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*Laser Engraver Conversion*

Discussion in 'Mods and Upgrades' started by cthig, Oct 4, 2017.

  1. cthig

    cthig New Member

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    So I got the new R2 and don't use my R1+ as much so I decided to change it into a laser engraver. I bought the laser and hooked it up to the fan. So I can just click on and off for the laser. The only problem is that I can't run the gcode I have because I have the extruder unplugged (so it won't start). Is there a way to bypass the printer checking for an extruder?
     
  2. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
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    You will need to edit the firmware source and allow it to print with 0°C extruder temp. I think that should be all. I have never looked into this myself, so there may be more to it.
     
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  3. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Pretty sure setting MINTEMP to zero will do it.
     
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  4. daniel871

    daniel871 Well-Known Member

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    So how are you going to tackle issues like evacuating the smoke so it doesn't ruin the laser, while also safely avoiding putting a bunch of toxic fumes off in whatever area you are doing this in?

    Also eye safety since you'll be engraving on top of a highly reflective piece of glass if/whenever the laser strays from the material you are actually engraving?

    Also issues with simply holding the piece of material to be engraved in place?
     
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  5. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Bingo. we use that on ours even though it is never printing on a reflective surface. Be smart.
     
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  6. cthig

    cthig New Member

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    Could someone help me do this and send me the files? I just don't wanna mess my 3D printer.
     
  7. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
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    Now, as any is a good time to learn, read through Configuration.h, it should be obvious.
     
  8. daniel871

    daniel871 Well-Known Member

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    If you don't know how to configure the firmware properly to operate the laser, you really shouldn't be playing with lasers.
     
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  9. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    >You like this<

    No, I LOVE THIS.

    (you'll put your eye out) :)
     
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  10. cthig

    cthig New Member

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    Ok so I changed it and tried to upload it through Arduino program. There are so many just coding errors. I downloaded the ROBO3DR1AUTOV2. I know there are newer ones, but I can't find a download.
    Thanks in advance!
     
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  11. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    If your CONFIGURATION.H is incorrect or from the wrong version you can totally expect that the compiler is going to barf.
    It is not terribly difficult to deal with, but for the inexperienced the arduino compiler and marlin source is a bit of a challenge.
    Easier to just keep everything as simple as possible.
     
  12. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
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    mark tomlinson likes this.

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