DiY Mini Laser Engraver Machine

This is a very interesting project for any electronics hobbyist & Engineers. This engraver will be able to engrave cardboard, wood, vinyl stickers etc.

Visit DiY Projects Lab for More CNC machine I wish you liked it

I got this Laser engraver's idea from Maggie Shah. Here's the version of his laser engraver https://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-CNC-Laser-W... . I remixed his project with my own touch.

Supplies:

Parts and Materials Required

Arduino UNO (with USB cable)

2x DVD drive stepper mechanism

2x A4988 stepper motor driver modules (or CNC shield) 250mW Laser with adjustable lens

12v 2Amps power supply minimum

1x IRFZ44N N-CHANNEL Mosfet, etc..

Tools List:Soldering Iron

Drill Machine

Metal File

Sand paper

Wire Cutter

Super glue

Step 1: DVD Drive Stepper Mechnaism

We need two DVD writers mechanism for this project. One for X-Axis and another one for Y-Axis. You can find this DVD writer from broken CPU or local hardware shop. I also got from the local hardware shop at very cheap prices. Now its time to disassemble the DVD writers.

• Use Philips head screwdriver to remove all screw.
• Unplugged all the connectors and cables from dvd drive
• Open the disk holder and unscrew the sliding mechanis.
• Detached the Sliding mechanism.

The stepper motors are 4-pin Bipolar Stepper Motor.

Step 2: What Is Stepper Motor ?

The stepper motor is an electromechanical device that converts a series of electrical impulses into discrete angular displacements, which means that it is capable of advancing a series of step depending on its control inputs. The stepper motor behaves in the same way as a digital-to-analog (D / A) converter and can be driven by pulses from logic systems. Its main applications include a variable frequency motor, brushless DC motor,

Step 3: Wiring of Stepper Motors

Using continuity mode with Multimeter determine determine 2 Coil, Coil A and Coil B.

I made 2 pairs of wire by selecting colours, one pair for the Coil A and second for the Coil B.

Step 4: X-axis and Y-axis Co-ordinates Movement.

I’ve attached the slider of X and Y-axis together in perpendicular to each other, using glue between them. And also attached a cut wood piece above it as a working bed.

Step 5: Assemble the Laser Holder

quite easy and fun. In the laser holder

Step 6: Laser Assembly

The laser I used is Laser Module 200-250mW 650nm, It has focusable lens for the adjustment of laser dot

Now it's time to attach the laser module. I am using here 250mW 650nm focusable laser module. You have to attach the required heatsink for longtime performance. You can buy the heatsink from the online store or you can use the old motherboard's heatsink which I did here. Just broke some pins of the heatsink then mount the laser module. Use superglue to attach the heatsink with the X-Axis slider, Attach the laser with holder

Step 7: The Electronics

connect motor & laser wire to CNC shield

Step 8: NextPCB PCB Manufacturer Company

first thanks to NextPCB for sponsor this project. Nextpcb offer For New Customer, Your First Order Will Be 10 PCBs for just $0 at Free. NextPCB one of the world’s most professional PCB manufacturers based in China. With professional PCB manufacturing capabilities, for each file of our customer will be double-checked by more than 14 years PCB engineers. they handle the whole process of PCBs including the PCB assembly, PCB manufacturing, testing and final shipment.

Step 9: Download and Install Benbox

Install Benbox Laser Engraver 3.7.99

1. Download and unzip Benbox

2. Select Benbox and run the setup wizard

3. Download and install the Arduino IDE. https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/software

4. Click and install CH340 driver.

5. Restart computer

6. Connect the USB cable between computer and engraver.

Step 10: Install Firmware for Arduino Nano

To install the firmware, click on the lightning symbol at the top of the menu (rightmost icon).

1. Select the appropriate com port.

2. Select nano(328p).

3. Select and install the Lx.Hex firmware.

4. Click install. When the firmware has installed successfully, you will see a green checkmark beside the update firmware title at the top.

Step 11: Setup the Benbox Laser Engraver Parameters

The last step is to set up the parameters for the engraver.

1. Click on the blue menu icon at the top right-hand corner of the software.

2. Click on the right arrow underneath the menu icon to access the parameter list.

3. Enter the parameters’ values as depicted in the photo.

Step 12: Making Your First Engraving

This starting spot will correlate to the red arc at the (0, 0) position (refer to image). Draw an simple image using the drawing tools on the left.Press the green start button to start the print. Click the circular laser button with adjust until the beam is sharp.

Step 13: Congratulation Successfully Making Your First Engraving Machine