XY Plotter v2 Laser engraver upgrade, limit switch problem

#1

I started this week building my XY Plotter v2, first I want to get everything working correctly with a pencil, and then try using the Laser engraver module which I also ordered.
Since I’m having some problems getting the plotter to draw what I want (see this topic), while I was waiting for a good answer on that topic, I decided to go ahead and install the laser module already.

Now I have it installed as per the instructions, however I see a problem: The laser is mounted low enough so it will make contact with the top bar of the frame (the opposite bar of the one where the Y-axis motor and control board are mounted).
And since it sticks out a couple of centimetres the laser module would actually hit the frame before triggering the limit switch 2.

I would assume I need to put the laser higher so it doesn’t hit the beam of the frame, but it doesn’t say that in the installation manual…

Here some pictures to clarify what I mean:

IMG_20150129_232253.jpg1024x768 106 KB

IMG_20150129_232245.jpg1024x768 114 KB

#2

Any ideas on this?? I’ve ‘solved’ this now by mounting the laser module higher so it goes over the beam it would otherwise crush into, but this seems to be reducing the burning power of the laser.

#3

Hi @vyruz，

You could try to change the direction of Acrylic board and limit switch. If you mount the laser diode higher, you need to focus the laser again in the Benbox.

#4

I’ve just had the same problem, but I got around it by remounting the microswitch on the side rail just above the foot. There are two bolt holes there that you can use, and I used some of the spare bolts and nuts in the kit

XYPlotterLimitSwitch.jpg4000x3000 859 KB
.

Harvey

#5

WoW！good idea！

#6

For a quick fix I ran to Radio Shack (Yes, we still have one.) and picked up one of the Makeblock robot parts kits. I bolted two angle brackets together and then screwed it to the point that normally makes contact with the switch. Works great.

#7