I could have sworn there was a video I saw of Stephen Hawes (of Opulo) trying and failing to make a solder stencil, but now I can’t find it.
Did I hallucinate it? Did anyone else see it?
I’m asking because thin stainless sheet is maybe an interesting stretch goal…
Vaguely recall he used fiber laser (EDIT: with card stock). But, that’s so 2024 though… When are you going to add a Rack Robotics Power Core based EDM LR4 mod? Plunge (controlled with responsive fast auto retract-probe custom firmware…) into CNC’d shallow purified water tank, instead of (bandsaw like) wire feeding.
See ~9:30 and comments (e.g. CO2 or 3D printed) for various approaches Stephen and community tried https://youtu.be/5G7jBCK90O0?si=MUxsgfsYrEfaQV7H am hoping he has update soon.
This is why I’m asking. Although, similar to laser, a stiff CNC machine is overkill for EDM. Maybe EDM could mount onto Opulo directly even. Opulo uses a modified version of Marlin apparently.
Another application of EDM would be die-sink EDM where you need a CNC to make the dies, and then there’s a natural fit with V1 machines. If you already have a water bath for EDM then you already have the setup for milling graphite.
Yeah, would only make sense because you have a dust covered LR3 with kinematic mount already, and/or, are wanting to plunge EDM larger project(s)?
Wonder if their short detecting feedback hardware/software needed for regular EDM, can be used to do fast Z-mesh detection avoiding need to surface or bolt down stock material? Could be an advantage over laser (without mesh detection)?
Opulo looks neat, I keep failing to rationalize getting one, despite frequently trying. I still don’t have a laser, which seems like something I should try before EDM. So, for now, I look forward to seeing who makes the first V1E EDM mod…
Yes, they do short circuit detection as part of the EDM process and you can also put the device in probe mode so it acts like a touch probe detecting continuity without blasting the material away.
Maybe you could EDM the copper traces on a PCB, if you wanted it to be extra slow and without holes.