BuildYourCNC - 4' x 8' Vertical Laser XL

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Image of Vertical Laser XL laser tube and Y axis Motor

The chiller for the vertical laser xl which also serves as the water pump

Picture showing the finished assembly of the laser nozzle and timing belt.

Laser controller parameters instruction 7

Rendered image of the vertical laser xl 4'x8' laser cutter from buildyourcnc

Front view of the vertical laser xl 4'x8' laser cutter from buildyourcnc

Sectional side view of the vertical laser xl 4'x8' laser cutter from buildyourcnc

4' x 8' Vertical Laser XL - Laser Cutter/Engraver

Price Options Your Cart

Vertical Laser XL v2 - Assembled Machine with Laser Tube

$11,100.00

Includes free technical support.

Vertical Laser XL v2 Plans

$650.00

Includes free technical support.

Vertical Laser XL v2 - Machine Kit No Laser Tube

$7601

Includes free technical support.

Vertical Laser XL v2 - Machine Kit with Laser Tube

$8899.00

Includes free technical support.

Vertical Laser XL v2- Assembled Machine No Laser Tube

$9802

Includes free technical support.

Introduction:

The revolutionary Vertical Laser XL is our largest laser engraver. The lasing area is 4' x 8' (approximately 1200mm x 2400mm). The machine features an 80W CO2 laser tube and power supply to provide faster laser cutting ability.

Description:

Video: Introduction To The Vertical Laser XL

Shipping for this machine is by freight and is NOT included in the price of the machine. The shipping cost will be provided at the time of shipping. Both the kit and the assembled machine will come as a crate. The laser tube is drop shipped from another supplier and will need to be installed into the machine by the end user.

The images and videos are of an older version of this machine. The newer version uses higher quality linear rails (20mm guide rails and bearing blocks) on both axes. The price to reflect this change will be changed in July of 2021. If I have quoted you this price, or we are in communication during this price change, I will honor the previous lower price. (6/8/2021)

The Vertical Laser XL is a serious laser machine that pulls no punches. Start with a ridiculous 4’ x 8’ cutting area (hence the XL). Throw in a massive 80W CO2 laser tube. Equip with a laser control unit system. Then flip it upright because gravity be damned. You need space.

Technical Details

The price options that have no laser tube does not include the laser tube, laser tube power supply or chiller.

The vertical orientation of this machine provides a few advantages over a horizontal machine. It provides a large format work area with a much smaller overall footprint. The vertical orientation also helps contain toxic gases better, and reduces sagging issues with the gantry.

The VLXL is equipped with an 80W C02 laser tube and 80W power supply to provide fast lasing speed, and the option to upgrade to a 100W or 130W tube will be available in the near future.

The VLXL features an integrated control unit, allowing you to import designs from standard programs like AutoCAD, Adobe, and CorelDraw.

This machine kit has everything you need to be fully functional, including an industrial water chiller to keep the tube system cooled.

What Comes With the Kit?

Structure - All wood and plexi pieces for structural assembly
Electronics - NEMA 34 651 oz-in stepper motor, NEMA 24 425 oz-in stepper motor, 6 amp and 3 amp drivers for stepper motors. 36V power supply, 24V power supply. Laser Controller Interface (Controller and LCD Panel)
Laser Components - 80W CO2 Laser Tube, 80W Power Supply, 50.8mm laser focal lens, 25mm mirrors and mount
Hardware
Mechanical Components
Industrial Water Chiller

How Long Does it Take to Receive the Kit?

Please contact us to determine current queue times. Machines are shipped first come first serve. The machine typically takes us between 10-20 business days to fabricate and assemble. Shipping time will be determined by the time to fabricate, assemble (if needed) which happens after previous machines have been processed.

Ask a question about the 4' x 8' Vertical Laser XL - Laser Cutter/Engraver:

Previously answered questions:

Click on the question to reveal the answer.

[4' x 8' Vertical Laser XL - Laser Cutter/Engraver] How does your piece stay In place - so I cut a circle out - does it fall out?

The workpiece (the item being cut or engraved by the laser) in the laser is not perfectly vertical. There is an angle to the bed, and a ledge at the bottom that the workpiece will set against, so the workpiece will stay in place. Depending on the size, weight, and rigidity of the workpiece, you may need to adhere the workpiece to the bed using various methods. For example, if the workpiece is a piece of leather, you will need to adhere the workpiece to the bed, or to another item that can be placed into the machine. More rigid items can simply be placed into the laser and the operation of cutting and engraving can start without adhering the workpiece to the bed of the machine.

Since lasers (as opposed to a CNC with a spindle that creates a physical cutting action) there is no force on the workpiece. Only the lasing light will be hitting the workpiece. The kerf of the cut from a laser is small enough that parts cut out of the workpiece will stay in place. If you feel that there are pieces that may fall out of the machine while cutting, you can use various methods of adhering those sections to the bed of the machine.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[510] How does your piece stay In place - so I cut a circle out - does it fall out?
[4' x 8' Vertical Laser XL - Laser Cutter/Engraver] Can this machine use a bigger laser tube than 80W?

Yes, the vertical laser XL (VLXL) can use a laser tube with a higher wattage than 80 watts. The maximum wattage depends on the length of the laser tube. As the wattage of the laser tube increases, the length of the laser tube also increases. The inside clearance of the Vertical Laser XL will allow a 130-watt CO2 laser tube to be used.
Click the link to add information to this solution:
[510] Can this machine use a bigger laser tube than 80W?

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Instructions

Example cutting plexiglass

Laser Alignment Part 1

Laser Alignment Part 2

Laser Alignment Part 3

Attach the plexi assembly using 4 - 1/4" x 1" screws and 4 cross dowels.

Continue following the instructions from Step 1.

Attach the bearing block using 4 M6 x 16mm bolts and 4 1/4" washers.

Attach the bearing block using 4 M6 x 16mm bolts and 4 1/4" washers.

Attach the bearing block using 4 M6 x 16mm bolts and 4 1/4" washers.

Attach the mount using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Continue attaching the mount with 2 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Attach to the mount using 4 #8 x 1-1/2" screws. Use 4 #8 washers in the front. Use 4 1/4" washers and 4 #8 nuts in the back.

Attach the pictured assembly using 2 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Continue attaching the part using 1 1/4" x 1-1/2" screw and 1 cross dowel.

Continue attaching the mount using a 1/4" x 1" screw and a cross dowel.

Continue attaching the mount using 2 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Secure the motor to the mount using 4 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 4 1/4" nuts.

Use a 1/2" to 1/2" steel coupling to attach the motor shaft to the 1/2" rod.

On the opposite end, use a 1/2" to 1/2" steel coupling to attach the motor shaft to the 1/2" rod. Make sure the 1/2" rod is going through the hole in the laser tube bottom mount (as pictured).

Place a 2" bearing into the groove on the part as picture.

Fasten using 2 5/16" x 2" screws, 2 5/16" washers, 2 5/16" thin (shim) washers, 4 5/16" idler bearings. and 2 5/16" nuts.

Attach the rod through the bearing as shown in the picture.

Attach using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Place the drive pulley on the rod.

Place the bearing into the groove on the assembly as pictured.

Fasten using 2 5/16" x 2" screws, 4 5/16" washers, 2 5/16" thin (shim) washers, 4 5/16" idler bearings. and 2 5/16" nuts.

Place the mount through the rod as pictured.

Attach using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Place the drive pulley on the rod as shown in the picture.

Attach the plexi piece using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Attach the laser mount using 1 M6 x 16mm screw.

Attach the mount using an M6 x 16mm screw.

Attach the mirror mount using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Attach the mirror mount using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Attach the plexi pieces as shown in the figure to form the y-axis tensioner.

Attach 2 5/16" bearings and 2 shim washers.

Attach a 5/16" x 2" screw and 5/16" nut.

Fasten the 5/16" nut as shown in the previous figure.

Secure the assembly to the mount using a 1/4" x 2" screw.

Secure the power supply using 6 #8 x 1/4" screws and 6 #8 nuts.

Attach the holding mount using a 1/4" x 1-1/2" screw and cross dowel.

Attach the Y axis rails, using 8 #10 x 1-1/2" screws and 8 #10 nuts.

Attach using 4 #8 x 1-1/2" screws, 4 #8 washers on the front (plexi), 4 1/4" washers in the back, and 4 #8 nuts.

Attach using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Attach using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Secure the NEMA 24 425oz-in stepper motor with 4 #8 x 3/4" screws and 4 #8 nuts.

Attach the drive pulley onto the motor shaft.

Place the timing belt onto the pulley.

fasten 2 #8 x 1-1/2" screws into the bracket along with 2 5/16" V-Groove bearings, 2 #6 washers, 4 #8 washers, 2 acrylic spacers and 2 #8 nuts.

Fasten the plexi piece shown in the figure to the bearing assembly using a 1/4" x 1" screw and a 1/4" cross dowel.

Place the acrylic spacers between the piece shown in the figure.

Insert a #8 x 1" screw through the 3 pieces of plexi and secure with a #8 nut.

Fasten a #8 x 1-1/2" screw with 3/16" V-Groove bearing, 2 #8 washers, 1 #6 washer, and a #8 nut.

Fasten a #8 x 1-1/2" screw to the 3/16" V-Groove bearing, with 3 #8 washers, and 2 #6 washers.

Fasten the .75" x 1" cable carrier bracket to the bearing assembly using a #8 nut.

Install the laser nozzle head onto the bearing assembly using 2 #8 x 1/2" screws and 2 #8 nuts.

Add a #8 x 1" screw with 2 #8 washers and #8 nut for timing belt tension adjustment.

Illustration of how the timing belt is fastened to the hardware.

Picture of the timing belt attached to the hardware.

Picture showing the finished laser nozzle and timing belt assembly.

Attach the small cable carrier mount to male end of the 1" x .75" cable carrier. Fasten using 3 #8 x 1" screws and 3 #8 nut inserts.

Attach the small cable carrier mount to the plexi with 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Attach plexi to the large cable carrier female end using 3 #8 x 3/4" screws and 3 #8 nuts.

Attach the plexi to the top bearing assembly using 2 1/4" x 1" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Mount the 80 watt laser tube. Be cautious as the tube is fragile.

Place the laser control module into the plexi mount using 4 #6 washers and supplied nuts.

Secure the Laser Control Module into the structure using 4 #8 x 1" screws and 4 #8 nut inserts.

Attach the 6.0 amp driver to the inside of the left-side gantry piece using 4 #8 x 1-1/2" screws and 4 #8 nut inserts.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 4

Attach the 3.0 amp driver to the inside of the left-side gantry piece using 4 #8 x 1-1/2" screws and 4 #8 nut inserts.

Attach the driver for the Laser Control Module on the inside using 4 #8 x 1" screws and 4 #8 nut inserts.

Attach the power supply using 4 M4 x 25mm screw.

Attach the 2nd power supply using 4 M4 x 25mm screws.

Install the guide rail using 20 #10 screws and 20 #10 nuts.

Install the top guide rail support using 6 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 6 cross dowels.

Attach the angled rail mount to the gantry using 2 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 2 cross dowels.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 11

Attach the linear guide rail to the top rail mount using 20 #10 x 1-1/2" screws and 20 #10 x 1/4" nuts.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 12

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 13

Attach the angular rail mount to the gantry using 6 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 6 cross dowels.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 14

Attach the aluminum rail to the gantry mount using 18 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 18 1/4" nuts.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 15

Attach the bottom angular rail mount using 6 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 6 cross dowels.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 16

Attach the bottom aluminum rails using 18 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 18 1/4" nuts.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 17

Attach the both top panels to the gantry ribs using 14 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 14 cross dowels.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 18

Attach the tabs using a 1/4" x 1-1/2" and 1 cross dowel.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 19

Attach the mount to the gantry rib using a #8 x 1-1/2" screw, #8 nut insert, and #8 washer.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 20

Repeat previous step for remaining 6 mounts.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 21

Attach the lower front panels using 14 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 14 cross dowels.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 22

Illustration of where to place the front top panel.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 23

Insert 14 cross dowels into the slots as shown in the figure.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 24

Attach the front top panels using 14 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 25

Attach the front top panel using 7 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 7 cross dowels.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 26

Attach the front top panel using 7 1/4" x 1-1/2" screws and 7 cross dowels.

Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 27

Slide the front plexi sliding door panel onto the angular rails.

Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 79

Attach the window frame to the plexiglass using two #8 x 3/4" and two #8 insert nuts.

Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 80

Attach the window frame to the plexiglass using two #8 x 3/4" and two #8 insert nuts.

Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 81

Attach the wood frame piece as shown in the image using 7 #8 x 3/4" screws and 7 #8 nut inserts. Notice the white arrows pointing to the adjustment hole on the plexiglass and the groove on the wood piece. The groove on the wood piece is larger on one side than on the other side, so make sure the larger groove aligns with the adjustment hole on the plexi.

Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 82

Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 83

Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 84

Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 85

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 86

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 87

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 88

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 89

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 90

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 91

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 92

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 93

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 94

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 95

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Vertical Laser Instructional Image Step 96

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 28

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 29

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 30

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 31

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 32

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 33

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 34

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Garage Laser Main Structure Instructional Image 35

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Wiring Diagram for Laser Control Unit

Click here for exploded view.

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Laser controller parameters instruction 1

Laser controller parameters - default parameters

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Laser controller parameters instruction 2

Controller position relative

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Laser controller parameters instruction 3

Laser controller advanced functions

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Laser controller parameters instruction 4

laser controller user parameters

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Laser controller parameters instruction 5

laser control manufacturer parameters

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Laser controller parameters instruction 6

laser controller work parameters

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laser controller work space

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Suggested location for the X-Axis Rotary Limit switch at the zero location

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Y-Axis lower limit switch

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Y-Axis upper limit switch

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Y-Axis cable carrier connections

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X-Axis cable carrier connection on the upper part of the gantry

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X-Axis cable carrier connection on the main structure of the vertical laser XL

X-Axis Cable Carrier connection on the upper part of a rib of the main structure

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LaserCAD Manufacturer Parameters for the vertical laser XL

LaserCAD System Options - Manufacturer Parameters

These parameters shown are only a guide and the values that you should use for these parameters may be different. Make sure to go through the calibration on your machine to achieve the best precision and accuracy.

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