But, this is a big but, I missed something new and needed to correct it, so first the honeycomb bed for the laser engraver.
I've wanted one for years, but haven't been able to justify to myself and my bank account why I need one; this should show and explain why.
1. What is a honeycomb bed?
Here's mine since I took it out of the box:
Honeycomb beds are an alternative to the more common solid beds made of solid metal sheets.
It gets its name from the enclosed honeycomb cells within the frame. These cells allow ventilation and air circulation.
I know I'm not the only one who lifts a piece up to inspect them and finds that the back looks like someone poured syrup on it - this is because the wood is just sitting in its sap and the air isn't circulating underneath.
It also comes with strong steel plates to protect the surface below the machine to avoid any potential laser damage.
The honeycomb bed provides a level, stable surface for cutting material, reducing the possibility of warping.
The Atomstack Honeycomb Platform also comes with acrylic pins for securing the material to the board.
The honeycomb structure dissipates heat faster, and the separate cells help prevent debris and smoke buildup, both of which can affect cut quality.
It also has a measurement scale on both the X and Y axes. You'll notice that the bed isn't quite as big as the F3's full bed size. However, it can accommodate fairly large sized blocks with ease.
2. What are the advantages of using a honeycomb bed?
Improve cut quality
These units distribute the weight of the material evenly, allowing for more accurate and consistent cuts, even when making delicate cuts like mandalas.
Check out how sharp and clean the cuts are:
Reduce material waste
With improved air circulation and ventilation, errors are reduced and the requirement to re-cut the workpiece is reduced, as debris and fumes can fall from the material through the holes or remain in place under the workpiece without causing additional work to the laser.
faster cutting speed
The improved ventilation and circulation I keep mentioning also allow for faster cutting speeds as the laser can run at higher power in the same time frame as a solid bed without overheating.
They also reduce cutting time and patience requirements which is always a winner for me.
3. How to maintain the honeycomb bed?
As with all CNC machines and accessories, honeycomb bed care involves maintenance and cleaning.
Here are some tips:
check bed regularly
Check for signs of damage or if any units are clogged with debris as they may affect cut quality and efficiency.
Clean
Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove any loose parts from previous cuts, then wipe with a damp cloth. No harsh chemicals are required. If there is some browning around the cells, use baby wipes to clean it up. And, let it dry before using it again.
Storage
When not in use, store the bed in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and moisture that can damage the bed.