Bit of a broad question. But what is involved in converting a CNC router to use a laser cutting head. Hopefully interchangeably.
Just the outline issues at this time would be welcome. Router is ISEL 850x650 bed.
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Bit of a broad question. But what is involved in converting a CNC router to use a laser cutting head. Hopefully interchangeably.
Just the outline issues at this time would be welcome. Router is ISEL 850x650 bed.
Most consumer grade lasers will (example by analogy) place the CO2 tube parallel with the non-gantry axis, place a 90-degree mirror at the end to direct the beam across the gantry axis, and use a mirror mount on the gantry to divert the beam parallel to the axis, then a 90-degree mirror and focusing lens to direct the beam to the bed. Slave a spindle-on/off signal to gate the HT supply for the tube and job's a good un.
Of course, the whole lot then needs to be in a laser-safe cabinet.
EDIT: That's if you want to use a cheap 40-200w CO2 Chinese tube. If you're just looking to use a laser diode, then I don't really see much of a question to answer.
If you want a laser to cut with then buy a laser machine. Interchangeable anything never works well and when it comes to laser for cutting then it can be downright dangerous and not something that can just be removed easily.