Laser Engraver Forum

500mW is definately on the lowest possible end to be of any use. Usually cheap diodes and optics are used for those low end machines. Decent laser diode modules start in the 2W range and usually cost already the same as these cheap things dumped on Fleabuy. If there is power going to the laser but n...

I still got the same controller as yours complete with dongle if you are desperate for a replacement. If you suspect the dngle check your com port settings and if in doubt remove the com port for the dongle so when you plug it back in Windows will set the port to default settings. Otherwise I have a...

The price difference between a "proper" CO2 laser and one of the many chinese knock-off's is big enough so that many people jump on the wagon. But having a cheap laser cutter can bring expensive problems.... For starters there is the total lack of any safety features on the budget models. ...

Just one extra to save you some time: The adjustment screws on the mirrors work basically for three direct directions. Up, down, diagonal/left/right. With you first adjustments overdo the turns a bit and only use one screw - this way you get really good feeling what screw does what and why. Turn it ...

Was trapped in exactly the same boat and had to do it a few times since I got the machine. Cleaning, fixing, one or two accidents... So I though with the same machine it will be helpful to get some more model specific info on the procedures and traps involved. With a bit of TLC these cheap imports c...

It should not matter from where they get the power. The only thing would be the chiller. If it is regulated by the controller you need to connect it there but if it has a temp setting you can use than again it does not matter from where the power comes. You just need to make sure somehow that both a...

1+ These K40's are notirous for alignment problems! I had to fix a few things on mine as well to ensure all stays aligned. You things you would expect to find in such machines, like spring washers, locking nuts or for fix and forget parts at least thread locker glue. I checked the bed level with a p...

Time for another update I guess ;) The firmware is performing quite stable @ up to 4200mm/min for 8bit engravings at 508DPI. If the resolution is at the standard 270DPI I can get close to 5000mm/min and to around 6000mm/min if I don't care about some pinhole burns at the sides of the engraving. When...

I guess the testing is completed to my satisfaction.
Both vector and 8bit raster engravings work fine.
I will keep the firmware updated together with the main branch if there are any significant changes that concern the use on a K40.
Finally a working laser cutter on the budget

Currently I am in the last stages of getting it all working for the K40 on a new firmware with more options. Initial tests are very promising showing good engraving results at up to 4800mm/min. In a few days I should be able to present a final version that includes the adjustments to display stuff a...