The Rigidbot was a successful kickstarter project that created a printer that could be expanded based on the frame, so you could theroectically make whatever size you want. Just use your imagination and you can build a GIANT printer (if you have the time and money…). The basic design is not giant, but easy to build and affordable. So, many people bought them, and you still can at Inventapart.com. The machine is based on the Reprap RAMPS 1.4 and the marlin firmware, so it will be a snap to upgrade. So let’s start!
Special thanks go to Isaac Braud for testing it all out on his printer!
Electronics
Setting this up should be very easy. The technical details on the electronics are located on the wiki HERE. You will be using the FAN 1 connector which is located on the extruder breakout board. This is fully PWM capable as well. The laser will be on the extruder Z axis assembly, so the cord to the laser should be kept wound up and zip tied. You can use the FAN 2 connection to cool the extruder instead of the FAN 1 you just used for the laser.
Software
You shouldn’t need to change anything with the marlin firmware that ships on the motherboard of the printer. Use the following commands in our inkscape pluggin (or whatever G Code SW you want):
- M106 Sxxx – Turn the laser ON at power XXX, where XXX is a number between 0 and 255.
- M106 S0 – Turn the laser OFF
- M107 – Another way to turn the laser OFF
Examples:
M106 S127 (Turns on the laser at a power of 50%)
M106 S255 (Turns on the laser at a power of 100%)
M106 S25 (Turns on the laser at a power of 10%)
Mechanical
Isaac designed a mount to fit on the extruder assembly. His mount is on Thingiverse here:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:614651
It attaches onto the assembly. Here are some pics:
Finished Product:
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 Inventapart and they may change hardware and software at any time making these instructions invalid.
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