Friday Product Post: Stepoko!
CNC all around! Shapeoko, a controller board, add-on kits, all the things!
Welcome back, everyone! It is Friday, it is a BIG Friday. This is the day we're pleased to introduce you to our brand new line of CNC products! There are multiple new products and a host of educational resources to learn from. Needless to say that this has been a labor of love by every facet of SparkFun. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your Friday Product Post!
You can watch the laser cutter demo on its own here. If you are looking for a little more basic information on the SparkFun Stepoko, the Shapeoko 3, CNC functionality, or anything else pertaining to the subject, we have created an Information Page as a go-to resource!
Let's start the day off with our brand new board! The SparkFun Stepoko is an Arduino compatible, 3-axis control solution that runs grbl software and is able to connect to your computer to accept stepper motor commands. The Stepoko's design and firmware are completely open source and it works with an open source Java based cross platform G-Code sending application to translate commands. By just looking at this board it may look daunting but the simplest installation of the Stepoko consists of just plugging the stepper motors in, connecting it to power and to your computer. We have specifically designed this board to be used in conjunction with the Shapeoko CNC Machine!
This is the Shapeoko Deluxe Kit, a desktop, 3-axis CNC kit that allows you to create your 2D and 3D designs out of non-ferrous metals, hardwoods, and plastics. This special SparkFun Edition of the Shapeoko Kit includes everything from the base frame and hardware to the motors and SparkFun Stepoko controller. This is an entry-level CNC machine designed for hobbyists, artists, fabricators, and affecianados of CNC Music Factory! The only thing that is not included is a Dewalt Trim router which can be purchased from most hardware stores or online retailers.
The Shapeoko 3 is a heavy duty desktop CNC machine designed to do real work, out of real materials. This Mechanical Kit includes the base frame and assembly hardware (screws, nuts, pulleys) to build the physical structure of your CNC. If you are looking to build your own custom rig or wanting to upgrade an existing setup to a bigger platform check out this kit.
The Stepoko Motion Control Add-On Kit provides you with everything you need to get your CNC moving, powered, and controlled. This add-on will allow you to convert a simple mechanical kit into a full CNC machine! Inside each kit you will find our SparkFun Stepoko board, four NEMA23 stepper motors, an enclosure milled to hold the Stepoko, a 24V/5A power supply, a toggle switch, and 6ft A-B USB cable. Just add your own machine (like the Shapeoko 3) and you are ready to get started.
Rounding out the pack this week is something completely different from what you've just seen. The SparkFun Discrete Semiconductor Kit addresses your basic discrete semiconduictor needs. This kit has it all! Inside you will find PNP and NPN bipolar transistors, N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs, diodes, adjustable voltage references, and adjustable voltage regulators.
Alright, folks, that's it for this huge Friday Product Post. Be sure to check back Monday for some extremely exciting Cyber Monday announcements! As next week is Thanksgiving here in the United States we will be off recovering from turkey. We hope everything you've just seen will sate your Product Post needs and we will see you in two weeks with some fresh new products for you to check out! See you then!
Exposing your eyes to high power laser light is not a good idea. I'd recommend using eye goggles specifically designed for blocking the wavelength being used that block light from the sides as well as the front. Get at least two pair as sooner or later someone else will want to safely watch. A video showing the CNC router cutting aluminum and showing the accuracy that is obtainable would be nice.
Lasik improves eyesight
Lasik utilizes lasers
∴ Lasers improve eyesight
So, Sparkfun is recommending that users use high power lasers without proper eye protection since lasers improve eyesight?
I mean... only if they want better eyesight.
(Anyone not getting the joke should note that noworries is absolutely right. Even visible lasers of suitable class can be an accident waiting to happen. If you're not wearing PPE, you don't get to complain when you go blind... but you still get to wear an eyepatch... so it has its ups and downs)
Where did You buy the laser?
Any reason to have the motor controllers built onto the controller board? I would figure if anything was going to burn out it would probably be one of them and if/when that happens you are pretty much stuck replacing the whole controller.