CNC to Laser Conversion

[BRobbins629]

After having some fun with the 1w Chinese engraver from Gearbest, I decided to see if I could incorporate a laser onto my CNC - a project I have been thinking about for quite a while. I went with a 2w laser diode from ebay that came with a driver that could be controlled with the Mach3 software already on the machine. Using the spindle control to turn the laser on and off and the PWM capability to control the power, I now had complete control of both hardware and software and can make use of my radial axis.

Foe vector graphics, there is a free GCode generator for InkScape from Jtechphotonics (also has great info on conversion). The picture below uses that feature. Having control, also enables me to write my own GCode, even varying the power within a file which should enable shading. Also below are 2 of my favorite patterns. All code written in Excel. This is what I call fun.

 

[SteveG]

It is beyond me, but does look like fun for you with the computer skills that accompany you pen turning skill. Love it!

 

[hanau]

Bruce very interesting
I am starting to learn about lasers.

Could you post a link to the ebay laser you bought and how did you connect it to your cnc spindle?

 

[Dalecamino]

Awesome Bruce. Thank you. I've wanted to see this for a long time.

 

[BRobbins629]

Bruce very interesting
I am starting to learn about lasers.

Could you post a link to the ebay laser you bought and how did you connect it to your cnc spindle?

Here's the link for the laser:
445nm 2000mW 2W Blue Laser Module TTL Signal Outer Driver CNC Cutter Engraving | eBay

As for mounting it, I attached it to a 1/8" aluminum plate. Long ago I put T-track on my Z axis and use that for all my spindles, so the plate fastens to the track with 2 bolts.

The details of the electrical hookup and Mach3 settings can be found here:
https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=1436

Plug in for Inkscape here:
https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=2012

 

[Terredax]

Since this set-up utilizes the parallel port and a DB25 cable, could it be used in conjunction with a machine that is running through the Ethernet connection with a smooth stepper and run separate machines with the same computer and Mach3? At separate times of course.

 

[BRobbins629]

Since this set-up utilizes the parallel port and a DB25 cable, could it be used in conjunction with a machine that is running through the Ethernet connection with a smooth stepper and run separate machines with the same computer and Mach3? At separate times of course.

If you can turn the spindle on and off with the smooth stepper, it should work by wiring as you would the spindle. A good question for jtechphotonics or cnczone. I'm sure others have done this.

 

[low_48]

How's the transition at the start/stop point in the round?

 

[robutacion]

Well well, I love what you did, great work indeed.

I have the CNC and most software what I'm lacking is the brains to work it all up as it is much less, fiddling around it as you did, damn...!:frown:

The next question would be, would I need to go that far with my CNC? not a chance...!:wink:

Cheers
George

 

[BRobbins629]

How's the transition at the start/stop point in the round?

Although I've only just begun to play with this, so far it looks pretty good. May need to run a test for that. I've been using M3 and M5 commands to turn the laser on and off and there's some discussion about using other commands such as M10/M11 to avoid a little delay. Since I have it hooked up for the power to respond to spindle speed commands, I may also try just setting that to 0 when I want the laser off. Also need some time to see how well I can use a raster path to do more complex drawings. Some say not so well with Mach3, but I think I may have a way.

 

[low_48]

How's the transition at the start/stop point in the round?

Although I've only just begun to play with this, so far it looks pretty good. May need to run a test for that. I've been using M3 and M5 commands to turn the laser on and off and there's some discussion about using other commands such as M10/M11 to avoid a little delay. Since I have it hooked up for the power to respond to spindle speed commands, I may also try just setting that to 0 when I want the laser off. Also need some time to see how well I can use a raster path to do more complex drawings. Some say not so well with Mach3, but I think I may have a way.

Any pictures of the transition "seam"?

 

[BRobbins629]

Any pictures of the transition "seam"?

Here's some tests I ran today. As requested, the first is the transition seam on a radial piece at 3 different powers. The start/stop position is at the horizontal line. The one on the far left is done by turning on and off the laser using M3/M5 codes. The next 3 are using an M3 code to turn on the laser at 0 power and then SXX to start the laser.

The next two pictures are a test of speed and power settings. One uses M3/M5 commands to turn off and on; the other uses the SXX commands. S0 to turn off and SXX to define the power in %. Note the extra little burn on the left of some of the lines when using M3 to turn laser on. Appears to be a little delay before starting to move. Pretty much gone when using SXX command.