Photon Printer - Micro Laser Engraver
Description
The Photon Printer is a 3D printable laser engraver made from recycled DVD Drives. Software and build instructons are available in the downloads. A list of necessary components is in the instructions.
Legacy file are available at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2277397
The Photon Printer started out as a quick weekend project then quickly escalated when I saw that there was room for improvement in the current designs. Designing the components was a fun exercise and the end result was satisfying.
Safety - None of the designs I have seen have any sort of shielding around the laser. Given that even a 5mW diode can be dangerous any sort of engraver should have safety features. These include
• A full enclosure to block reflected laser light
• Roller door access
• Safety cut off switch on door
• Angled ventilation to prevent light leakage
3D print-ability – Printing allows for a lot of features that are not included in other versions.
• Accurate positioning of components
• Fits a wide range of DVD Drives
• Z axis fine tuning adjuster
• Built in roller door guides
• Custom axis mounts
• Low part count
• Ease of assembly
• Buildable by people without access to machining tools
• All parts have one large flat surface to aid in printing
Features
• Coarse laser height adjust for material thickness compensation
• Fine laser adjust for focusing
• Spring tensioned Z adjust to reduce vibration
• Sliding lugs to fit a range of DVD Plates
• Fits a wide range of laser housings
• Suits an Arduino Uno and CNC shield for an easy build
• Low parts count
• Low cost
Video
Update
2017-10-04 Updated instructions. Software added.
2017-07-07 Corrected PPV3 X Laser Mount
2017-05-06 Parts strengthened. Laser holder modified to hold a variety of heat sinks. Laser driver bracket added. DC jack hole added. Instructions expanded. Legacy files moved to another page.
2015-10-01 Instructions updated, Solidworks and STEP files added
2015-09-27 A small gap added to top of nut traps to compensate for sagging during bridging.
2015-09-27 V2 uploaded - Now suits an Arduino uno with CNC shield. Sliding mounting lugs support a wider variety of DVD Drives. Springs are now printed, no need to tap the parts.
2015-07-17 Improved electronics schematic by pepperm
2015-07-15 Electronics Schematic updated in better quality.
2016-05-24 Step files updated