Originally Posted by
chuck767
My laser cutting machine project started life as a Shizoka B3-V VMC (vertical machining center).
Although the 180 W laser tube was added, it still can operate as a VMC mill. The final lens hardware is simply removed first.
The original control system was replaced with a Warp9.com ESS motion control, a CNC4PC.com C62 Breakout board and CNCdrives servo drives.
I retain the original FANUC servos and encoders.
A fourth axis was configured using a stepper motor and drive from CNC4PC.com. This 4th axis can be used for regular milling or laser cutting.
The control software is MACH3. It runs on a windows 10 “all-in-one” 21 inch touch screen computer.
The laser is a 180 W RECI W8. The power supply is also RECI. The tube water supply is chilled via with a 1600W Water Chiller.
The laser components were purchased through Lightobjects.com
The laser tube is 73 inches long and is mounted vertically with no mirrors, Just a final lens.
At full power it will cut 5 mm plywood nicely at 140 in./min.
It will cut 1/2 inch cast acrylic at 15 in./min.
I would like to thank the following people for their help on my project.
Arturo with CNC4PC.COM
Andy with
WARP9.COM
Tweakie with WARP9.COM
Marco with
Lightonjects.com
Photos will follow.
— need help adding photos —-