Aaron Eastham Network Security & Electronics Program Dept.
of Applied Engineering & Technology Eastern Kentucky
University
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OUTLINE Overview Motivation Introduction Problem Statement
Assumptions Proposed Solution Results Video Conclusions Future Work
References Acknowledgements 2
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MOTIVATION Always wanted one. To see if I could accomplish it.
Save money. Fun to play with. To incorporate a microcontroller into
my project. 3 http://www.mouser.com/arduino/
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INTRODUCTION Ever since I had something laser engraved for me I
have been interested in them. I researched the internet for
different ways to control the machine, laser types and how the
machine moves. There were two different ways to control the
machine: A raspberry pi or an Arduino and I started with the pi
then switched to the Arduino. An in depth knowledge of electronics
and Arduino programming. 4
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PROBLEM STATEMENT The reason I started this project was to make
a low cost laser engraver that I could use as for hobby. Learning
more about software and hardware integration. 5
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ASSUMPTIONS The laser and motor drivers are connected directly
to the microcontroller and when a design is uploaded, it should
output the correct directions. An implicit assumption is that the
person enjoys working with hardware and software, along with the
time and money for the project. 6
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PROPOSED SOLUTION There were many steps to solve this problem.
I tried using a Raspberry Pi and an Arduino, along with two
different types of motor drivers and laser drivers. 7
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SOLUTION CONTINUED Eventually picked the Arduino with
EasyDrivers for stepper motor and a laser with a built in driver.
8
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SOLUTION CONTINUED The assembly of the machine was tricky as
everything had to be perfectly straight or it wouldnt work. 9
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SOLUTION CONTINUED Prototyping for the motor drivers and motors
went as planned but the laser driver proved to be pretty difficult,
one miscalculation and the laser goes up in smoke. 10
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SOLUTION CONTINUED Once everything was together and running I
got to test it out and then troubleshoot the problems. Motors didnt
go as far as they should have. I had to calculate the steps/mm of
my specific threaded rod and motor combo. Then recalibrate the
machine. Laser wouldnt come on when command was given. I found out
that the Arduino is touchy with the ground pins and where they go.
After I figured that out the laser started working. Once the laser
worked it just burned black spots instead of the design. This had a
pretty simple solution of just changing the speed until it
performed as it should. 11
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RESULTS An Arduino controlled laser engraver that uses GRBL to
execute G-Code commands. A laser that can travel left to right
across the X-Axis of the machine, which is connected to the Y-Axis
to allow font to back travel. Auto on/off for laser during
engraving process. 12
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RESULTS CONTINUED 13
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RESULTS CONTINUED 14 AutoCAD Design PrototypeActual Laser
Engraver
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RESULTS CONTINUED 15 AutoCAD Design PrototypeActual Laser
Engraver
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Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SRjOHVzrUA Arduino
Laser Engraver Click to watch video
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CONCLUSIONS In conclusion this project was a great learning
experience of the Arduino platform and circuit design. I learned a
lot about Arduino programming, as this is something I didnt have
much background in, and my electronics knowledge has grown
considerably. 17
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FUTURE WORK Implications: Good learning experience on software
and hardware integration. This project helped with developing good
time management skills. Possible extensions to project Change out
the threaded rod with ball screws for smoother movement. Add a
Z-Axis for possible milling with a power tool such as a dremel
Invite audience for suggestions Thank You for your time!
[email protected] 18
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Comments or Questions? 19
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REFERENCES engravR (RPi Laser Engraver) [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=xxQ33cNIXxUhttps://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xxQ33cNIXxU
Monk, S. (2012, June 6). Adafruits Raspberry Pi Lesson 4 GPIO
Setup. Message posted to
http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-4-gpio-setup/overview.
http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-4-gpio-setup/overview.
McMill, I. (N.D.). Frankenstein Laser Engraver. Retrieved from
http:// www.instructables.com/id/Frankenstein-Laser-Engraver/
www.instructables.com/id/Frankenstein-Laser-Engraver/ TingaWinga5
(Why do laser diodes need driver circuits and how do they work?)
[Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF1dSMcfteohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF1dSMcfteo
Monk, S. (2012, October 31). Arduino Lesson 16 Stepper Motors.
Message posted
http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-16-stepper-motors/overview
http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-16-stepper-motors/overview
Skogsrud, S. (N.D.). Grbl is software for controlling the motion of
machines that make things. Retrieved from
http://bengler.no/grblhttp://bengler.no/grbl 20
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my Dad for letting me
use some scrap material and the machines at his work. I would like
to also thank Zack for putting up with me for all of our group
projects. 21