Project Proposal:
I have always wanted to own a laser cutter. A good laser cutter can cost a lot of money. Earlier this year I took ME EN 570, and for my final project I designed a 3D scanner. During the project I learned a little bit about GUI design and serial communication. For my project I intend to design a working base for a laser cutter, that can correctly read DXF files and trace out the patterns. Lasers are a little pricey and I will attach one to the base if I am able to. I will also design an accompanying GUI to read and design the print. I intend to use a raspberry pi to govern the base, and the GUI would be created on a Windows computer.
Challenges with this project:
- I don't know how to cross compile from a windows computer to raspberry pi
- I don't know much about raspberry pi's in general.
- I don't really know how to read a DXF
- Splines will be tricky
-The base needs to be ridged
-How do I keep it from blowing up?
This sounds great. I think you are smart to focus on the base and interface, and then add the laser if time and money allow. The scope is appropriate. Please focus on getting a great mechanical design in place, including motors, as soon as possible. Will you be using steppers? How many? What sensors (if any) will you need?
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