Anonymous

Changes

From Pumping Station One
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| arrived= January 2017
 
| arrived= January 2017
 
| doesitwork=yes
 
| doesitwork=yes
| contact=[[CNC|CNC Area Host]]  
+
| contact=[[CNC|Lasers Area Host]]  
 
| where=CNC Shop
 
| where=CNC Shop
| certification=yes  
+
| certification=yes
 
| hackable=no  
 
| hackable=no  
 
| value=$17,000
 
| value=$17,000
 
| image = BossLaser2.jpg
 
| image = BossLaser2.jpg
| hostarea = CNC
+
| hostarea = Lasers
 
}}
 
}}
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== About ==
 
== About ==
   −
The BOSS LS-3655 is an industrial CO2 laser engraver with a 36" x 55" bed, supporting over-sized material pass-thru on four sides and up to 7 inches of table depth.  Originally shipped with 100W tube, but that has been replaced with 150W tube in May, 2017.
+
The BOSS LS-3655 is an industrial CO2 laser engraver with a 35.4" x 55.1" bed, supporting over-sized material pass-thru on four sides and up to 7 inches of table depth.  Originally shipped with 100W tube, but that has been replaced with 150W tube in May, 2017.
 +
 
 +
Machine dimensions are 82" x 57" x 45".
    
== Status ==
 
== Status ==
   −
* (2018/02/26) Working. Z-Axis motor having some issues? 2-25-2018
+
CURRENT UPDATES
* (2017/05/20) 150W Tube & Power Supply installed. Alignment & focusing pending.
+
 
* (2017/06/12) The laser has been aligned and focused. 2" Laser lens focal depth set to 5.1mm.
+
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lo9PNANkkx4Dl1Sy7DjJ_oA8nAStV7FFLykrrypabKM/edit?usp=sharing * CLICK TO VIEW CURRENT STATUS OF ALL LASER SYSTEMS] *
 +
 
 +
== Software ==
 +
 
 +
*The software that drives the Boss laser from the attached computer is called RDWorksV8, the version that is appropriate to use is 8.01.18
 +
*That is not the most recent version of the software, but it is the most recent approved version for PS1. If you are having issues with RDWorks, verify that you are using the correct version of the software.
 +
*If your old shortcut to RDWorks doesn't work, go to start/C:/Program Files/RDWorks and open the program by clicking the application in that folder. DO NOT MOVE THAT APP TO YOUR OWN DESKTOP. You can create a new shortcut to it, but please do not move it.
    
== Usage Policy ==
 
== Usage Policy ==
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* Waiting users shall notify the current user verbally that they are waiting and where they will be waiting until it is their turn. If multiple users are waiting, the next waiting user must start their test cutting or cut job within 10 minutes of being notified of a laser opening. The current user will keep a record of who is waiting, where they will be, and notify subsequent users of the status of the queue. The current user will find the next waiting user and verbally inform them that the laser is available.
 
* Waiting users shall notify the current user verbally that they are waiting and where they will be waiting until it is their turn. If multiple users are waiting, the next waiting user must start their test cutting or cut job within 10 minutes of being notified of a laser opening. The current user will keep a record of who is waiting, where they will be, and notify subsequent users of the status of the queue. The current user will find the next waiting user and verbally inform them that the laser is available.
   −
== Authorizations ==
+
== Authorization ==
 +
 
 +
Authorization for the laser is not virtual, meaning you must fill out this [https://forms.gle/9HSYAVLtJuPLWixXA Sign Up Form] to schedule an onsite authorization.
 +
 
 +
The laser volunteers will be notified automatically after the form is submitted. You will then be contacted when the next authorization is scheduled. (approx. every 2 weeks at the authorizers discretion)
 +
 
 +
If no authorizations are scheduled in the next 30 days, then post on #lasers slack channel; look for a recent thread about laser authorizations and post there.
 +
 
 +
Please review the wiki and the reference materials before attending an authorization.
 +
 
 +
If you have other questions after the reviewing the wiki and reaching out on #lasers slack channel please contact [email protected]
 +
 
 +
====Area Host====
 +
* [[wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Category:CNC]]
   −
How to get authorized: contact the CNC Area Host or one of the Volunteer Authorizers. There's a sign posted in the CNC area that has names of people that are laser authorizers.
+
====Volunteer authorizers:====
 +
*Jeff Zelnio
   −
Since demand fluctuates, and there are a random group of new and old members that want to be authorized at any one time, it makes sense to find the others and figure out your group schedule/plan. There generally is NOT going to be a calendar-based or widely publicized meetup event; you will have to conctact and make arrangements with actual people, at least until the Canvas Learning Management System is implemented more fully. http://canvas.pumpingstationone.org
      
=== Preparing yourself to become authorized ===
 
=== Preparing yourself to become authorized ===
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* 1. Know what you're doing as best as you can - come pre-trained on your own time to make the authorization go smoother and faster.
 
* 1. Know what you're doing as best as you can - come pre-trained on your own time to make the authorization go smoother and faster.
* 2. Have a PS1 username set up before starting the authorization http://members.pumpingstationone.org
+
* 2. Have a PS1 username set up before starting the authorization http://membership.pumpingstationone.org
 +
 
 
* 3. Have some familiarity with the kinds of files you would bring to the Boss to cut.
 
* 3. Have some familiarity with the kinds of files you would bring to the Boss to cut.
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You can read a bit of the manual, which is also linked on this page, or watch some YouTube videos.  
 
You can read a bit of the manual, which is also linked on this page, or watch some YouTube videos.  
   −
To set up a PS1 username (this is NOT the email address you use, it's a different thing, it's entirely special to PS1) go to http://members.pumpingstationone.org, and click "Activate" ... if you don't already have a PS1 username.  
+
Bring files in from Adobe Illustrator in Illustrator format, with lines set to have SOME sort of stroke, I'd recommend 1 point stroke, and some simple color applied to the stroke for each "layer" you want to have in RDWorks. You will want to have one color/layer assigned for each type or strength of cut/engrave you'll be doing in that job. For instance, you might want a deep engraving, a shallow engraving, a cut that goes all the way through the material and maybe a cut that just barely touches the top surface (called a 'kiss cut) and that would mean you would need four distinct colors of stroke used in your file. You should investigate the usefullness of SVG, DXF and DWG files as well, but Illustrator files will give you the best first experiences.  
   −
You will want to bring files in from Adobe Illustrator in Illustrator format, with lines set to have SOME sort of stroke, I'd recommend 1 point stroke, and some simple color applied to the stroke for each "layer" you want to have in RDWorks. You will want to have one color/layer assigned for each type or strength of cut/engrave you'll be doing in that job. For instance, you might want a deep engraving, a shallow engraving, a cut that goes all the way through the material and maybe a cut that just barely touches the top surface (called a 'kiss cut) and that would mean you would need four distinct colors of stroke used in your file. You should investigate the usefullness of SVG, DXF and DWG files as well, but Illustrator files will give you the best first experiences.
+
Authorizations will be limited to small groups, e.g. 4 or less, due to nature of the equipment.
 
  −
Authorizations will be limited to small groups, e.g. 4 or less, due to nature of the equipment.  
      +
== Troubleshooting ==
 +
* Grinding noise; TBD; was grinding, but grinding stopped once the head was moved away from the sensors and the machine restarted.
 +
* There is a small yellow proximity sensor just behind and to the right of the "head" when it returns to home position.
 +
* If the sensor gets pushed out of position, off at an angle, then the grinding will happen. If you return it to vertical, this will stop and it will return to home without complaining.
 +
* RDWorks is already installed on the machine for everyone to use, but you might have to find it by clicking Start/C:/Program Files/RDWorks and add a shortcut to your own desktop, start menu, or taskbar.
 +
* Don't move the RDWorks instance that you find ... you will disable other users' shortcuts that they've made on their desktop, start menu or taskbar. If you can't get the instance to work, get help from an admin; it's probably been moved somewhere awkward by another user.
 +
* Software requests an admin password; you may be using the most current version of the RD Works software, but maybe you shouldn't.
 +
* The current version has some bugs, evidently, so use the tip hidden below under "resources" to fix the problem for you.
 +
* You should be using RDWorksV8, version 8.01.18
 +
* If the language for RDWorks (the Boss control software) is showing garbage, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwhQ2xzV1xo&feature=youtu.be follow this video].
    
==Power-On & Safety Check==
 
==Power-On & Safety Check==
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== Settings ==
 
== Settings ==
 +
[https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/Boss_Laser_Settings Laser Settings Page]
 +
 
* Honeycomb vs. Aluminum Lamella : The honeycomb is used for engraving and pieces that benefit from precise leveling. Use the aluminum lamella (slats under honeycomb) for cutting through to reduce flashback and improve airflow (warning small pieces will  fall through).
 
* Honeycomb vs. Aluminum Lamella : The honeycomb is used for engraving and pieces that benefit from precise leveling. Use the aluminum lamella (slats under honeycomb) for cutting through to reduce flashback and improve airflow (warning small pieces will  fall through).
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== Procedures ==
 
== Procedures ==
 +
[https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/BOSS_Usage Boss Usage]
 +
 +
[https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/BOSS_Maintenance Boss Maintenance]
    
=== Powering On Machine ===
 
=== Powering On Machine ===
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* Turn power key
 
* Turn power key
 
* Turn on air assist & water chiller Switch & ensure both are functioning
 
* Turn on air assist & water chiller Switch & ensure both are functioning
 +
* Turn on exhaust switch and ensure it is functioning. (Gray Switch to the left of the machine)
    
=== Powering Off Machine ===
 
=== Powering Off Machine ===
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== Material Safety & Information ==
 
== Material Safety & Information ==
 +
WARNING: Because many plastics are dangerous to cut, it is important to know what kind you are planning to use. If you are unsure of your materials composition, don’t cut it with the laser. You can request a SDS from your material supplier for specific information on the plastic you have or are considering using.
 +
 +
=== NEVER CUT THESE MATERIALS ===
 +
** Any material containing chlorine:
 +
***PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride)
 +
***Vinyl
 +
***Pleather
 +
***Artificial leather
 +
**Plastics:
 +
*** Polycarbonate/Lexan – [Thick ( >1mm )]
 +
*** ABS
 +
*** HDPE/milk bottle plastic
 +
** Foams:
 +
*** PolyStyrene Foam
 +
*** PolyPropylene Foam
 +
*** Gatorfoam (fire prone)
 +
*** PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
 +
** Other:
 +
*** Epoxy
 +
*** Fiberglass
 +
*** Coated Carbon Fiber
 +
***Any foodstuff ( such as meat, seaweed 'nori' sheets, bread, tortillas... )
 +
 
=== Safe Materials for Cutting ===
 
=== Safe Materials for Cutting ===
 
** Plastics:
 
** Plastics:
*** ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
   
*** Acrylic (also known as Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)
 
*** Acrylic (also known as Plexiglas, Lucite, PMMA)
 
*** Delrin (POM, acetal)
 
*** Delrin (POM, acetal)
*** High density polyethylene (HDPE) – melts badly
   
*** Kapton tape (Polyimide)
 
*** Kapton tape (Polyimide)
 
*** Mylar (polyester)
 
*** Mylar (polyester)
 
*** Nylon – melts badly
 
*** Nylon – melts badly
*** PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
  −
*** Polyethylene (PE) – melts badly
  −
*** Polypropylene (PP) – melts somewhat
   
*** Styrene
 
*** Styrene
 
*** Two-tone acrylic – top color different than core material, usually for custom instrumentation panels, signs, and plaques.
 
*** Two-tone acrylic – top color different than core material, usually for custom instrumentation panels, signs, and plaques.
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*** Depron foam – often used for RC planes.
 
*** Depron foam – often used for RC planes.
 
*** EPM
 
*** EPM
*** Gator foam – foam core gets burned and eaten away compared to the top and bottom hard shell.
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*** <s>Gator foam – foam core gets burned and eaten away compared to the top and bottom hard shell.</s> ''(Removed due to fire prone)''
 
** Other:
 
** Other:
 
*** Cloths (leather, suede, felt, hemp, cotton)
 
*** Cloths (leather, suede, felt, hemp, cotton)
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*** Woods (MDF, balsa, birch, poplar, red oak, cherry, holly, etc.)
 
*** Woods (MDF, balsa, birch, poplar, red oak, cherry, holly, etc.)
   −
=== MATERIALS NOT SAFE ===
+
==== Aligning Materials ====
** Polycarbonate (PC, Lexan) due to the fumes.
  −
** Any material containing chlorine such as PVC & Vinyl
     −
==== Aligning Materials ====
   
** The table is not aligned with the laser's X-Y axis
 
** The table is not aligned with the laser's X-Y axis
 
** To align your material use the laser pointer by holding one axis constant while moving along the other axis to align corners of your material
 
** To align your material use the laser pointer by holding one axis constant while moving along the other axis to align corners of your material
 +
 +
== Laser Materials and the Woodshop Table-Saw Saw-stop ==
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 +
*Conductive materials such as aluminum and other metals, carbon fiber materials, mirrored acrylic, carbon-filled materials, etc. will typically cause the brake to activate.
 +
*Carbon from lasered wood or lasered plywood is also conductive and will trigger the saw stop. do not use the table saw to cut your material. Once you have lasered a piece of wood,
 +
**The band saw can be used instead for both mirrored acrylic and lasered wood. Use safety goggles when using the bandsaw in general, but especially when using it to cut acrylic. (NOTE: authorization is required for the table saw and the bandsaw, so attending a woodshop authorization might be a good idea).
 +
 +
    
== Resources ==
 
== Resources ==
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[https://rdworkslab.com/index.php Forum for RDworks user group]
 
[https://rdworkslab.com/index.php Forum for RDworks user group]
   −
If the language for RDWorks (the Boss control software) is showing garbage, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwhQ2xzV1xo&feature=youtu.be follow this video].
+
=== ''Engraving a curved surface'' ===
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* [https://www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Engrave-Metal Engraving a flask]
 +
* There is thought to be a BOSS rotary attachment to assist with working with curved surfaces, but have yet to find it.
   −
== Youtube Channels ==
+
=== ''Youtube Channels'' ===
 
Following are a couple good YouTube Channels with lots of information on the software and machine
 
Following are a couple good YouTube Channels with lots of information on the software and machine
 
* [https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=BOSS+LS-3655+150w+Laser+Engraver SarbarMultimedia]
 
* [https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&returnto=BOSS+LS-3655+150w+Laser+Engraver SarbarMultimedia]
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== Cleaning & Maintenance ==
+
== Cleaning, Alignment & Maintenance ==
 +
 
 +
General info below. More here: [[wiki.pumpingstationone.org/BOSS_Maintenance]]
 +
 
 +
* Clean out air filter once a week using the Shopvac.
 +
* Sometimes the nozzle itself can get clogged with soot & debris so make sure to clean that out as well.
 +
* Advanced maintenance is performed by trained volunteers. Please do not attempt to align or diagnose the Boss unless you have clearance from the Laser Area Host.
 +
 
 +
'''Alignment Links'''
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 +
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0vDsiq7uyvPdWtBQzdoRHp4R3FMMXFDMVpFb3FYb0YxRW9Z/view Official Alignment Document from BOSS (29 pages, 16MB)]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY5D27TQwZI BOSS Laser Alignment 1 (Youtube, April 2015)]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdddRNDg3tY BOSS Laser Alignment 2 (Youtube, October 2015)]
 +
* From BOSS: "It (the old video) is a source for alignment but it an old video and we have a new one coming out soon....[the] alignment document is the most recent source that we have...the video starts with tube leveling, please refrain from doing that if you can because that will make you have to adjust every mirror moving forward."
 +
 
 +
== Signage ==
   −
* When changing the lens, make sure the convex/domed side of the lens is facing upwards (towards the ceiling)
+
* [[:File:boss_laser_safety_checklist.afdesign.zip|BOSS Laser Safety Checklist - Affinity Designer]]
* Focus Lens should be cleaned once a week with Acetone or Denatured Alcohol
+
* [[:File:boss_laser_safety_checklist.pdf|BOSS Laser Safety Checklist - PDF]]
 +
* [https://github.com/pumpingstationone/ps1-design/tree/master/icons Icons]
   −
== List of Currently Certified Users ==
+
== List of Currently Authorized Users ==
    
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
 
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
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! Trained By
 
! Trained By
 
! Date
 
! Date
 +
|-
 +
|Nikolas Gamarra
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|9/5/2019
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Andrew Camardella
 
|Andrew Camardella
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|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
|Skylar Nova
+
|Sky Nova
 
|Danger Committee  
 
|Danger Committee  
 
|
 
|
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|05/04/2018
 
|05/04/2018
 
|-
 
|-
 
+
|Chris Laurent
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|07/06/2018
 +
|-
 +
|[[user:thingsspun|Jake Chaitkin]]
 +
|Nick Prorok
 +
|2018-07-09
 +
|-
 +
|[[user:aidanfowler12|Aidan Fowler]]
 +
|Ray Doeksen
 +
|2018-08-02
 +
|-
 +
|Farsheed Hamidi-Toosi
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|2018-10-03
 +
|-
 +
|Oliver Sanchez
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|2018-12-19
 +
|-
 +
|Alex Biardo
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|03/06/19
 +
|-
 +
|Greg Bell
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|03/23/19
 +
|-
 +
|Paul Ocampo
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|-
 +
|[[User:Robge|Rob German]]
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|09/19/19
 +
|-
 +
|Connar Rosebraugh
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|10/03/19
 +
|-
 +
|Ellen Lustig
 +
|Jeff Z
 +
|10/21/19
 +
|-
 
[[Category:Laser Cutter]]
 
[[Category:Laser Cutter]]
 
[[Category:Fabrication]]
 
[[Category:Fabrication]]
 
[[Category:Certification Clarification Needed]]
 
[[Category:Certification Clarification Needed]]
21

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