engravR: Build a Pi-Powered Laser Engraver using Raspberry pi,

engravR is a Raspberry Pi-powered laser engraver built primarily from two old DVD-RW drives. The idea of using DVD drives to make a laser engraver is not particularly new, but most systems use an Arduino and external stepper drivers. The advantage of using the Pi is that the system can be entirely self-contained With the addition of a wi-fi dongle, the user can print remotely from another computer over the local network instead of having to connect an Arduino via USB to a host computer. Others have even taken advantage of the Raspberry Pi camera board to email a picture of a completed engraving when it has finished.

engravR

The engraver uses the laser diode out of an old DVD RW drive, and hence is somewhat limited in what it can engrave and cut. It can cut black construction paper, but not much else. Wood can be burned. Clear acrylic can be engraved, but the acrylic first needs to be colored with a black marker. The marker can be removed with rubbing alcohol later. The print area is approximately 35mm x 35mm, which is enough to engrave most small items.

What follows is a brief overview tutorial of the construction of the engraver. If you are seriously interested in building one of these for yourself, I suggest consulting Daniel Chai’s excellent tutorial. He goes into much more detail than I do. Also, please realize that lasers capable of engraving are serious eye hazards. Wearing laser protective eyewear is a good idea. Always know which way the laser is pointing, and be aware of your own body position. In short: use common sense.

  • The first major task is to disassemble the DVD RW drives. It is important that at least one is RW, because other drives do not have powerful enough laser diodes. The only part that you are interested in from the drive is the large metal frame and laser sled.

engravR

  • Once you have the frame removed, pop off the cover of the laser sled and remove the two laser diodes. The method for getting these diodes out varies from drive to drive. You may have to use brute force to pull the diodes out of their enclosure. Be careful, since the diodes are sensitive.
  • Once you have them out, determine which one is the burning red laser diode. The other is infrared. This can be done with 2 AA batteries in series. Make sure that the diode is pointed AWAY from you and connect the batteries across the diode pins. You may have to try some different combinations, but if you see a flood of red light, you have the correct diode. Once you have removed and identified the correct diode, install it in the AixiZ housing by use of a clamp.

 

For more detail: engravR: Build a Pi-Powered Laser Engraver


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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