P-CNC Laser Engraver and Pen Plotter
Introduction: P-CNC Laser Engraver and Pen Plotter
In this project, I'd like to share how to build a homemade 3 axis P-CNC machine with its frame and supports made of PVC pipes and acrylic sheets. It has two operation modes: pen plotting and laser engraving.
Please check the brief description and how P-CNC Engraver & Plotter works in the video below before getting started in detail.
Step 1: Supplies
1. Main materials:
* 1pcs x 3 Axis Control Board GRBL With Laser Engraver Supported.
* 1pcs x 2500mW Laser Module.
* 3pcs x Stepper Motor Driver A4988.
* 3pcs x Stepper motor NEMA 17.
* 2pcs x GT2 6mm Closed Timing Belt 200mm.
* 2pcs x GT2 Timing Pulley 20 Teeth.
* 2pcs x GT2 Timing Pulley 60 Teeth.
* 3pcs x Round Shaft Diameter 8mm, Length 400mm.
* 3pcs x T8 Lead Screw 2mm Pitch, 8mm Lead , Length 400mm with Copper Nut.
* 20pcs x Ball Flanged Shielded Bearings 8 x 22 x 7mm.
* 1pcs x Aluminum Flexible Shaft Coupling, Inner Hole Size: 5mm x 8mm.
* 1pcs x Aluminum Flexible Shaft Coupling, Inner Hole Size: 10mm x 10mm.
* 1pcs x Power Supply 12VDC.
* 2pcs x Clear/White Acrylic, size A4, thickness at least 5mm.
* 4pcs x Copper Brass Pillars L-5/10mm.
* 1 meter x 8P/16P Rainbow Ribbon Cable.
* Some small cable ties, cable spiral wrap, M3/M4 bolts and nuts, some small neodymium magnets.
2. 1000
PVC pipes and its fittings (with some spares):
* 8pcs x PVC Pipe Elbow Ø42mm.
* 8pcs x PVC Pipe Straight Connector Ø42mm.
* 14pcs x PVC Pipe Tee Ø42mm.
* 3pcs x PVC Pipe Cross Ø42mm.
* 16pcs x PVC Pipe End Cap Ø42mm.
* 6pcs x PVC Pipe End Cap Ø60mm.
* 3pcs x PVC Reducer Ø60mm to Ø42mm.
* 2pcs x PVC Reducer Ø50mm to Ø42mm.
* 2 meter x PVC Pipe Ø42mm and Ø60mm.
3. Tools:
* Drilling machine with drill bit hole 8/22mm.
* Hand saw.
* Hand grinder.
* Soldering machine.
* Big scissor.
Step 2: Connection
I used a GRBL-based controller for a 3-axis CNC machine and it supports laser control.Connection diagrams:
* Plugging three stepper motor drivers A4988 on the CNC controller at X, Y and Z label position.
* Connecting the cables from CNC controller to three stepper motors.
* The laser module has 3 wires connected to a female header: Red (12V+), Black (GND), Yellow (PWM) and I just connected it to a 3-pin laser male header on the CNC controller with the same label.My laser module parameters are shown on the nameplate as follows:
* Wavelength: 450nm.
* Power output: 2.5W.
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Step 3: Building P-CNC Frame
I assembled a PVC frame, with horizontal dimension L480 x W480mm and vertical dimension W480 x H550mm.
It was made of:
* 10pcs x PVC tees Ø42mm.
* 6pcs x PVC elbows Ø42mm.
* 8pcs x PVC straight connectors Ø42mm. 1000