Newbie with a 3020

[Leon]

Are you using laser mdf ? We've found a massive difference in specific laser materials compare to normal eg plywood, mdf etc.

No, just regular stuff from the timber merchants.

To update, I'm getting good cuts across the whole sheet, except for the very top line? It's like the finish point is slightly higher than the start point, so it's moving upwards as well as horizontally on that line, resulting in a series of increasing height squares along the top row. Every other row is fine on the sheet.

Also, on some files I was getting random cuts all over, but when I've redrawn out the file, they're much better? Has anyone experienced problems with the software and possible corruption of the files?

[Spooky]

Hiya Leon,

The drawing problem is caused by broken lines, there are a number of types of CAD drawn lines and the way they react to CNC software is different. Lines will be read as individual entities whereas PolyLines will be seen as one continuous lines.
Individual lines will cause the laser to jump round the sheet and to be cut in no real sequence.

If you want to send me the drawing by email I'll polyline the drawing for you and check it for any legacy errors

Dave@opticalpower.co.uk

The other issue I'm not so sure about, it sounds like something isn't level or is lose. Leave it with me for a couple of hours and I'll see what I can find out

One tip though is don't use B&Q etc plywood / mdf, the stuff is held together with mineral based resin that has some quite nasty chemicals in it, when you cut it those chemicals are liberated into the smoke. Also the dedicated MDF / Ply cuts a LOT better (faster) and is one hell of a lot cheaper. It will cut with a nice golden brown edge too instead of the horrible black carbonised edge that B&Q ply gives.

best wishes

Dave

[Leon]

I'll grab one of the files off my other computer and send it through, cheers for the offer. All the files I've drawn up are just loads of lines in a grid, and the machine cuts them in the order they were drawn in.

Can you recommend a supplier for the laser MDF? A quick Google has thrown up Hobarts, with 2mm 600x300 sheets for 70p, which works out at around 27p with shipping for a 200x300 sheet. I'm currently paying 22p from the local timber merchant, so it's a bit more cost-wise, but if it would give me a faster cut then it'd be worth paying the extra.

[johnb80]

Hindleys - www.hindleys.com 01142 2691402

J

[Spooky]

Well worth it Leon, I'd agree with John , Hindleys are very good,Hobarts have a fixed postage charge whereas Hindleys don't, Hobarts is 12 quid no mater how much you order,Hindleys charge cost so can be a LOT more.

Medite cuts much much cleaner and faster than generic stuff and doesn't give off any nasty fumes.

best wishes

Dave

[Leon]

I'm getting a bit low on MDF now, so I'll look at getting it from one of these next. I think it'll be Hobarts, cos Hindley's don't appear to stock the 2mm stuff I need.

Another question, are there any laser technicians/engineers in the North-East? I still can't seem to get these mirror's aligned properly, and I'm thinking it could be worth getting a professional in to get the machine perfect. The other day it took me 3 hours to cut £20 worth of product, mainly because I'm having to throw so much away, and it's not currently worth it commercially. I'm booked into a sales show in a fortnight where I was hoping to have a load of stock built up, but at the moment, I'm gonna have to cancel.

[Spooky]

Hiya Leon,

Give Chris a call, he's up north, if you were this end I'd come out but I think your about 300 miles from me

best wishes

Dave

ps: I'm still looking into what could cause your problem, don't worry I haven't forgotten you

[Leon]

I've given Chris a quick call and we're going to arrange a technician visit over the next couple of weeks to get the machine sorted. I turned it on this morning and it started billowing smoke everywhere as soon as it started cutting. Even when I stopped the machine and took the MDF sheet out, it was still smoking, so that ain't good.

Hopefully, it'll all be fixed soon!

[Leon]

Just thought I'd update this one here, as I'm having no luck getting in touch with anyone at HPC.

During the phone call mentioned above, Chris said to send an email to arrange a technician visit, which I did immediately after the call. That was on the 4th April. By the 13th, I'd had no reply, so I sent another email through. I got a reply to this one on the 14th, saying that they don't actually do technician visits, and could I bring the machine down to them on the 15th?

Despite this being different to what Chris told me, I said OK, but that the 15th wouldn't be convenient for me, as I was working away in London, when would the next convenient time be?

Since then I've had no reply to my emails, and I've rang on numerous occasions but no one is answering the phone. I've left an answering machine message today, and also sent another email, so I'll see if anyone comes back to me on those.

This is getting quite frustrating now. The weekend I was in London was for a tradeshow, where I lost out on a few £100's worth of sales through not being able to build up any stock, and I'm supposed to be going up to Falkirk in a couple of weeks time for another one.

[Mike]

Try get Chris on hi mobile number, he normally phones back pretty quick.

I discovered the same thing re warranty call outs/servicing etc, I would have to hire a van and drive 600miles to take the laser back for a simple warranty problem. the warranty is worthless to me.

sorry