Laser Upgrade Implementation
So I have now put together my K8200 kit I bought at the electronics store and it is printing great. Now I want to add a laser to it! Here is how to implement any of our Laser Upgrade Kits to your printer.
The K8200 printer uses a variant of the RepRap project for the control board and the software and firmware from Repetier. The hardware includes a fan and control for the fan in the software. The laser driver board will use this fan output from the control board and it’s input. When you want to use the laser, replace the connector for the fan for another molex style connector that attaches to the laser driver board control input. Then use the M106 command for “laser on” and M107 command for “laser off”.
You can get the connector here at the shop. You might consider putting in a SPDT switch instead of swapping the cables. Just cut the fan positive wire and put the part coming from the PrintRBoard in the center, the one going to the fan on one side and a new wire going to the laser driver on the other. Just also connect the ground to the laser driver and you are set! Then you can have a nifty switch to go between 3D printing and laser cutting!
Of course, you will need to print out a mechanical mount for the laser as well. The dimensions and solid models are located in the documents section of the website.
Here is the graphical version of the instructions:
Here is a picture of the machine:
Here is a link to some instructables showing more detail of an installation:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Modify-Velleman-K8200-3d-printer-to-laser-cutting/?ALLSTEPS
Buy your laser upgrade kit now!
Remember Safety First!
We sell laser shielding to block laser radiation and reflections!
Laser Goggles are also a must!
Disclaimer
The laser used in this project is very powerful and all safety precautions must be taken. Use proper safety eyewear to prevent injury to eyes. This is a project and J Tech Photonics, Inc. is not responsible or liable for any and all damage or injury caused to people or property. The use of these instructions to make a laser cutter is under your own discretion and all safety precautions should be followed. J Tech Photonics, Inc. is not partnered in any way with Velleman and they may change hardware and software at any time making these instructions invalid.
no pwm control on k8200 ???
As far as we know there should be PWM control on the K8200. We should update the page to say this…