Summary

A 445nm 1.7W laser upgrade to the popular MakerBot 3D printer. Turn your 3D printer into an instant laser cutter! It cuts plastic, hobby balsa wood, paper, foam board, vinyl, and engraves many more materials. Check out the details at http://laser-bot.com

Laser Cutting Solder Stencils Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gaz_gt1olM

Laser Cutting Wood Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQkePnhR8JA

Instructions

This is an upgrade to the MakerBot Thing-o-Matic 3D printer. First you must purchase the laser upgrade kit from J Tech Photonics. Then print out the holder and connector piece. It uses two M3x20 screws to attach the laser to the holder and 2 M4x25 screws to attach the laser holder to the connector pieces. The connector pieces go under the extruder assembly and use the thumb screws that are already there. So, the basic instructions are as follows:

Get laser upgrade kit: http://jtechphotonics.com/?product=1-7w-445nm-laser-diode-and-2-0-amp-adjustable-driver-kit
Print out the Laser Holder, and MakerBot Connector pieces.
Attach the aluminum laser housing to the Laser Holder piece with two M3x20 screws and nuts.
Take off the thumb screws under the extruder and place the printed connector pieces under the extruder and replace the thumb screw through the connector piece. Do this for both sides.
Place the Laser Holder under the two connector pieces and use two M4x25 screws (or whatever you have around that fits) and nuts and tighten. Do this for both sides.
Attach a cable to the heated build platform "motor control" pins and connect to the TTL input of the laser driver board.
Attach a cable to the laser driver board output to the laser connections. Red is + and black is -.
Plug in the laser board with the adapter.
Modify your G Code files with the M106 "laser on" and M107 "laser off" command. Replace M03 with M106 and M05 with M107.
Place something on the platform so you don't ruin it. We used an old CD case lid. It fits right on top of the aluminum build platform on the MakerBot. Or you can use some thick plywood cut to size.
Focus the laser and set 0,0 coordinates.
Press Build! You have a functioning laser cutter!

Remember to use the appropriate safety goggles and safety requirements. This is a project and is using high power lasers. You are responsible and liable for all damages or injury. Use caution.

Check out more details at http://laser-bot.com and our blog at http://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=52

MakerBot Laser Cutter Upgrade - Laser-Bot.com