"Command Station" Makes Laser Cutting More Convenient

Laser cutters, like 3D printers, are now affordable enough for hobbyists to add to their workshops. For less than $500, you can purchase a capable laser cutter that can cut or engrave materials like wood, acrylic, fabric, and more. But those budget laser cutters, like the popular K40 models, often lack convenience features. For example, you have to plug your water pump into an outlet every time you use the laser cutter, and then unplug it afterwards. To streamline the process, Kaleb Clark built a laser cutter "Command Station."

The Command Station, which you can build yourself, handles several common laser cutter functions, all from a single control panel. It has switches for turning on the laser cutter itself, the water pump, the air assist pump, the exhaust fan, the positioning laser, and the control computer. Three additional auxiliary switches provide expandability, for potential new features like lighting. The Command Station also reads air and water flow sensors, illuminating status lights to indicate that everything is functioning. Finally, the control panel houses the laser cutter's current meter.

Inside of the acrylic Command Station is an Arduino Mega development board, which reads the switch positions and powers the various systems through relays. A separate sheet metal enclosure houses the relays, which connect to standard household-style electrical outlets. The Arduino also reads the sensors and controls the WS2812B individually-addressable RGB LED status lights. Because all of the switches are on a single control panel mounted to the laser cutter, Clark can turn everything on without having to bend over and wrestle with extension cords.

If you'd like to make your own Command Station, instructions are on element14 and all of the necessary design files are on GitHub.