This is nothing extravagant, but sometimes the simple things in life are nice.
I wanted a way to install a flow meter next to the laser deployment system that looked nice.
I found a panel mount flow meter on Amazon and cut some acrylic sheet with the laser to mount it to, and also bolt it to the back of the stationary cylinder plate. Just a little plumbing left and I’m set.
Simple but functional project, and it makes me happy!
Neat! Nice and clean. I’m on the fence with getting the laser. How often do you need to adjust the flow rate?
That looks great. I haven’t used acrylic much because I only had the semitransparent stuff that didn’t cut well. I’m going to have to order some of this opaque stuff and try it.
Where did you get that flowmeter? I like the fittings on that a lot better than the one I have.
@Bean I haven’t used the laser much but got the idea of the flow meter from Jim Neeb, so I can’t really comment on how often I’d change it. I do know from using other smaller lasers like the Fox Alien and the air assist was problematic when cutting some card stock or veneer. it’s nice to have this as an easily accessible option in my opinion.
@jjneeb This was my first attempt at cutting acrylic on a diode laser. I know that it won’t cut clear acrylic but it cut this opaque black cast acrylic like butter. The edges are nearly polished.
Here is the description of the flow meter I ordered from Amazon.
Generally the airflow is best around 10-15lpm for cutting. Any more than that can start to encourage the wood to keep burning. For different kinds of engraving, you are better off with very little airflow, maybe 3-6 lpm. You always want airflow to keep smoke/dirt from getting in the nozzle and on your lenses, but a lot of airflow when etching tends to make the edges of the work more smoke stained.
I also made a general purpose air nozzle that I use with my spindle that attaches to the laser dock pro (I just added a block of HDPE to the laser side of the dock), so there I really crank up the airflow (20-30 lpm) to blow chips away. This helps keep deep cuts clear so the cut and the mil stay a lot cooler, and helps a lot in dust collection too because it can pop the chips up in the air so the DC can suck them up.
That’s a great idea Jim. I did run a couple of extra 6mm air lines through my cable chains to add a mister later for cutting aluminum, but I like the idea of multi purposing the laser dock pro. Having the flow meter right there on the head of the machine makes this quite convenient.
Ya, I have my mister on a seperate airline, and its sitting up to the right of the laser dock. I kept that unit seperate because those have a unique nozzle where the liquid path is in a small plastic tube down the center of the air passage that is in the larger adjustable flex tube to keep the droplets from vaporizing before they get launched out the tip. So I chose not to mess that up by trying to run it through the laser dock.
But just plain air works well through the dock, and it helps a lot cutting plastic, and even wood.
I have a canister and I purchased the SST Ice Cube. I just haven’t installed it yet. I’m getting pretty good at popping the cable chain apart, but I figured while I had it open I’d install a couple more air lines in “just cause”.
I’ve watched all your videos over the past couple of years and have gotten most of my ideas from you. In fact, when I ordered my machine initially I told Avid I wanted the “Jim Neeb setup” but upgrade to servos and EX controller.
I haven’t used it much yet in any capacity due to work taking me away for months at a time. I tend to have to relearn when I return to it. Hence the bonehead mistakes I make from time to time.
I do love the machine though. And the ATC system? Well, that’s just cool!!!
That looks great did you cut that right through the paper?
I did. I have bought some items in the past that came with acrylic still having the paper on it for protection from scratches and thought it would be worth a try. It worked very well.
There are both cast acrylic and extruded acrylic, that cast acrylic having a higher melting point. I’ve read that the cast acrylic is better for laser cutting/engraving. Also, cast acrylic has the paper protective covering whereas extruded acrylic typically has a plastic film on both sides. I havent’ tried extruded acrylic but have read that you should pull the plastic film off before using a laser on it for obvious reasons.
Thanks Pertech, you inspired me to make my own..
