MegaLaser

The laser cutter we have is nice functional. This is good

It is also small. Hence begins the enlargening.

Plans here will be inspired by Further Fabrication.

Construction plans

Specifications

Build Volume: 1200*2400mm Laser: 100W CO2 (Or better)

Construction: Aluminium Extrusion Frame Safety: Estop + Lid Catches + Laser Proof Plex (Apparently any Perspex Will Do)

Nice To have: Crapveyor to remove gunk

Nice to have: front and at least one end of the casing hinged so full-size sheets can be put in flat. Possible roller at bed height to ease single person operation.

Sourcing + Pricing estimates

Aluminium Extrusion

Building a frame out of Aluminium Extrusion would be easy and quick to assemble, and strong enough for a laser.

Currently overestimating Extrusion dimensions to 1500*300*2500mm to give some slack

Section	Profile	Cuts (mm)	Notes
Base	2020	2*1500+2*2500	-2*20mm On some
Uprights	2040	4*300
Top	2040	2*1500+2*2500	-2*20mm On some
Laser Gantry	2040	1500	Going short length to hopefully reduce sag
Bed	2040	2*1300+2*2450	Hopefully enough slack
Bed Slats	2020	N*1300	N>=2
Outer Enclosure	2020	4*500+2*3000+2*2000	TODO: Close Bounds
Lid	2020	2*2000+2*3000+N*2000	N>=2, -2*20mm On some
Misc Standoffs	2020	500	Hopefully enough slack
Misc Standoffs	2040	500	Hopefully enough slack

"-2*20mm On some" means 2 20mm cuts off either of the sets to make a regular correctly sized rectangle

Total Length:

• 2020: 37.1m
• 2040: 22.8m

Sources of Aluminium Extrusion:

• Misumi:

 * Found under Automation Components -> Framing
 * 2020: €5.4 per m per 4m length
 * 2040: €9.7 per m per 4m length

• | Aluminium Profiles UK:

 * Priced for 6mm slot
 * 2020: £4.40 per m; £0.75 per cut MaxLen 6m
 * 2040: £6.60 per m; £0.75 per cut MaxLen 6m

At Cheapest Price: 38*4.40 + 23*6.60 = £319 ex VAT

Laser

TODO: Laser+Laser Gear Sourcing

Possible: DIY as people have built laser tubes before

Motors

China Express puts Nema17s at <£10 per motor; and 23s at <£20 per motor

Electronics

TODO