DIY Desktop Laser Cutter and Engraver - FABOOL Laser Mini

Summary
FABOOL Laser Mini is an open-source, ready-to-assemble type of desktop laser cutter and engraver, which was developed by smartDIYs, a group of Japanese engineers.The machine excels in usability and expandability, which enables it to meet variety of needs. It all began with developing a high-power 60W large laser cutter and engraver for our own a year and a half ago, we turned it into a smaller version of desktop laser cutter and engraver, as Smart Laser Mini. This time we are releasing the upgraded version as FABOOL Laser Mini, with improved usability, stylish design, and 1/4 of assembly time. In June 2016, FABOOL Laser Mini, collected about $60 million , which was the highest amount ever in the history of major crowdfunding platforms in Japan as well as the second highest among laser cutter campaigns in the world.

Find more about our laser cutter and engraver - FABOOL Laser Mini

Key Features

1. “Scalability” which adapts to various needs of users Extension of parts allows users to customize based on their needs. (e.g. Expanding the frame which leads to 1m*1m processing range, Replacing the laser head to one with can produce higher output). Because both hard and software are open source, it made possible to add User’s original functions.

2. Satisfying a wide range of needs by providing sufficient machine performance Equipped with high-spec motor driver and high-speed microcomputer chip, FABOOL Laser Mini can be used in various situations from designing, to teaching, to prototyping, and more! Despite its affordability, the high-spec and good quality of Japan-design laser cutter will not disappoint users.

3. Easy assembly Assembly only takes about two hours. All you need is hex wrench and spanner, which are included in FABOOL Laser Mini kit.

4. User friendly cloud-based software The free all-in-one software, which is cloud-based and works on the browser, includes functions such as creating and retrieving the processed data of products - sharing all those data and images of the products among other users.

Product Specification

Work Area: 300×230mm

Laser: 1.6W Laser Diode 445nm (Basic Model) / 3.5W (Power-up Model)

Processing Method : Vector engraving, Raster engraving

Supported OS: Windows7、Windows8、Windows8.1、Windows10、Mac OS X、Linux、Raspberry Pi

Supported Browser: Chrome、FireFox

Supported File: SVG、DXF、JPEG、BMP、PNG、TIF、GIF、PSD

Accessories: USB Cable, AC Adapter, Laser Safety Glasses, Hexagon Wrench, Spanner

Power Supply: AC100V~240V Size 540×485×140mm(Not including cable)

Operating temperature: Below 30C (86F)

Continuous operating time: Under one hour Weight About ４kg

List of Parts

Stepping Motor x3

motor mount plate x-axis x1

motor mount plate y-axis x2

Timing pulley x3

M3x6 hex socket head cap bolt x12

Assembly of X-axis Motor Unit

Motor Mount Plate X-axis
Install motor mount plate x-axis on stepping motor with M3×6 Hexagon socket head cap bolt.

*For the direction of motor mount plate x-axis, make sure that two small holes are on the bottom right.

Installing Timing Pulley

Insert timing pulley in the spindle of stepping motor, then tighten the 2 set screws with hexagon wrench.

*Make sure that the timing pulley’s orientation is correct.

*Set screws are inserted in the timing pulley from the beginning.

If the timing pulley cannot be inserted smoothly, loosen the 2 set-screws with the hex wrench and try inserting again.

*Please be careful as the set screws come off easily when they are too loosened.
Insert the timing pulley fully into the spindle. (Position adjustment will be done later so exact alignment is not necessary at this point.)

Assembly of X-axis motor unit is completed.

Assembly of Y-axis Motor Unit

Installing Motor Mount Plate Y-axis

Install the motor mount plate y-axis into the stepping motor using M3×6 hex screw socket bolt.

Installing Timing Pulley

As with the x-axis, insert the timing pulley into the spindle of stepping motor and tighten the screws.Make sure to insert the timing pulley fully into the spindle. (Position adjustment will be done later so exact alignment is not needed at this point.)

Assemble the other one in the same procedure, but make sure that the orientation of the motor mount plate y-axis is correct.

Assembly of y-axis motor unit is completed.

For more detailed instruction with pictures, click here

List of Parts

mini v plate_C x1

mini v plate_L x1

mini v plate_R x1

x-axis motor unit x1

V-slot 450mm x1

Optical Stage x1

M4*6 hex socket head cap bolt x1

M5 T nut x6

M5*8 low head bolt x6

Cable tie x2

M6*8 hex socket head cap bolt x2

Timing belt 106cm x1

Assembly of X-axis

Adjustment and Check of three types of mini v plate

Before assembly, we will do adjustment and check of mini v plate. Please check that all 10 screws are tightly fixed.

If the screws are loose, tighten them using hexagon wrench and spanner.

Next, adjust space between wheels of three mini v plates. Make adjustments using one wheel on each mini v plate.

First is the mini v plate_C. Insert the V-slot 450mm in between rollers of mini v plate_C.

It might be too loose or too tight. The right state is where there is “no significant rattling, and the mini v plate_C slides down when V-slot is held straight up.”

Structure and Adjustment of Eccentric Spacer

The adjustment wheel (one on each mini v plate) contain eccentric spacer. Adjustments can be made by turning the eccentric spacer. Position of the wheel (the space in between wheels) is adjusted by turning the spacer.

Gradually turn the eccentric spacer with a spanner while sliding the mini v plate to adjust looseness and tightness.

Make adjustments until there is no significant rattling and mini v plate_C slides down when V-slot is held straight up.
Once the adjustment of mini v plate is completed, slide out the V-slot 450mm.

Next, in the same manner as above, adjust the mini v plate_R and mini v plate_L. Use V-slot 450mm you used for adjustments. Once the adjustment of mini v plate_R and mini v plate_L is completed, take off both mini v plates from the V-slot 450mm.

This is all for adjustment and check of 3 mini v plates.

Installing mini v plate_C

Slide in V-slot 450mm in between rollers of mini v plate_C.

Installing mini v plate_R

Next, put the V-slot 450mm on the desk then install the mini v plate_R on the left end of the V-slot 450mm with M5 T nut and M5×8 low head bolt.

Put two M5 T nuts in V-slot 450mm from the left end. *The position does not have to be exact at this point.

Install mini v plate_R with two of the M5×8 Low head bolt in where M5 T nut is.

Align the position of the mini v plate_R with “place where the tip of the V-slot fits perfectly in the groove on the back of the mini v plate_R.”

Installing mini v plate_L

Install mini v plate_L on the right end of V slot using M5 T nut and M5×8 Low head bolt.

In the same manner as earlier, put two of the M5 T nuts in V slot from the right end.

Install mini v plate_L with two of the M5×8 Low head bolt on where M5 T nut is.

In the same manner as earlier, align the position of the mini v plate_R with “place where the end of V-slot fits perfectly in the groove on the back of the mini v plate_R.”

Installing x-axis motor unit

Install the x-axis motor unit you assembled in the earlier section on mini v plate_L with M5 T nut and M5×8 Hex socket head cap bolt.We will adjust the position of x-axis motor unit later. In the same manner, put two of the M5 T nut in the place shown in the picture below and install the x-axis motor unit with M5×8 Low head bolt.

For later process, tighten the x-axis motor unit temporarily at a position where the spindle of stepping motor and mini v plate_L just meet.

Installing Timing Belt
Next, install the timing belt. Place x-axis motor unit to face left in order to install timing belt easily and prepare timing belt 106 cm and cable tie.

Use the thinnest hex wrench.

Insert the end of the timing belt into the hole on the left side of the mini v plate_C. Insert the timing belt jagged surface up until 2-3cm of it is in the groove. Fold the timing belt with jagged surfaces facing inside. Using the cable tie, fix the timing belt. Place the binding part on the bottom. *If this did not go well, please cut the tie and try again using a new one. (There are about 10 extra ties.)

Once one end of timing belt is fixed, insert the other end in a hole on the right side of the mini v plate_C, surrounding the side of x-axis motor unit and timing pulley on the other side. *Please make sure that the timing belt is not twisted.

In the same manner as earlier, fix the timing belt using a cable tie. *Rough length of the timing belt to leave is 2-3cm. We will adjust this later, so you do not have to be too exact.

Cut off rest of the cable tie of both ties. At this point, it is okay to leave the timing belt a bit loose.

Please make sure the position of timing pulley on the x-axis motor aligns with the rail groove on V-slot. If there is a gap, loosen the setscrews on timing pulley, adjust the position and tighten the screws again.

Next, in order to stretch out the timing belt, loosen the screws that fix “x-axis motor unit”, pull the timing belt and tighten the screws again. Please make sure to have the motor and V-slot parallel when adjusting the timing belt.

Installing Optical Stage
Next, install optical stage on mini v plate_C with M6×8 hex socket head cap bolt. Screw M4×6 hex socket head cap bolt on top of the optical stage, and x-axis assembly is completed.

For more detailed instruction with pictures, click here

List of Parts

X-axis unit x1

V-slot 410mm x4

Y-axis motor x2

idler pulley plate x2

timing belt 100cm x2

M5 T nut x18

Bracket x 4

M5*8 low head bolt x16

Cable tie x4

Assembly of Y-axis

Assembly of frame

Assemble three sides of a frame with -slot 410mm, bracket, M5 T nut x4, and M5*8 low head bolt x4.

On a flat desk, put together three V-slot 410mm. Put one M5 T nut in each of four holes at the corners.

Place brackets on the both corners where you put M5 T nuts and fix it temporarily with M5×8 bolt.

Stand up the V-slot and make sure it is at a right angle. Then remove the gap between V-slots by pushing with a hand and tighten the M5×8 low head bolt.Repeat the same procedure on the other side to complete the assembly of the frame. *Please make sure to M5×8 low head bolt is tight so that the frame will not be distorted when it is lifted.

Place the frame on the desk, and slide the “x-axis unit” you built in the previous sectionin the V-slot frame. (Insert the V-slot in between rollers.)

Next, assemble the last side of frame using following parts. First, insert two of the M5 T nut in the outside holes. (We will use these to install board case later in the assembly.) Second, as in earlier, insert four M5 T nuts in each hole then fit in the frame. Place brackets on both corners and put M5 T nuts.*Please make sure to M5×8 low head bolt is tight so that the frame will not be distorted when it is lifted. *Adjusting while placing the all four sides of the frame on the desk makes it easier to maintain it horizontally and at a right angle.

Checking Y-axis ==> Adjusting V-slot
Check the moves of y-axis with hands. The right state is where the x-axis slides down when the frame is stood up.

*Move x-axis as much as possible. If you feel slight stuck, loosen the eccentric spacer of mini v plate_R and mini v plate_L. (Watch the video below)By looking from the side of the wheel, you can easily see the moves of wheel and V-slot’s groove so it is easier to adjust. Slightly loose x-axis unit does not affect operation.

Installing Y-axis Motor Unit / Idler Pulley Plate
Place the x-axis motor closer to you, “y-axis motor unit” on the left, and install idler pulley plate on the right.

Insert two of the M5 T nut from the right and install the idler pulley plate with M5×8 low head bolt.※We will make final adjustment later in the assembly. Next, insert two of the M5 T nut from the left and install the “y-axis motor unit” with M5×8.

Make adjustment to align the “black line” of the “y-axis motor unit” with the edge of aluminum frame.There is another “black line” inside so make sure that the line and the tip of the V-slot meets perfectly.

Make sure the position of the timing pulley matches with the groove of the V-slot. If it is not in alignment, loosen set screws of the timing pulley, adjust the position, and tighten the set screws again. Installation of a leg on this side is done.

Repeat the same process to install a leg on the other side. Make sure that the position of the timing pulley matches with the groove of the V-slot. If it is not in alignment, loosen set screws of the timing pulley, adjust the position, and tighten the set screws again. Now installation of the second leg is also completed.

Installing Timing Belt
As you did in the previous section for x-axis, install timing belt using a cable tie.(In the picture, we placed the “x-axis motor unit” closer to us.)Insert the timing belt from the top and face jagged surfaces inside. Tighten the cable tie in the direction shown in the picture.

Once one side of the timing belt is fixed, turn around both timing pulley and fix the other side with a cable tie.※Try to pull the belt tight when fixing with a cable tie. (Please note that there is a limit for the tightness of the belt to allow normal operation so you do not need to pull too tightly. We will adjust the tightness later.) At this point, the timing belt should be a bit loose.

To tighten the belt, loosen the screw on the side of the idler pulley plate and tighten the screw again while pulling the belt in the direction shown in the picture. When the timing belt is tight, you are done with this side. Similarly, on the other side, after installing the timing belt, pull the idler pulley plate to tighten the belt. And you are done with this side as well.

Click here for more detailed instruction with pictures

List of Parts

PCB case x1

Laser board (1.6W/3.5W) x1

Control board x1

M5*6 low head bolt x2

M3*4 hex socket head cap bolt x9

Washer x8

Cable tie catch x1

Mounting of Boards

*Please see further below for the instruction for 3.5W

Mounting of Laser Board (For 1.6W)

Insert washer in between spacer, which is already attached on PCB case, and the laser board, then tighten with M3×4 hex socket head cap bolt (four points).

Mounting PCB Case in the Body
Place the PCB case on V-slot 410mm on the back of body. Fix it using two of the M5 t nut and two of the M5×6 low head bolt (already inserted while assembling the frame). Aim for the center for the mounting position.

Mounting of Control Board
Insert a washer in between the control board and M3×4 hex socket head bolt, and tighten it (four points).

Adjusting the Tilt of Heat Sink
To install the DC fan, tilt by 5mm two heat sinks on the laser board. If you tilt it too much it will hit the side cover. Make sure it does not touch the side cover. The 5mm is from the state where the board and heatsink are horizontal.

Putting Cable Tie Catch
Behind the red circle, fix the cable tie catch with hex socket head cap bolt.

Mounting of Board (3.5W)

※If you are using 1.6W model, please skip this part.

Insert washer in between spacer, which is already attached on PCB case, and the laser board, then tighten with M3×4 hex socket head cap bolt (four points).

Mounting PCB case on the Body
Place the PCB case on V-slot 410mm on the back of body. Fix it using two of the M5×6 low head bolt (already inserted while assembling the frame). Aim for the center for the mounting position.

Mounting Control Board
Insert a washer in between the control board and M3×4 hex socket head bolt, and tighten it (four points).

Putting Cable Tie Catch
Behind the red circle (see picture), fix the cable tie catch with hex socket head cap bolt. See the picture for the orientation of the catch.

Click here for more detailed instruction with pictures

List of Parts

PCB case x1

Laser cable x1

X-axis-R cable x1

X-axis cable x1

Y-axis-L cable x1

Foot switch cable x1

Cable tie x2

Wiring of Laser Board (for 1.6W)
※For instruction for 3.5W, please see further down the page.

We will do the wiring of six cables.

1. PCB cable

2. Laser Cable

3. X-axis cable

4. Y-axis-R cable

5. Y-axis-L cable

6. Foot Switch cable

Gathering Cables within PCB Case
We will gather cables with two cable ties.

Wiring for 1.6W is done.

**Pictures shown here are for 1.6W

Wiring of Laser Board (for 3.5 W)

Six steps of wiring

1. PCB cable

2. Laser cable

3. X-axis cable

4. Y-axis-R cable

5. Y-axis-L cable

6. Foot Switch

Gathering Cables within PCB Case
We will gather cables with two cable ties.

Wiring for 3.5W is done.

Click here for more detailed instruction with pictures

List of Parts

M3 post-assembly nut x2

M3*6 hex socket head cap bolt x2

Cable tie catch x2

Cable tie x8

Fixing Cable Tie Catch
Stand the body of FABOOL Laser Mini. The side facing toward you will be the base. Slide the M3 post-assembly nut into the groove of V-slot. Put it completely in the groove. Fix the cable tie catch with M3×6 hex socket head cap bolt. Make sure of its orientation.Fix the opposite side in the same orientation. Slide the M3 post-assembly nut into the groove of V-slot. Fix the cable tie catch with M3×6 hex socket head cap bolt. Make sure of it’s orientation.Fix the opposite side in the same orientation.

Wiring of the laser cable

Fix one end of the corrugate tube (black tube that covers the cables) on cable tie catch installed in PCS case. Put the cable tie through the cable tie catch. Fix the end and tighten with the cable tie. Fix the other end of corrugate tube at the screw attached on the optical stage.

Wiring Laser cable and Y-Axis-R cable

Refer to the picture and fix two points with cable ties. Fix Y-Axis-R cable with the cable tie catch which is already installed. Fix X-Axis cable, Y-Axis-L cable, Foot Switch cable to the cable tie catch which is already installed. Make sure that the cables do not cover the USB port of PCB case.

Install the limit of X-Axis cable (make sure of the orientation of switch) with two of the M2×10 hex socket head cap bolts and connect the connector with stepping motor. Fix the X-Axis cable at the designated place with cable ties. Fix the X-Axis cable at the designated place with cable ties. Connect the connector of Y-Axis-R cable with stepping motor. Install the limit of Y-Axis-L (make sure of the orientation of switch) with two of the M2×10 hex socket head cap bolts and connect the connector with stepping motor. Install the limit of Foot Switch cable with two of the M2×10 hex socket head cap bolt. Cut off remaining part of the cable tie.

Click here for more detailed instruction with pictures

List of Parts

PCB case x1

DC fan x1

Screws for PCB case x8

M3*10 hex socket head cap bolt x3

Assembly of PCB Case (for 1.6W)
Installing DC Fan

Install the DC dan on PCB case with M3×10 hex socket head cap bolt.*Use ONLY three of the holes. DO NOT use the other one. (This is to avoid the screw touching the heatsink of laser board.)Make sure the DC fan is at the right orientation.

Connect the DC fan with the control board. Fix the cable of DC fan and PCB cable with a cable tie.

Installing Side Cover
Installing the side cover. Use the PCB-case-specified screws. For the first screw, leave it a little loose otherwise it will make it difficult to fix screw on the other side. Make sure the orientation is correct.

Installing Front Cover
Using PCB-case-specified screws, install the front cover that is equipped with the DC fan.

Assembly of PCB Case (for 3.5W)
Installing DC Fan

Install the DC fan with M3×10 hex socket head cap bolt on the PCB case. Use the three spots. Do not use the other one. Make sure the orientation of the DC fan is correct.

Connect the DC fan with the control board. Fix the cable of DC fan and PCB cable with a cable tie.

Installing Side Cover
Installing the side cover. Use the PCB-case-specified screws. For the first screw, leave it a little loose otherwise it will make it difficult to fix screw on the other side. Make sure the orientation is correct.

Installing Front Cover
Using PCB-case-specified screws, install the front cover that is equipped with the DC fan.

Click here for more detailed instruction with pictures

List of Parts

Laser unit x1

Optical carrier x1

Height adjustment acrylicx1

M6*8 hex socket head cap bolt x1

Cable tie x1

Installing Optical Carrier
Please do the installation on a flat surface.

Fix temporarily the optical carrier in the tapped hole in center of the laser unit. Fix it with the M6×8 hex socket head cap bolt while pushing the optical carrier down. Fix the optical stage (on top of the mini v plate_C) and optical carrier (on top of the laser unit). Connect the laser cable and laser unit. Tie the laser cables with a cable tie as in the picture. Installation is completed.

Click here for more detailed instruction with pictures

*When cutting or engraving with FABOOL Laser Mini, there has to be a space of 3mm in between the laser unit and material you want to cut or engrave for the focus purpose. Please adjust the height appropriate for the thickness of the material.

Use the height adjustment acrylic. *It is covered with scratch protection sheet. Please remove it when using.

How to Adjust Height
1) Put the material under the FABOOL Laser Mini and place height adjustment acrylic on the material. Then, place them under the laser unit.

2) Loosen the dial screw on the side of user unit and lower the laser unit until the bottom part hits the height adjustment acrylic. Tighten the dial screw on the side of optical carrier. Make sure to remove the height adjustment acrylic after fixation.

Please note that if the dial screw is not tight enough, optical carrier might be loosened while cutting and engraving, and the laser unit might fall off.

Preparation for Cutting and Engraving

List of Parts

AC adapter x1

AC cable x1

USB cable x1

Operation Check
*At this point, laser should not be radiated when you plug. Should there be radiation, please unplug it immediately and stop the assembly.

*When you plug it, please wear safety glasses and place material such as wooden board underneath the laser unit to protect the desk.

Connect AC adapter with AC cable. Connect PCB case with AC adapter. Connect PCB case with USB cable. Connect the other side of USB cable with PC. Connect AC cable with the outlet (AC100V). Check that the DC fan in PCB case is spinning. Check that the DC fan in laser unit is spinning.

Placing Protector for Base
*We recommend to use the protection cover when using FABOOL Laser Mini, but if you do not, please put a board to protect the base. We recommend to use a steel board, stainless plate, or other inflammable materials (dark color so that the laser radiation does not reflect as much). Please make sure to use a big enough one that covers the entire area used for cutting and engraving.

Click here for more detailed instruction with pictures

Overview of FABOOL Software

In this section, we introduce features of FABOOL software, basic specifications, and overall system configuration.

Main Features of the Software

1. Works with FABOOL Laser Mini and Smart Laser Mini. Imports data from drawing software, sets cutting and engraving parameters for processing (laser output and moving speed of head). ※There are two ways for cutting and engraving; one is the “vector method” where the laser moves along a line, and the other is “raster method” where the laser moves horizontally as if it fills up the area.

2. Importing multiple data, modifying imported data (scaling, reposition, etc).

3. Saves and manages processing parameters and imported data as a “project file”.

Followings are instructions for FABOOL Software

User Registration and Driver Installation for FABOOL Software

How to Use FABOOL Software

How to Create SVG Processing Data

Cautions for Imported Data

1. Engraving on macaroon

2. Engraved on macaroons and white chocolate

3. Engraved a logo on iPhone

4. Engraved a logo on denim

5. Cut out a model of a house and put them together

6. Made a puzzle with a picture a kid drew

7. Made accessories