

[Tech_Marco]

Actually, the new Z table is improved with better threaded rod and panel. Note, the holes array showing in the picture is less than the actual table. I asked the tooling company to double the density as it's better for cutting, especially for the acrylic. The panel is thicker than the prevous version so it won't bent when heavier object loaded.

[waltfl]

Hi toasty,
I can tell you because I did it to build your own up and down table does not come cheaper then marcos table as I did it it was not available at the time.
with the water cooler the version what marco has recomended is very good but you need a digital termmometer the best is one with a switch and adjastable because the laser tube should be driven between 66 and 72 F. below this the tube does not have the working temperature and first heat the tube to this what makes a bad engraving or cutting, above them is dangerous for the tube to be destroyed due to overheating.
I had 5 case during the last 6 month where the guys did not watch it and did go by hand feeling the temperatur and destroyed the tubes.
another priority is the measurment of the curent if you dont wana spend the money for a digital mA meter then connect the existing analog mA meter back between the tube negativ and the laser tube power supply, watch that the cuurent does not exite 18mA here I had another few guys who believed that the DSP takes care ov the curent too thats not the case at all the max power setting should never go above 48% thats 18mA.
I hope this helps
greetings
waltfl

Marco,

I certainly appreciate the eBay issue with you. I've been doing business on there for several years and have had problems with foreign sellers making exact copies of my items and selling them for next to nothing.

I struggled with getting a laser from eBay but a tight budget forced me to go that route. I am, however, going to get the dsp kit from your site for sure. In fact, I plan on ordering it this week.

Ok... For all of you running your machines several hours a day, what kind of cooling are you using for the tube? Just water or are you using a chiller?

Also, has anyone made a manually adjustable up/down table for their machine? I'll probably buy the one from here when they have them back in stock but I would love to see what everyone else is doing for a table.

I'm also curious to see if anyone has bolted rulers down to the top and left on their table so they have a repeatable starting point for multiple items. All of the USA machines I've ever used have this but I've never seen it on the lasers from China. That's something I'll have to modify right away.

[Toasty]

Ok, DSP kit and table ordered. I haven't even turned the original machine on yet!

I have gone through it a bit though. Couple of questions... The laser tube has foam packed around it which obviously has to come off but it also has a clear piece of what looks like packing tape the entire length of the tube. Should that come off? It's really stuck to it and will take forever if it should. I'm sure it will leave a sticky mess too.

Also, it looks like tube was shimmed for alignment on one side with little pieces of cardboard under it (I guess they couldn't find something better even though the other side uses rubber, lol). Since it's touching the tube Is that going to be a problem with the heat of the tube?

I'll try to get a couple of pictures posted in a bit.

[dholling1]

Ok, DSP kit and table ordered. I haven't even turned the original machine on yet!

I have gone through it a bit though. Couple of questions... The laser tube has foam packed around it which obviously has to come off but it also has a clear piece of what looks like packing tape the entire length of the tube. Should that come off? It's really stuck to it and will take forever if it should. I'm sure it will leave a sticky mess too.

Also, it looks like tube was shimmed for alignment on one side with little pieces of cardboard under it (I guess they couldn't find something better even though the other side uses rubber, lol). Since it's touching the tube Is that going to be a problem with the heat of the tube?

I'll try to get a couple of pictures posted in a bit.

Toasty,

I've done the same thing - Z table here Wed and the rest came in today. I had that same piece of tape on the tube. It came off fairly easily and didn't leave any residue that I could see, but I did a pass with a couple of alcohol pads and it's squeaky clean now. I'm also going the 240mm H2O cooling route.