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Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter

by kokpat on March 14, 2014

Table of Contents
Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Main Body... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: DIY GRBL shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: Sharing... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: About using the stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: Acting as pen plotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Intro: Arduino 3-axis Mini Lazer Paper-Cutter

Updated : 16/3 Add step 4, about using the stage.
Updated : 18/3 Add photos (cutting vinyl adhesive sheet)
Updated : 19/3 Add step 5, acting as pen plotter
Updated : 20/3 Add laser engraving video (Wood) and photo
Updated : 22/3 Add 2 drawings to show the structures of machine, also visit this link.
+++++++++++++++++++
I read many posts and now I had finished my first mini Lazer Cutter.
The design is simple and reliable ( u can see the video )
+++++++++++++++++++
It is using Arduino Duemilanove + GRBL (0.8c) + 100mW blue/ violet lazer with external battery power supply (5V)
Drawing program is inkscape + gcodetools, gcode sender is Unversai G Code Sender
++++++++++++++++++++
I want to share with u but it is really difficult for me to explain it in english...
I just want to share some experiences, or, may be u can ask me...
Also, most of the technical things (especially about GRBL) u can find in the following articles.
http://www.instructables.com/id/MicroSlice-A-tiny-...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 1: Main Body...

I had read many GRBL lazer-cutter design (especially using CDROM as axis-motor)
most of them is beautiful but I can't made them.
It is because I did not have powerful tools to make them, even prepare a wooden board is difficult to me.
Since I think the axis-motor is running smooth, I use a metal frame together with few blocks to setup the structures.
I think u know how to build it by looking at the photo.
The tricky thing is.... u need to buy 3 small stages...
and all the stage/ metal frame are connected with a wooden block
the circuit in a small plastic box (photo) is a variable DC voltage supply, u can use any similar things instead.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 2: DIY GRBL shield

I am using easydriver for controlling the movement of the stepping motor.
Some website said GRBL support not only Arduino Uno but also Duemilanove, nano.....
So I wonder I can make a shield for easily testing those arduino.
First, I screw the easydriver on a plastic stick, then solder them with wire.
Second, I allow the easydriver connect with arduino by pins (for easy configuration)
Third, I screw the plastic stick on a standard arduino shield and the whole things now can be plug and play with any arduino that come with GRBL.
I had soldered IRF510 for controlling the on/off of the lazer on the shield, together with power jack.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 3: Sharing...
1. I try to make 3-axis CNC miller first with CDROM.... however, the final product really big in size.... if u are interested please watch the video....
2. I make this 3-axis lazer cutter because I can still cut paper whatever the platform is not leveling. just repeat the gcode with different depth...
3. Grbl Controller 3.5 is great but if u are using Arduino Duemilanove, there might be some problems on communication. Also, Grbl controller may have problems in
interpret G-code generate from inkscape. If so, please using other sender...

Step 4: About using the stage

The stage is tricky to use...
U need to drill holes by yourself. (Photo 1)
Also, the gap between the slide and base is little (Photo 2,3), so I drill one hole twice...
first, using appropriate drill size to drill a hole; and the second time I use a large one to make a hole for accommodate the screw head (Photo 4). So, it also the slider
move without blocking by the screw head. (using flat-top screw)
For the stage, all the metal parts is not fix on the epoxy well (the epoxy is fragile), so the better way is using "wooden block" as medium (the epoxy parts are clamp tight
between the wooden board and the screw). Also, if u using wooden board as medium, the holes you drill does not need to be very accurate, because u can make fineadjustment (leveling) on the wooden board and the body frame.
Last but not least, the maximum movable distance is only achieved by applying object with similar width on the top of the slider (Photo 5), so, I can apply a larger working
platform after I had added a wooden board (similar width) on the top of the slider.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Step 5: Acting as pen plotter

This project can convert to pen plotter by replace the lazer diode with writing instrument.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Mini-Pen-Plotter/
Cheers

Related Instructables

Small Arduino
CNC by Make it
BIG

Frankenstein
Laser Engraver
by ianmcmill
Pocket laser
engraver. by
Groover

The MicroSlice
V1 | A tiny
Arduino laser
cutter by
SilverJimny

Printer to vinyl
cutter hack by
liquidhandwash

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Yet Another DIY

Diode Laser
Engraver by
john1a

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Comments
47 comments Add Comment

penelopeblue_330 says:

Aug 4, 2014. 11:10 PM REPLY

I'm planning to make one. this is so rare that you've got a z-axis. can u try and cut acrylics with the reciprocating laser concept? it moves the laser up and
down to compensate for the laser's low power and missed focus (due to the thickness of materials). it'll be fascinating if a mini-walts laser can cut acrylics,
even though time is needed in excess.
see http://builders.reprap.org/2010/08/selective-laser-sintering-part-8.html?m=1

kokpat says:

Aug 5, 2014. 3:07 AM REPLY

I had read the reciprocating laser concept before I make this lazer cutter.
However, I did not have "enough time" to cut a really thick acrylics.
The z-axis actually using reciprocating laser concept which compensate the leveling problem of lazer cutting by repeating cutting.
Also, this z-axis also make it as a pen plotting without much modification.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Mini-Pen-Plotter/

penelopeblue_330 says:

Aug 22, 2014. 10:36 PM REPLY

just 3mm.. is the diode powerful enough?

another curious question to ask
???????

kokpat says:

Aug 24, 2014. 12:48 AM REPLY

I don't think 100mW can make a perfect cut of plastic....

??????????

penelopeblue_330 says:

Aug 24, 2014. 4:15 AM REPLY

??
?? ?????

marcelo.mugen.5 says:

Aug 23, 2014. 11:26 PM REPLY

Great project, awesome!

kokpat says:

Aug 24, 2014. 12:48 AM REPLY

Thank you very much.

djmelvinv says:

Jul 22, 2014. 10:35 AM REPLY

Hi nice instructable! I've built my onw cnc milling machine but it's running on a printer port. Arduino is easy for me but there is one thing I don't understand.
With an arduino uno I can upload a sketch. duration about 5 to 10 seconds. But how does de uno work in this cnc proces? I've read about uploading some
firmware or something. But then when you upload a gcode it overwrites the uploaded firmware right?? second option I thought it worked could be uploading
de firmware an send in realtime the gcode from your Pc trough usb to arduino and arduino drives the stepper drivers and motors. If this is the way it works..
then whats about the 5 to 10 seconds?
Can you please explane the workflow. very much.

kokpat says:

Jul 22, 2014. 8:58 PM REPLY

Arduino itself contain 2K size "bootloader" to "understand" sketch.

This CNC using GRBL.
GRBL overwrite this "bootloader" as firmware. (GRBL can memorize the CNC parameter, even power-off)
This GRBL firmware interprete G-codes files and control the motion of the stepping motor.
So, U still need a PC to produce G-codes files.
and u can not upload any sketch to this Arduino because it did not know what is "sketch" anymore.
(so if u don't want to use GRBL, u need to burn "bootloader" manually)

djmelvinv says:
oooh of course. The bootloader. now I get it. So a spare atmega 328 can be an empty on. Thanks!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Jul 23, 2014. 10:47 PM REPLY

djmelvinv says:

Jul 22, 2014. 10:36 AM REPLY

I mean thank you very much

Itamare says:

Jul 2, 2014. 10:50 AM REPLY

Hey, Great project!

Can you please explain about the laser diode power supply? i'm planning to build the same. and i'm trying to find the parts.
did you use grbl shield? i cant see it in the pictures, i saw only easydriver.
sorry, its suppose to be my first 3d printer project. dont know much about the parts.
thank you

kokpat says:

Jul 2, 2014. 11:26 PM REPLY

Since the laser diode is only 100mW, it is integrated with the power supply circuit and is powered from 3V to 5V DC.
The working current is ~400mA, have a look here.
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.1.w4004-1079671124.21.1Svxas&id=21151415265
I did not use grbl shield, grbl is only the firmware installed in arduino, and the easydriver provide the power for the motor and control the direction and
step of it.

styxswimmer22 says:

Jun 28, 2014. 4:55 PM REPLY

When configuring grbl, what did you calculate the steps per mm ($0, $1, $2 I think) of those stages as? I have the same ones but the lack of proper
datasheet is making it difficult to work out :(

kokpat says:

Jun 29, 2014. 4:46 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/MicroSlice-A-tiny-...
the above article teach u how to calculate the value.
Simply say, if u use the same motor as me, it will be 53.3333 is the pitch of the screw is 3mm, the value will be 90 is the pitch of the screw is 2mm.

ade angelis says:

Apr 8, 2014. 10:31 AM

(removed by author or community request)

kokpat says:

Apr 8, 2014. 8:26 PM REPLY

I had upload GRBL 0.8c to the arduino by xloader, so, the GRBL program will replace the original bootloader of arduino. (GRBL software
https://github.com/grbl)
However, u need to complie the GRBL software to hex (format) before upload to the arduino. It is a kind of DOS work... If u need the complied file, just
email me.
3-axis is great in behavior as pen plotter. U don't need to screw tight the marker pen.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Mini-Pen-P...
U can simply tie the end of the marker pen with a rubber band and that is....
I am uploading a new video to youtube, maybe later u can watch it.
http://youtu.be/uaTH6UmuK9k

ade angelis says:

Apr 9, 2014. 11:42 AM REPLY

That would be great if you could email me the precompiled hex file, as I couldn't manage to compile it propoerly yesterday! Thanks a lot! :) Nice video
btw!!

kokpat says:
Here is the GRBL 0.8c Hex file.
https://app.box.com/s/sw2w2lywk8jsbvc07afb

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Apr 9, 2014. 10:51 PM REPLY

ade angelis says:

Apr 10, 2014. 12:05 AM REPLY

Thank you, I will try it as soon as I build the mini cnc! I'm still studying the theory!! :D Have a good day! :D

kokpat says:

Apr 8, 2014. 8:28 PM REPLY

Here is the pen-plotter look like....

ade angelis says:

Apr 9, 2014. 12:10 AM REPLY

Thank you, I've read the other instructable! what's the code you used to control it?

kokpat says:

Apr 9, 2014. 1:27 AM REPLY

I use Gcode to write capital "A".

It is produced by inkscape + gcodetools, u can find tutorial in youtube.
The sender program is Universal Gcode sender, it can feed arduino with gcode.

ade angelis says:

Apr 9, 2014. 3:04 AM REPLY

Thank you very much!!!

electro18 says:

Apr 4, 2014. 8:38 PM REPLY

Awesome Project :D , voted !

andrea biffi says:

Mar 25, 2014. 8:58 AM REPLY

well done, great project!

soilwork says:

Mar 22, 2014. 7:33 AM REPLY

don't worry about writhing your knowledge in English , do it in your main language,, if the people really want to learn they I'll use Google translator or chrome
plugin,,don't feel bad with commentary's saying why is not in English,,, they're to lazy to translate the page.

kokpat says:

Mar 23, 2014. 11:00 PM REPLY

Thx.
=^.^=

jhall30 says:

Mar 20, 2014. 9:16 AM REPLY

I've seen in this Instructable, and a few places in the comments, an interest in cutting vinyl. With an extremely low-power laser like this one, it's probably not
significant, but it can be dangerous to cut vinyl with a laser, as it produces toxic fumes. Those same fumes can also erode your optics, eventually requiring
replacement of the optics and/or laser tube.
Again, with the low power output of this laser, the outgassing is minimal, but it is something to keep in mind. There are mechanical CNC cutters in the
consumer market that can cut vinyl safely, such as the Cricut Explore (we own a different Cricut, and there are other machines, such as the Silhouette
Cameo, as well). These do cost more than the parts list for this laser cutter, though.
I really like this Instructable, and I might even try it myself! Great job, and don't be discouraged by naysayers!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

kokpat says:

Mar 21, 2014. 5:03 AM REPLY

Thx u very much.

I am a hobbyist, and it is my first time to making 3-axis machine. I wish my son (4 years old, ha ha !) will have the skill of mastering CNC and 3D printing,
but there is no other reason for me to buy one at home. After I saw the one made from old CD ROM, I think maybe I can make one. So, I start from
zero... reading a lot of posts....and finally, I made this.
I believe only maker can understand the happiness of making something, and I just want to share my design for all. From now, I have a chance to learn
and practice how to use drawing software and preparing G-code.
BTW, I do not know "Cricut" before, thx u, it is very interesting... I love it.
=^.^=

dmassote says:

Mar 19, 2014. 6:47 AM REPLY

congratulations. I wish I would have the skills to build one for me.
do you think it is possible for it to write on wood? also, if you have some sort of fan, maybe you could remove the dust while writing. I think a cpu cooler
would do the job.
your instructable is well done. we can follow all steps and understand everything. don't let the bad critics hit you. I wonder if these people speak other
language than english.

kokpat says:

Mar 19, 2014. 11:28 PM REPLY

Thx, you are very kind.

It is time consuming for writing instructable because there is no official name for the materials, especially those very cheap things.
Anyway, I had specially record a video and take a photo about writing on a piece of wood. 100mW lazer can make a sharp image especially repeat the
route or using slower feed rate.
Thx for your encourage. Cheers.

kokpat says:

Mar 19, 2014. 11:33 PM REPLY

For more information, due to the short moving distance of the stage, popsicle is a good choice of wood for laser engraving.

marcoboers says:

Mar 19, 2014. 1:58 AM REPLY

Great job! Wonder if you could share a material list?

kokpat says:

Mar 19, 2014. 2:11 AM REPLY

I had shared in the comment.

The other can see it in photo.
Cheers

Victor8o5 says:

Mar 18, 2014. 10:27 AM REPLY

Now I've seen it I want to make one to cut circuit designs out of vinyl adhesive sheets and to stick them on pcb's to make a defined etch without effort.

mario59 says:

Mar 16, 2014. 8:28 AM REPLY

Ciao!
You did a fantastic job! congratulation for it's semplicity.
Can you show me where you bought the blue/violet laser?
thanks!
Mario

kokpat says:
The price for making it (regard the prototype) is about US$65. It really unbeatable....
I can give my supplier link for your reference....
Shop A - Lazer - RMB 66
http://trade.taobao.com/trade/detail/tradeSnap.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.41.hrPuB1&tradeID=541608169255487
Shop A - Stage - RMB 26.90
http://trade.taobao.com/trade/detail/tradeSnap.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.45.hrPuB1&tradeID=541608169265487

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Mar 16, 2014. 9:08 AM REPLY

Shop B - Easydriver - RMB 26.00

http://tradearchive.taobao.com/trade/detail/tradeSnap.htm?spm=a1z09.2.9.266.hrPuB1&tradeID=458684926385487

Shanjaq says:

Mar 15, 2014. 5:38 PM REPLY

How are the stages connected to the wooden blocks? I don't see any screw-holes in the ebay listing pictures, did you use epoxy?

kokpat says:

Mar 15, 2014. 7:10 PM REPLY

I add "step 4" to explain this.

Cheers

Tex Arcana says:

Mar 14, 2014. 11:53 PM REPLY

Perhaps it's time that Instructables.com developed or offered an editorial service, so situations like this could be eliminated by cleaning up the text for the
author.

kokpat says:

Mar 15, 2014. 2:15 AM REPLY

Thanks.
I want to share that the main problem to write a post here is... I don't know the English name of the tools/ things and even the products that I made. It is
because most of the tools/ things present here is not covered in common textbook vocabulary. So, I need spend quit a long time to search the name in
internet...
For example, "pizza saver" and "fish tank divider"
Anyway, to help my poor presentation, I always add many photos and video in the instructable. I think most of the people here can understand/ feel what
I am described.

DTOM_Bear says:

Mar 15, 2014. 1:31 AM REPLY

There's the "English Language Help" section of the Community Forum.

Antzy Carmasaic says:

Mar 15, 2014. 12:40 AM REPLY

That looks awesome. The third axis is for focusing the laser only?

kokpat says:

Mar 15, 2014. 1:58 AM REPLY

In this case, the third axis is for focusing the laser.
In fact, I just want to master GRBL and making three axis seems more interesting that two (and more flexible, like convert the design to microscope....)

mohamed4data says:

Mar 14, 2014. 12:29 PM REPLY

coool

gada888 says:
COOl

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-3-axis-Mini-Lazer-Paper-Cutter/

Mar 14, 2014. 3:07 AM REPLY