Heisenberg Tiles

Solution...
over 8 years ago – Tue, Apr 19, 2016 at 12:50:07 AM

After reading all of your comments... thank you so much for your kind words... I have decided to launch an Indiegogo page to raise the funds for the new laser tube. The campaign will launch two weeks from today. I have a Social Media Guy is time... not like last time... and he wants a month to 'ramp up the social media'. I said no. I need about two weeks to get hard figures on costs for the magnets, bags, acrylic and shipping. I do not want any faux pas' like I had last time with the shipping confusion.

I already know that the acrylic has increased by 35% over the last time I ran the campaign, and I have no illusions that the other materials didn't also increase.

On the page for the campaign will be a 'New Tube Fund' set at $10 with a limit of 60 contributions, as well as a 'Secret Perk'... something that Indiegogo does... that will allow me to offer the OG (that's you guys... the Original Gangsters) A Perk for just you guys. This is for those of you who wanted to 'donate' $20, but I wouldn't accept it... I quickly designed and cut this out:

I am planning to slip these into your original orders. It is business card sized and will have 2 magnets.

I think I might change the word 'supporter' to 'Backer'.

Let me know what you guys think....

Regards,

Andrew, Kevin, and James

The Verdict Is In
over 8 years ago – Sat, Apr 16, 2016 at 12:48:15 AM

Well, I finally got a definitive answer from Epilogue about the laser issues. They had me run a series of tests, and then submit the results for evaluation. There were 3 tests squares printed. They are 1" squares engraved at 100% speed, 100% power and 75 DPI resolution. I am attaching the pictures of the samples here.

So the verdict is, that the gentleman who had the laser before us, overheated the tube by using it in extreme heat conditions. The operations manual clearly states that the laser tube should not be operated in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. So, best guess is the last summer, before I purchased it, and the reason he sold it... was he operated it when he shouldn't have. And damaged the tube.

Taxes and delivery included, the new laser tube will cost $5,593.71

So... I have no idea what I should do next. I am so far into the red on this thing there is no turning back... I can't return the laser.... I can't return the acrylic, and I can't return the magnets, or the little bags. This has seriously crippled me.

So... I am asking for suggestions. What should I do? 

Seriously. How do I solve this?

Andrew

Sample tile run...
over 8 years ago – Fri, Apr 15, 2016 at 11:51:43 PM

Sorry for the delay... day job got in the way!

Here is a video of the first line of a sample tile run. On Walt Green, one line, remember you see repeats because there are 4 sets across.

 Here is description of the physics of things as I understand it.

The engraving on the far left and far right is accurate, because the head is moving at a relatively slow speed, allowing the laser to react fast enough to make a clean image. As the head accelerates across the table, it becomes more and more inaccurate. Here is a shot of the extreme right side of the table:

My photography is what is making it 'slightly blurry'... cell phone shot.

Here is sample from the centre of the table where the laser is at speed.

Now, even a slightly blurry iPhone picture can't hide the fact that this is totally unacceptable.

So, there you have it. I am going to take the weekend to read you kind thoughts, regroup, and figure out how to tackle this. There is a solution... I just have to think on it a bit.

As always,

Andrew

Waiting for Yoda!
almost 9 years ago – Tue, Mar 15, 2016 at 11:27:05 PM

Okay, it has been 13 days since my last update. Since then we have been grinding away and have now completed the 'Backs' of all of the sheets.

Now is the time to start the front of the tiles (1 sheet = 8 tile sets, or 960 tiles!) To that end, I have been wrestling with the 'Laser Match' setting to try and get the best quality engraving on the tiles. Here is where we are at now.

As you can see, then lines are getting crisper, but every time I try and engrave letters, I get what you see on the letters for HELLO.

I am told this could be due to something the laser industry calls "tickle". As I understand it, and I think I am becoming something of an expert, the laser tube is kept at the brink of firing while it is on, and just given a 'nudge' of charge at the moment it needs it to fire. This means the laser can react and fire at a greater speed, which translates to higher resolution.

The thinking is that the "tickle" on this tube needs to be adjusted. That means I need Yoda (Alan) to come and adjust the "tickle". I am waiting for Yoda. Sounds like a Star Wars Western: "Waiting for Yoda".

I want everyone to cross their fingers because... if this can not be resolved by adjusting the "tickle"... I need to buy a new laser tube. $2,500 USD and 3 weeks delay.

People... I really need a break here. Cross your fingers!!

As always,

Andrew, Kevin and James.

"Waiting for Yoda"

Back at it....grinding away at the colours!
almost 9 years ago – Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 11:38:08 PM

I picked up the motor yesterday and it is in, and working beautifully! I haven't run the 'match' program, as it isn't really required for doing the 'magnet dots', so I am leaving the fine tuning until James comes on Friday. I know I should have taken some pictures of the motor install, but really, I was too focused on not dropping one of the 900 little screws to think about taking photos... sorry.

Right now I am grinding away at the dots for all of the colours. First, the registration holes are shot at 300dpi:

Then the magnet dots are engraved at 75dpi.... remember, we want them a bit rough to accept the adhesive from the magnets.

We have 3 stacks of acrylic running now:

The left pile is done, the center pile has had the protective cover on one side peeled, and the right pile still needs the cover peeled.

And BTW... each cover needs to be peeled using a heat gun!

So, about 1/3 the way through the magnet dots. Here are a couple of shots of the shop to give you an idea where these things are being created.

 Ya, I know, but really, what else do I do for 6 minutes but sip wine and watch Netflix!

Well... the program finished and it's time to get back at it.

As always,

Andrew, Kevin and James!