So I've been approved to purchase a Laser cutter for use in my classroom

Lasers
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So I’ve been approved to purchase a Laser cutter for use in my classroom to deliver Technology.
As per usual I asked months ago and only just got approval, the catch is I need to spend the money by the end of the month.

So the point in this post is a request for anyone willing to help me put a shopping list together?

From my reading so far shopping list will include (but not limited to):

  • K40
  • Smoothie Board (not sure which one)
  • Air assist (if not already on k40 I purchase)
  • Simple water system (bucket)
  • Upgrade exhaust fan
  • Replace window material with a protective material
  • Anything else?

So if anyone would be willing to help me put together a list of items I need to purchase I would be very appreciative.

This might also help others in the future and the list could be shared afterwards.

Thanks

Here is a google sheet if anyone wants to add potential items/links and/or comments

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Fantastic news! the K40 is an amazing device! You’ll love it! Excellent list. I’d also recommend some safety systems like these:

I purchased one of these http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Waterproof-720P-HD-7mm-lens-Inspection-Pipe-1m-Endoscope-Mini-USB-Camera-Snake-Tube-with-6/32504253632.html

I find it really useful because it takes away the temptation to look into the laser while it’s cutting. I would also highly recommend installing micro switches on the access panels (all 3) to shut the laser down if the panels are opened during use. I would also install a water flow switch to shut the laser down if the coolant flow stops.

My laser power supply has a jumper on it that, if in place, allows current flow to the laser, and if not in place, doesn’t. I simply wired all the switches in in serial for a very simple safety setup. I would think this is especially important when working with children.

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For a classroom, safety features like door switch, water flow, water temp, etc

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Thanks for sharing, someone had also suggested the camera as a way to view. I was thinking to re-purpose one of my old android phones as a webcam and view that way.

Some of the k40’s I’ve seen on ebay now have the door switches, emergency stop etc… but I like the idea of a jumper on the power supply. Essentially like a key!!!

Water flow and temp sound like a good idea also. I was thinking them but didn’t want to write a massive list on the post. Perhaps I will create a google sheet for people to add items/links to.

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Also for classroom, I would say you will be needing plenty of safety goggles. I’m running a small cheap microsoft webcam inside my K40 attached to the rail, so you can sort of see what is going on while lasering. I think I will eventually change the position.

Another thing is a cable drag chain, to contain all your hoses/cables that are going to the head. Maybe also some laser line pointers to show where the laser will fire.

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@Nigel_Conroy I bought these micro switches http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-2015-hot-selling-10Pcs-lot-Microswitch-Long-Lever-AC-250V-15A-HV-156-1C25-SPDT/32339341258.html and installed them with some screws and nuts I bought at HomeDepot. Let me know if you would like some photos of my setup. I’m traveling on business right now, but will be back home in a few days.

Prior to installing the smoothie, I might also recommend adding a USB hub inside the controller compartment. I’ve plugged my K40 board into the hub along with the camera and the software dongle. That way, nothing gets lost!