Fiber-Laser-user-guide: Difference between revisions
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Aspontarelli (talk | contribs) (Created page with "{| | width="33%" |'''Shop Area:''' Rapid Prototyping '''Tool:''' Fiber Laser Engraver <span style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="background-color:#B22222;">'''Requires in-person training:''' Yes</span></span> | width="33%" |'''Procedure Number''' UG 120-03, Rev. 0 | width="33%" |'''Date''' 12/12/2023 |} =GENERAL= The 80 watt SFX MOPA fiber laser is used to engrave metals and can even generate color on stainless steel and titanium. The laser is controlled using the Li...") |
Espontarelli (talk | contribs) (add cutting settings) |
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=GENERAL= | =GENERAL= | ||
The 80 watt SFX MOPA fiber laser is used to engrave metals and can even generate color on stainless steel and titanium. The laser is controlled using the LightBurn software, just like the CO2 lasers, but there are more variables to control using the fiber laser. The five key variables are: | [[File:Fiber laser.jpg|thumb|400x400px|Fiber Laser]] | ||
[[File:Fiber-laser-sample.png|thumb|Material test on stainless steel]] | |||
The 80 watt SFX MOPA fiber laser is used to engrave metals, some plastics, and can even generate color on stainless steel and titanium. The laser is controlled using the LightBurn software, just like the CO2 lasers, but there are more variables to control using the fiber laser. The five key variables are: | |||
# Power | # Power | ||
| Line 19: | Line 21: | ||
# Interval (line spacing) | # Interval (line spacing) | ||
# Frequency | # Frequency | ||
# Q-Pulse | # Q-Pulse (pulse width) | ||
Each of these variables plays an important role in creating the engraving you desire. Below are reasonable ranges of values you can expect to use for each of these variables; however, the specific values you need for your project are best found by using LightBurn's Material Test tool, which generates a table of engravings that modify two variables at a time. This tool can be found in | Each of these variables plays an important role in creating the engraving you desire. Below are reasonable ranges of values you can expect to use for each of these variables; however, the specific values you need for your project are best found by using LightBurn's Material Test tool, which generates a table of engravings that modify two variables at a time. This tool can be found in Laser Tools -> Material Test Generator. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|+ | |+ | ||
| Line 28: | Line 30: | ||
!Units | !Units | ||
!Typical Range | !Typical Range | ||
!Full Range | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Power | |Power | ||
|% | |% | ||
|0 - 100 | |||
|0 - 100 | |0 - 100 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 36: | Line 40: | ||
|mm/s | |mm/s | ||
|500 - 2500 | |500 - 2500 | ||
|0 - 7000 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Interval | |Interval | ||
|mm | |mm | ||
|0.01 - | |0.001 - .01 | ||
|0.0001 - .1 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Frequency | |Frequency | ||
|KHz | |KHz | ||
|50 - 200 | |50 - 200 | ||
|1 - 4000 | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Q-Pulse | |Q-Pulse | ||
|nS | |nS | ||
|20 - 80 | |20 - 80 | ||
|2 - 500 | |||
|} | |} | ||
=SAFETY= | =SAFETY= | ||
*The lasering process may generate smoke and gasses that can harm you and damage the machine. | *The lasering process may generate smoke and gasses that can harm you and damage the machine. Research the material you're cutting and use the fume extractor to minimize these gasses. | ||
*Lasers are a fire hazard. Keep extinguishers close and NEVER leave the machine unattended. | *Lasers are a fire hazard. Keep extinguishers close and NEVER leave the machine unattended. | ||
*Do not look directly at the laser beam. The fiber laser outputs in the 1024nm wavelength and requires appropriate eye protection. | *Do not look directly at the laser beam. The fiber laser outputs in the 1024nm wavelength and requires appropriate eye protection. | ||
*The high intensity laser beam can produce extremely high temperatures and significant amounts of heat. | *The high intensity laser beam can produce extremely high temperatures and significant amounts of heat. | ||
*The fiber laser is not enclosed, can be very quiet, and is not visible. Please let others in the room know when you are firing the laser so that they can look away. Also keep hands outside the firing area while in operation. | |||
=REFERENCE= | =REFERENCE= | ||
*Beginner Fiber Laser Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=166k8PRUnWQ | |||
*LightBurn Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdqMW3F_iIU | *LightBurn Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdqMW3F_iIU | ||
* | *Suggested Fiber Laser Settings: https://www.lasertips.org/ | ||
*Science of laser surface coloring: https://pubs.aip.org/aip/app/article/4/5/051101/123334/Surface-coloring-by-laser-irradiation-of-solid | |||
* | *SFX Fiber Laser User Manual: [[Media:SFX Fiber Laser User-Manual.pdf| SFX Fiber Laser User Manual.pdf]] | ||
* | |||
=PROCEDURE = | |||
# Set your material on the work surface. The M6 threaded holes on the work surface can be used to hold and/or align your material. The grid pattern should be perfectly aligned with the laser, so if it is not, please let staff know. | |||
#Adjust the height of the laser head so that the correct focal distance is achieved. This is done by turning on the red laser indicator with the button under the monitor. You should see a red laser line and a laser dot. Use the handwheel on top of the laser to move the head until the line and dot overlap one another. | |||
#LightBurn is the software for controlling the laser. Ensure at the bottom right of LightBurn that the JCZFiber device is selected. The remaining workflow follows that of the CO2 lasers. | |||
==Settings for Cutting== | |||
[[File:Cutting.png|thumb|415x415px|Example settings for cutting .016" metal.]] | |||
The laser cutter can cut thin sheet metal. To do so, power should be at 100% and speed at 100mm/s or slower. Increasing Q-Pulse to the maximum (500) and adjust frequency as needed for sharpness and clarity. | |||
Most cutting operations will require multiple passes (usually 10 or more). Metal may warp during the cutting, so it is recommended to use hold downs around your piece. A scrap pieced under your material will save the laser bed from deep marks and engravings. | |||
==Rotary Engraving== | ==Rotary Engraving== | ||
The laser cutter can perform rotary operations using the U-axis. The general procedure is as follows: | The laser cutter can perform rotary operations using the U-axis. The general procedure is as follows: | ||
#Navigate to Tools > Rotary Settings. Click the Enable Rotary button and set either the Object Diameter or Object Circumference to match your part's dimensions. | #Navigate to Tools > Rotary Settings. Click the Enable Rotary button and set either the Object Diameter or Object Circumference to match your part's dimensions. | ||
#Use ‘Start from current position’ in Lightburn | #Use ‘Start from current position’ in Lightburn | ||
| Line 93: | Line 89: | ||
#Send job (not start) from Lightburn to laser | #Send job (not start) from Lightburn to laser | ||
#Load file from control panel by pressing File -> filename. Then run job by pressing start button on control panel. | #Load file from control panel by pressing File -> filename. Then run job by pressing start button on control panel. | ||
#DO NOT FORGET to disable rotary when finished. Tools > Rotary Settings, deactivate Enable Rotary. Otherwise the machine will not work for the next person. | # DO NOT FORGET to disable rotary when finished. Tools > Rotary Settings, deactivate Enable Rotary. Otherwise the machine will not work for the next person. | ||
=TROUBLESHOOTING= | =TROUBLESHOOTING= | ||
Latest revision as of 13:58, 2 January 2025
| Shop Area: Rapid Prototyping
Tool: Fiber Laser Engraver Requires in-person training: Yes |
Procedure Number
UG 120-03, Rev. 0 |
Date
12/12/2023 |
GENERAL
The 80 watt SFX MOPA fiber laser is used to engrave metals, some plastics, and can even generate color on stainless steel and titanium. The laser is controlled using the LightBurn software, just like the CO2 lasers, but there are more variables to control using the fiber laser. The five key variables are:
- Power
- Speed
- Interval (line spacing)
- Frequency
- Q-Pulse (pulse width)
Each of these variables plays an important role in creating the engraving you desire. Below are reasonable ranges of values you can expect to use for each of these variables; however, the specific values you need for your project are best found by using LightBurn's Material Test tool, which generates a table of engravings that modify two variables at a time. This tool can be found in Laser Tools -> Material Test Generator.
| Parameter | Units | Typical Range | Full Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | % | 0 - 100 | 0 - 100 |
| Speed | mm/s | 500 - 2500 | 0 - 7000 |
| Interval | mm | 0.001 - .01 | 0.0001 - .1 |
| Frequency | KHz | 50 - 200 | 1 - 4000 |
| Q-Pulse | nS | 20 - 80 | 2 - 500 |
SAFETY
- The lasering process may generate smoke and gasses that can harm you and damage the machine. Research the material you're cutting and use the fume extractor to minimize these gasses.
- Lasers are a fire hazard. Keep extinguishers close and NEVER leave the machine unattended.
- Do not look directly at the laser beam. The fiber laser outputs in the 1024nm wavelength and requires appropriate eye protection.
- The high intensity laser beam can produce extremely high temperatures and significant amounts of heat.
- The fiber laser is not enclosed, can be very quiet, and is not visible. Please let others in the room know when you are firing the laser so that they can look away. Also keep hands outside the firing area while in operation.
REFERENCE
- Beginner Fiber Laser Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=166k8PRUnWQ
- LightBurn Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdqMW3F_iIU
- Suggested Fiber Laser Settings: https://www.lasertips.org/
- Science of laser surface coloring: https://pubs.aip.org/aip/app/article/4/5/051101/123334/Surface-coloring-by-laser-irradiation-of-solid
- SFX Fiber Laser User Manual: SFX Fiber Laser User Manual.pdf
PROCEDURE
- Set your material on the work surface. The M6 threaded holes on the work surface can be used to hold and/or align your material. The grid pattern should be perfectly aligned with the laser, so if it is not, please let staff know.
- Adjust the height of the laser head so that the correct focal distance is achieved. This is done by turning on the red laser indicator with the button under the monitor. You should see a red laser line and a laser dot. Use the handwheel on top of the laser to move the head until the line and dot overlap one another.
- LightBurn is the software for controlling the laser. Ensure at the bottom right of LightBurn that the JCZFiber device is selected. The remaining workflow follows that of the CO2 lasers.
Settings for Cutting
The laser cutter can cut thin sheet metal. To do so, power should be at 100% and speed at 100mm/s or slower. Increasing Q-Pulse to the maximum (500) and adjust frequency as needed for sharpness and clarity. Most cutting operations will require multiple passes (usually 10 or more). Metal may warp during the cutting, so it is recommended to use hold downs around your piece. A scrap pieced under your material will save the laser bed from deep marks and engravings.
Rotary Engraving
The laser cutter can perform rotary operations using the U-axis. The general procedure is as follows:
- Navigate to Tools > Rotary Settings. Click the Enable Rotary button and set either the Object Diameter or Object Circumference to match your part's dimensions.
- Use ‘Start from current position’ in Lightburn
- Jog x and y on the control panel to move the laser to the required starting point on the work
- Press ‘Origin’ button on the control panel
- Send job (not start) from Lightburn to laser
- Load file from control panel by pressing File -> filename. Then run job by pressing start button on control panel.
- DO NOT FORGET to disable rotary when finished. Tools > Rotary Settings, deactivate Enable Rotary. Otherwise the machine will not work for the next person.