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| | == Basic Instructions == | | == Basic Instructions == |
| − | === GCODE using Laserweb === | + | === Use Lightburn to desgin and control the laser |
| − | Laserweb: https://github.com/LaserWeb/LaserWeb4/wiki
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| − | | |
| − | # Start with the "Files" section. Click "Add Document" and add one of several file types. [[File:warning.png]]Note: If the file is vector format, you can create cuts that follow the vectors. If you load image formats like png, bitmap, etc, you are limited to "raster" cuts.
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| − | # Once you have added a document, you can drag the entire document (or a layer of that document) to the section titled "Drag document(s) here to add".
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| − | # Once the document is there, you chose your cut type from the pulldown that probably defaults to "Laser Cut". The options are pretty self-explanatory, but feel free to ask on the #laser-cutter channel on Slack for clarification.
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| − | # Once you choose your cut type, you must fill in the following: "Laser Power", start at 40% for your cardboard. Passes 1, Cut Rate 200, Segment .5
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| − | # [[File:warning.png]] Important: Now look in the "GCODE" section and click "Generate". Watch the progress bar.
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| − | # When it is complete, click the "eye" icon and look at the code. More than 20 lines of code? Good. Less than 20? Bad, try again, player one.
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| − | | |
| − | === GCODE with Fusion 360 ===
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| − | * [[Generating GCODE for the Blacktooth Laser Cutter with Fusion 360]]
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| − | | |
| − | === GCODE with Inkscape ===
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| − | | |
| − | # First order of business, install Inkscape: https://inkscape.org/en/download/
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| − | # Second, install the J Tech Photonics laser cutter plug-in: https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=2012
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| − | | |
| − | To etch a stencil using LaserWeb and Inkscape
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| − | | |
| − | # Grab a black and white image from the web, load it in Inkscape
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| − | # “Trace Bitmap” to create an filled path. Save
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| − | # In Laserweb, “Add Document” with your SVG.
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| − | # Drag your layer with the path created in step 2 to the GCODE section.
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| − | # Choose “laser cut” to etch the outline of your stencil. Make sure to have “Segment” set to something like .5 or you may slow your cuts down!
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| − | | |
| − | Optional (to fill your stencil):
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| − | # Drag your path to the GCode section again. Now you have two cut processes.
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| − | # Change the type of cut from Laser Cut to “Laser Raster Merge”. Make sure to have “Dithering” on!
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| − | | |
| − | === Powering Up ===
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| − | # Remove dust cover and make sure area is free of obstructions both inside the laser cutter and in the surrounding area.
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| − | # Plug in and turn on the powerstrip behind the laser cutter
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| − | # Make sure the water pump is running, that water is flowing through through the feeder tubes to the laser, and that there are NO leaks!
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| − | # Power up the computer running the CAM software
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| − | # Plug in the USB connection to the controller board on the side of the laser cutter
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| − | # Turn on the Motor Controller switch on the side of the laser cutter
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| − | # Turn on the Laser Cutter switch on the side of the box to power the laser.
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| − | # Make sure the "puffer" pump and the exhaust fan is running.
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| − | # To disperse any fumes or smoke, extend the vent hose to exhaust outside underneath the roll-up door.
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| − | | |
| − | === Test Alignment and Focus ===
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| − | # Launch the "CNC USB Controller" application from the desktop
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| − | # You can use the X and Y inputs in the application to jog the laser head to the appropriate position. (there is an alignment cutout placed inside the laser cutter that basically shows the zero reference point)
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| − | # It is recommended to perform a straight line cut on an angled block to determine the proper height of material for the best focus. (Z is not easily adjustable, so shimming material is the current method.)
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| − | ## (Add link to sample gcode to cut test line)
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| − | # Shim your material to the property height as determined by the previous step
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| − | # Perform test cuts on your desired material and adjust power setting (potentiometer on side of laser cutter box) to find appropriate levels. (Less is better, try to find the minimum power that will make sufficient cuts to reduce burning)
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| − | | |
| − | === Cutting ===
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| − | # Launch the "CNC USB Controller" application from the desktop
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| − | # Import your GCODE for your desired cut.
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| − | # '''NOTE''' Make sure you do not have any G28 commands in your gcode!! This will home the laser which will include the Z-axis. On this cutter, moving the Z axis DOWN will fire the laser. Moving Z axis UP will turn off the laser.
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| − | # Jog the laser to the appropriate position on your material relative to your model to be cut and set the new zero point with the appropriate left toolbar button.
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| − | # '''DO NOT HIT "Go to Zero"!''' See above.
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| − | # Hit the play button to execute your gcode
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| − | | |
| − | === Stopping ===
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| − | If your material starts to burn, stop the processing, and immediately extinguish the flames.
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| − | # If the gcode is running, hit the Stop button TWICE!
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| − | # If the laser is on, jog the Z axis up, to turn it off
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| − | # If the laser is still on, turn off the Laser switch on the side of the laser cutter box
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| − | | |
| − | == Advanced Operational Knowledge ==
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| − | There are some more advanced tasks that not everyone needs to know to do XXXXX, but needs to know to troubleshoot:
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| − | #
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| − | # Autodesk Fusion laser Cutter(Water jet mode) primer: http://fusion360.autodesk.com/learning/learning.html?guid=GUID-C14B9F20-3A39-4930-971E-BDFE268384B9
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| | + | https://lightburnsoftware.com/ |
| | == Warnings == | | == Warnings == |
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Restricted Usage/Training Required
