[jmsiefer]

I am designing my own laser cutter (ironically enough, by cutting the parts out using a larger, commercial-sized laser cutter), and I have a question regarding how I should control the laser in terms of turning off and on.

I am planning on replacing my Z-Axis control, so that instead of plunging, it will operate the laser, however I was just curious if there was a circuit out there or something (preferably that I could just purchase), that would act as the relay. Best case, something that would take the 4-wires my stepper is usually connected to. Does anyone know of anything like this?

Any help with this would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you so much!

[cinematic2]

Just buy controller made for laser.
Like Leetro MOPC series (MPC6515, 6525, 6535 or other)

[jmsiefer]

Thanks for the suggestion! I checked out a couple different units of the series, but they all seemed out of the price range for my project. I'm using an Arduino Uno and 2x or 3x Easy Driver circuits. I would modify the Arduino to just trigger a relay for the laser, but that's quite a ways outside of my programing knowledge.

Here's an overview of the project (if interested): GRBL + EasyDriver CNC project - What Sketch Do I Use? - Arduino Forum

So, really I'm looking for a low-cost circuit, rather than a whole new motional controller board. The cost of just one of the boards supersedes the cost of probably my entire project, heheh....

[cinematic2]

Laser Open Source (LAOS)

[jmsiefer]

Definitely more along the lines of my budget. Thank you!

[johnohara]

Hi jmsiefer~

How is the laser turned on and off?

The EasyDriver uses 4 wires to drive the stepper coils (2 wires for each coil). Each time you step the drive it energizes the pins.

~john

[johnohara]

jmsiefer~

Btw, you can test the EasyDriver without using grbl. Straightforward actually.

~john

[jmsiefer]

Thanks for the response, John!

The EasyDriver uses 4 wires to drive the stepper coils (2 wires for each coil). Each time you step the drive it energizes the pins.

Right. The problem though is that it would need to continue sending a signal (of what would be the Z stepper motor) as to continue signaling for the laser to be on, correct?

RE: the EasyDriver boards, how would you connect a relay to one? What I'm looking at is something like this setup-
http://cdn.instructables.com/FA4/TEI...8KRH.LARGE.jpg ... from this tutorial: The MicroSlice | A tiny Arduino laser cutter

Thanks!
-Josh

[cinematic2]

So you aint designing laser cutter.
You designing a toy.
You wont make laser cutter if you cant spend a penny for driver
Regards

[jmsiefer]

@Cinematic2
Criticisms does not a laser cutter make.

The MicroSlice project I provided a link for is using EasyDrivers and an Arduino. Although it's not one of the driver boards that YOU suggested, it IS a means of driving the steppers and operating a small, low-powered laser module for burning.

As I already have access to an industrial laser cutter, I am not interested in making (or just outright purchasing) the same machine. I AM interested in making a project of my own, and one that I can use for working on small projects.

PS: The unit that I am building is similar to the wiring, not the size itself.