Sunday, June 29, 2014

Laser Cube - An Enjoyable Laser Engraver and Cutter




It seems these day 3D printers and Laser cutter/engravers are all the rage! Laser Cube aims to please with a great design and extremely low price point( at least for us backers!). Just a couple of days in and Laser Cube doubled their goal! Now unlocking and adding new stretch goals. I have wanted a laser cutter/engraver for a while now, however they are usually costly and have to be carefully assembled( I personally don't trust myself assembling a laser cutter/engraver, for safety reasons). I pledged for a fully assembled model, however they do still have many kits available. 

If you decide to back them, please leave a comment on their campaigns comment page that you found their project through IamABacker.com , Thank you.

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Laser Cube is an open source and economical laser engraver/cutter kit . It is so easy to use and have pleasure from it .

What is laser Cube: 

The cost-effective laser cube is an entry level desktop cutter or engraver design for hobbyists. Its technology is by using powerful laser to cut or engrave on materials such as wood,leather,bamboo, plastic, paper and other materials


We use the software is The LaserCube operating by GRBL http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/GRBL Grbl Controller 3.61 http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Grbl_Controller to Send G-code to the machine.


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Video for showing you the cutting on foam/ 10 x normal speed


Video showing you the engraving on cellphone case/


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 Laser Cube is also as a kit ,it comes with all the parts you need to    assemble and operate your own laser cube.


 Engraving wood ,plastic,and paper


Engraving some gift cards 


 Engraving chocolate & Bar Code & Coffee Stir Stick

How did the Laser Cube come out?

Open source is the idea to bring everyone knowledge to accessible his/her self-build up work. I have been studying and thinking about how to use these source to make an own Laser Cube .This ideal Laser Cube could work high-capable , easy to use, carried or moved, and enjoyable! For this goal, I explored on internet and collect all valuable knowledge and hardware necessaries. Fortunately,  I had my very original laser box down in April. I did sell some of the parts and original laser boxes . The response was good from our buyers. As a belief , I wanted the laser box could be more desirable, both of from shape and duties. Finally, I have the advance one come out now. It is Laser Cube.   I was so excited .  
 As a result, I found out that is so interesting to make a self-build Laser Cube by using the open sources.  Though I encounter some problems, such as having hard time to get all the parts of component together like other hobbyists may have, but i think it is worth. I decided to collect all the necessaries and make it available to the public.  As I put my laser cube project at Kickstart platform here,  I hope more hobbyists can enjoy the convenience and fun from assembling the laser cube. More important thing is, if we met our funding goal or over-funding, we are planning to make our laser cube to be more modification and rewarding more back to our supporters. 


What are the characteristics of the Laser Cube?

  • The dimension of  Laser Cube is ( 6 x 6 x 71/4 in)
  • Working area is (4.2 x 4.2 cm/1.65in x 1.65in)
  • All the software ,hardware , and graphics program is open source.  Free for personal use!
  • Uses the Arduino.
  • Blue Laser Diode (100 mw, like you'd find inside a Blu-Ray drive, which does the cutting & engraving
  • It comes as a kit to build at home, at a Hackspace, or with your local Maker group.
  • Laser cut Acrylic frame

How does the Laser Cube work?

The Laser Cube work exactly the same way as other professional laser cutters. The appropriate software and hardware which are open and convenient to be applied . The heart of the system is a Arduino, an Arduino and the laser cube shield.  It powers the steppers(A4988 Stepper motor driver) ,the laser and handles the hardware buttons.  The stepper motors move the X & Y Axis, a fan for ventilation, and a yellow cutting table.
By the way, a heatsink and two cooling fans installed to lower the temperature of the heart system and longer its useful life.
What elements are included in the kit ?
  • Laser cut Acrylic frame
  • Arduino Control board
  • Laser Cube shield
  • Laser diode (100MW Blue) with heatsink and cooling fan
  • Plastic parts (motor & laser mounts, …)
  • Axes (metal rods)
  • Power supply
  • All required cables, bolts and screws
  • Safety glasses








What will we do with your money?

As I mention before, I like more of people also enjoy the fun from building up their DIY lIaser cube  in an easy way. that is why I like to use this platform to be able to provide complete kits with all the necessaries. To be able to get a considerable components, I need your monies to make that happen.
Of course, We'll put together a kit for you. we are looking forward  to our fund raising goal in July, and once movement have been made, we will assemble the kits and make delivery.

If we had enough money , we were plan to make the laser cube more majorization, from its shape to its function.  one of our future plan is planning to make no more Shield,but just an super mini higher efficient Adurino board . 



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Show you care by engraving on a gift card | 10 x Normal Speed. 


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Production Timeline:

July:  Start Laser Cube project at kickstart
week 1&2:
Update information and keep everyone eyes on the project.
Make progress meet our funding goals.
Week 3&4:
Continuing development and testing
Line up and secure supple chain
August:  Final designed and confirm parts of components
Week 1&2:
Start manufacture parts of rewards (non Laser Cube)
Final Laser Cube designed and tested
Week 3&4:
Place components production orders
Deliver rewards (non laser cube)
September : Expected to receive your rewards
Week 1 to 4:
Assembly and match all required parts
post out all kits and Laser Cubes 

Stretch Goals

$35,000 | Thank you all of you !  backers!
Get to work immediately for some components. you will get some colored foam shape for your project. This apply to pledge $175 and above.



$65, 000 | Wow ! Thanks a million for all your Support!
Laser Cube will be upgraded with different color. you can choose different Acrylic colors for your cube. Color options: blue, pink, yellow, green, black. Does apply to pledge $199 and above.


Safety for you

Please wear appropriate eye protection when using the Laser Cube.The laser cutting process also produces fumes that may be toxic from certain materials, such as plastics. You should always aware the harmful from the laser light and its reflections. Make sure the air good enough around your working area . Keep it away from children and other people who are not familiar with using such a cube.





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3 comments:

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