#754 NLB Lionsforge Craftlaser

Using the laser cutting services available in Singapore’s National Libraries - Lionsforge Craftlaser.

Build

Notes

Last year I accidentally discovered that Singapore’s library service - the National Library Board (NLB) - has been running “MakeIt” centres in their libraries where a range of tools are available to citizens to use (including 3D printers, laster cutters, digital cutters, and sewing machines). This is an amazing service. They don’t (yet) have 3D resin printers, but these tools make rapid prototyping readily available to all residents at no cost.

For most of these services, they do require users to first complete a free starter course. These help make sure you can keep yourself safe, and save the machines from damage.

I’ve completed the training for the 3D printing facilities, so I can now book and use the PLA printers available at currently 4 of the libraries (Jurong, Punggol, Tampines, Woodlands).

About the Lionsforge Craftlaser

The library provides Lionsforge Craftlaser devices. See the Craftlaser-Product-Info-New-Dec21.pdf. Note: laptops are provided all the required software pre-installed.

Workflow

The starter training introduced the basic process:

using TinkerCAD to make a 3D model
export to SVG
use Inkscape as the laser G-code generating tool, but can also be used to edit objects.
- Document properties: set drawing size to A3 Landscape to fit the dimensions of the laser cutter
- import SVG file
- object may appear invisible, because the lines are too fine
  - Select “Object > Fill and stroke” to adjust the stroke
    - select stroke paint
    - set flat color e.g. black
    - set stroke style width to 1px
- position object in the desired page location. by default x=5mm, y=5mm (bottom left, just offset from the border)
- add text to the object (this will be treated as an engraving)
export to CNC G-code for engraving
- use the “305 Engineering > Raster 2 Laser GCode generator” extension
- resolution: at least 10px/mm
- engraving speed: 4000
export to CNC G-code for cutting:
- ungroup and remove text (engraving elements) from your object
- with object selected, choose “Object to Path”
- use the “Generate Laser G-code > J Tech PhotonicsLaser Tool..” extension. Settings:
  - Laser ON Command: M03
  - Laser OFF Command: M05
  - Travel speed (mm/min): 3000
  - Laser speed (mm/min): 300
  - Laser power S#: 100
  - Power on delay: 0.0
  - Passes: 1
  - Pass Depth: 1.0
save the engraving and cutting codes to an SD card

Note: allow for the cutting path in a design:

Every cutting tool creates a cutting pathway, called a kerf. The width of the kerf of a laser cutter is typically 0.2mm. We can incorporate this into our designs to get very accurate parts.

Operating the Cutter:

Setup
- Make sure the fume extractor is turned on before using the laser cutter
- Adjust Focus Height to 4mm above material
- Open the material loading tray when the display reads “Idle”
- Align your material to the bottom-left corner of the materials tray. Tape down.
Engraving Phase:
- For engraving, adjust the laser intensity knob to 2/9 power
- Set “Speed mul.” to 200%
- load the engraving file and execute
Cutting Phase:
- For cutting, adjust the laser intensity knob to 2/3 power
- Set “Speed mul.” to 130%
- load the cutting file and execute
- Once you are done cutting, remember to reset the laser intensity knob back to the 0 position.

G-code files can be previewed/validated with https://ncviewer.com/.

My Sample Project

The starter course has everyone design and cut a simple name tag. My project sources:

keychain-initial.svg - export from TinkerCAD
keychain-final.svg - inkscape project
Engraving code: E_pg_kc_0001_BWfix_128_gcode.txt
Cutting code: C_pg_kc_0001

Project Notes

#754 NLB Lionsforge Craftlaser

Notes

About the Lionsforge Craftlaser

Workflow

My Sample Project

Laser Cutting Design Sources

Credits and References