Jubilee is an open-source & extensible multi-tool motion platform which can be used for laboratory automation. Let’s make a laser tool…

Science backstory

We’ve been having fun with a little Wainlux K10 5W diode laser ($150/alibaba) to make laser-cut paper microfluidics. To continue the fun, we want to build a frugal self-driving lab device to optimize parameters, etc.

Background info

Apparently we’re not the first to try putting a laser on a Jubilee, but nobody has written about the results

Jubilee uses Duet 3 Mini 5+ which natively support laser engraver/cutter control — assumes a standard 12V laser with 5V active-high PWM signal — so there shouldn’t be any electrical fiddling needed to make this work, just mount it.

First Step: 5 mW 650 nm laser pointer

Objective: Demonstrate that you can successfully operate a laser tool on the Jubilee platform, using a low power Class II laser (glorified laser pointer)

Supplies:

  • 5 mW 650 nm TTL laser diode ($19/adafruit) – this is switched in the same way that bigger lasers are.
  • JST XH 2.5 - 3 pin socket ($1/adafruit) — these are the standard connectors used on TTL lasers
  • JST XH2.54-3Pin cable ($7/amazon) — 80 cm tends to be a common length, but maybe go longer instead? 150cm?
  • Build an adapter from Molex KK254 (on the Duet) to JST-XH2.54

Laser Hello-World with the Duet Mini 5+

The Duet Mini 5+ has a 3-pin Molex KK254 connector on IO6 which provides 5V power, ground, and a 5V PWM signal. Wiring diagram.. This is convenient for testing with a low power TLL-controlled laser pointer.

To enable the laser, add the following to your config.g file:

; Duet 3 Mini 5+
M452 C"out6"    ; Enable Laser mode, on out6, with default max intensity being 255, and default PWM frequency

Send a G-command with S options to set laser power (from 0 to 255)—the example below is the lowest power.

G1 S1           ; S parameter sets power, use the lowest for this test

Note: The laser is only on while the motion is taking place, so you need to be making a move to see it (e.g., G1 X100 S1). You can just do a slow move (change the velocity parameter) so that it stay s on for a while.

Physical structure

Design Jubilee tool to hold it in place. Good practice in designing tools…good cad practice for students.

Here is my design — there is an additional space to put in a heatset insert and use a set screw in the axis to lock the diode in place. Works just fine; no supports needed, just print in PLA lying on its back and the diode holder will be self-supporting. I used a vitamin kit from Luke’s Lab for the various screws, Delrin lock plate, etc.

Safety-third!

Everyone gets two changes at laser eye safety. Don’t look into the laser with your remaining eye.

But seriously, folks. It is worth learning about laser safety. This is a nice intro video; I especially liked the chart of recommended OD by wavelength

  1. Get some laser safety glasses

  2. Build an enclosure. You can buy rated acrylic sheets (laser cut them with a CO2 laser) to construct side panels

Next Step: 5W 450nm diode laser

update: 09/2025 currently on pause because of concerns about safety.

Objective: After establishing that you can do this safely, go for MORE POWER! Class 4 laser

  • LaserTree 5W 450nm laser module ($85/amazon) seems to fit the bill: standard 12V power, 5V PWM control.
  • JST XH2.54-3Pin cable ($7/amazon) — if you don’t have one already from the last experiment.
  • Be sure to get some laser safety glasses

Build:

  • Make an adapter from two inputs: One from the 12V supply and Ground pin; the other from the 5V PWM output that we used above.

Physical Structure

TODO: Design Jubilee tool for 5W laser module

Test

TODO: Test

Other things