Repetier Laser Etcher

I found plans and STL files for a Laser Etcher on thingiverse.com and 3dpburner.blogspot.com. I thought this was a really neat project, and decided to build one. The original 3DPBurner does not have a screen, and is not really designed to etch from the SD card. I found out that Repetier supported CNC and Lasers as their tool and gave it a try.

This build is based on an Arduino Mega2560 with a Ramps 1.4 shield. The kit I found also included the (RepRapDiscount Full Graphic Smart Controller 128x64) graphical display. Here are the STL files I used for this build:

3DPBurner Main Files (See Note*):
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:610934

Controller Enclosure: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:761806

Ramps 1.4 control board

Screen Enclosure: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:87250

LCD Interface, with temperature monitor of the laser.

Cable Chain (31 links, and 1 of each end used on my build): http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:34661

Laser Carriage with cable chain superglued on.

Spacer Holder: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1669749

45mm Spacer tray

Here is the parts list of the main items needed:
https://amzn.com/w/38ZI5OYDBF7WV

The rest of the parts can be found at the local hardware store.

*Note: The designer of the 3DPBurner has revised some of the files, but not all of the new files are available. If you go to his website, and make a donation, he will email all of the current files to you, including the new and improved laser carriage (Better at adjusting and has a safety hood to block some of the light).

The bearing rods are a royal pain to cut, but I was able to do it with a grinding wheel on a Dremel

I printed several of the Y Endstop STL files, and superglued them to the back of the Screen and Controller Enclosures, making it really easy to mount them to the frame. I designed the Spacer holder, after worrying about loosing it.

Firmware:
I wasn't too impressed with the 3DPBurner firmware. He did a great job, but considering Repetier supports Lasers and the LCD screen, I went with Repetier. Here are some files, including my configuration.h file, so you can use the online tool to build your firmware. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/x4ej920u3lwa7z5/AAAeJlnNRfyLLlLb6C_bQufqa?dl=0

Repetier Firmware Tool:
https://www.repetier.com/firmware/v092/

Top view of Laser Carriage with cable chain superglued on.	Laser Driver, with a 40mm fan on an old PLA mount
Endstop switch holders used to mount LCD to frame. Double sided tape used to stabilize data lines onto bed.	Top view of the laser, temperature sensor inside the housing. Thermal grease between heat sync and laser

Wiring Diagram

Works

Raster Etched, then Trace Etched for the Temple detail

Trace Etched