Laser Module with Controller for Shaper Origin

Instructions

Work in progress. I will be adding and updating this as I have time to fill in more details. Thread discussing it is here: https://community.shapertools.com/t/laser-module-for-so/8227 Please ask questions in the thread and I can elaborate or make modifications as needed, and share progress pics to help other people. I made mine with parts I had laying around, and did not document as well as I should have, so these instructions are not 100% tested. I can work with anyone interested in replicating this to get this to 100%. Files attached above, along with the part list below. I am using affiliate links for the first time. If you are interesting in making this please consider supporting this project by using the links below. I made every effort to select the cheapest option I could find, and tried to select Prime options for as many of the Amazon links I could. I purchased most of the parts on Aliexpress to save money at the expense of timeliness. Eye Protection (I did not trust the Aliexpress versions) https://amzn.to/3Hn9rCB Laser Module 20W, 30W, or 40W. I recommend more power as you can always lower the output https://amzn.to/3mKncDG https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9f175S https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DD4lOGr 60W LED 12V Driver https://a.co/d/3QqosA7 https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9gRt1e 16x2 LCD with I2C (or IIC) in either blue or green https://amzn.to/3sR9tip https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AlJwkC 10k Potentiometer Panel Mount https://amzn.to/3EGFFqS https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AbQUek C18 Cord. Only the C18 end matters, the other end is going to be wired to the LED Driver (1ft or .3M is fine) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003233014794.html Arduino Nano, other boards could work, but this fit nicely and had enough pins. I run PWM at higher bit resolution to gain additional control of the diode. This may not work the same on other board types. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NLAMS9C/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_83MQVSQJGKWKYSPADA5M https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ADaAwk Power Boat Rocker Switch 21x15 https://amzn.to/3sLZKcU https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AelgHS Obstacle Sensor https://amzn.to/3sMJUPt https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AaUsqk Carbon Welding Blanket https://amzn.to/3pG8I9P https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AdVF0M You will also need a collection of 3mm nuts and bolts for the laser. I will update with a specific list. Cutting Instructions: Cut all one of each part, and two "3mm Side", two "3mm Small Angle", and four "6mm Spacer" When you are cutting the 6mm Bottom, Middle, and Top test fit the laser and increase the offset to ensure a snug but not impossible fit. The laser is a structural element, so if it is too loose the mount will not be as strong. Verify the offset on the 3mm Face Plate with the LCD as well. The 3mm side pieces should fit together snuggly with the 6mm pieces if cut with the 1/8" cutter, and a small negative offset on the 3mm holes until the SO makes the cut available. Bottom Assembly: See the exploded view in the Youtube video attached. The bottom assembly is made of the 6mm Top, Middle and Bottom. You should be able to fit the sides together then inset the back plane through the middle cutout. Once the pieces are fit together you should be able to slide the laser module into position and attach with screws. The Top should get a little wood glue, but the rest was just a press fit for me. Top Assembly: Add the 3mm Angles to the 3mm Face, and attach hardware(LCD, Potentiometer, Switch). Attach the 12V LED Driver to the 3mm Mount, and use 3mm bolts to attach to the lower assembly. I attached the Arduino nano on the 6mm Top below the 3mm Mount, and routed the wires in between the layers before attaching the Face. The Arduino and Laser should be wired into the 12V supply for both the VCC and GND. Finally, I screwed the Obstacle Sensor into the right side centered between the 6mm spacers. I attached a small piece of foil tape to the bottom right edge of the SO, and a piece of carbon felt to the top directly above it inline with the obstacle sensor. To help protect the you eyesight, and the people who may be in the room while you are cutting, I trimmed the carbon felt, so it fit around the clear plastic guard and protruded higher up the cylinder, and secured with large binder clips. This works well, and is easily removable when not using the laser.