Which laser etcher/engraver are people using for creating cockpit panels?

[obious]

Hi All,

 

I’m in the midst of building ‘yet another’ F-18C Hornet cockpit but am looking to take the finish up a notch. So far, I’ve 3D printed the main components of the front panel (inc. UFC, DDIs, MPCD etc) but as I said, I’m looking to add a bit more realism to my build.

 

To that end, I’m curious to know what laser etcher/engravers people are using and what software? I’m pretty handy with Fusion360 but I understand thats a 3D modelling tool and not great for 2D?

 

Any help/pointers would be appreciated.

[lesthegrngo]

I use a combination of a chinese K40 laser cutter/ engraver and chinese 3040 router/engraver. Both bought from Amazon.

 

Cheers

 

Les

 

 

[Rapti]

I'm using al laser with 130W. I dont own it. I just can use it.

I'm designing everything with SOLIDWORKS. This is also a 3D CAD.

From the panels I export a dxf and import it into Lightburn.

The dxf contains 2 layers. One for the lasering contour an one for the engraving contour.

 

Lightburn is the software that controls the laser.

 

All I have to do now is set the power and speed of the laser for the two layers.

 

Thats it.

[agrasyuk]

a larger Chinese laser from local supplier.

they call it the 50Watt model, but the actual power output of the tube is 40W. Had a K40 before that (35-30 actual power output), did make good panels with it.

[Savvy]

I've got a 3020 CNC machine that I use to engrave my panels. I'm happy with the results I've got so don't feel the need to get a laser module at this stage.