Machsupport Forum

Support => Downloads => Post Processors => Topic started by: chuck767 on May 13, 2019, 09:45:39 AM

Title: Laser postprocessor
Post by: chuck767 on May 13, 2019, 09:45:39 AM
I would like to Attach a postprocessor Written by Seth At Liberty machines, Inc

It can be used for laser, waterjet, or plasma 

I tried the arc soft Plasma Postprocessor And it did not work for what I was doing. Seth agreed to write one and it works great.

I cannot attach it because it is a  .CPS file

Could somebody pls tell me where I can Get this post-processing File Recognized?

Thanks,
Chuck
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on May 13, 2019, 10:39:38 AM
Hi Chuck,

Put it into .zip - then it can be attached.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: chuck767 on May 13, 2019, 12:00:33 PM
Thanks, Tweakie,

I have attached it as a ZIP file.

Chuck

Ps,
Again, thanks to Seth at Liberty machine, inc


Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: Anthrop on December 14, 2019, 07:00:37 PM
Hey Chuck
What screens are you using on this machine??
and is it a Waterjet??

I need screens specific for waterjet, but can't find anything.
I imagine that screens for Plasma might work but not entirely.
bc IDK HOW the water pressure would be adjusted.
or be adjusted manually before the run.....
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: chuck767 on December 14, 2019, 09:22:00 PM
I do not have a special screen for my laser. I use the same screen that I have for a 4 axis  milling machine.

 Prior to the cut I set the percent laser power using a potentiometer.

Everything else is controlled by the post processed Gcode file.

You could use the M 10 and M 11 to turn your water jet on and off and set the pressure similar to the way I set my laser power.

Fusion 360 has a very good post processor for water jets, Laser and Plasma Cutter‘s. It allows Lead in and lead outs which the subject post processor does not accommodate.

Are you using MACH3 or 4?

Chuck
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: Anthrop on December 15, 2019, 05:09:20 AM
Hi
you mean you are using an external physical potentiometer??
and if so, what value would that be?  also, I'm guessing it's a LINEAR POT right?

I am using Mach3    and I also know that it has a PWM (pulse width modulation) function  to modulate variables like  Speed, Power, Pressure, intensity, etc.  but this is a digital function not Analog.
 if the machines require an analog signal, I guess it won't work.  But it is worth looking into it.

Years ago I used some chips that are Frequency to Analog Voltage converters. (used to measure the Volume of liquids in Tanks! )
So, I wonder if there is a PWM to Analog V  converter chips...... This would allow G-Code integrated  variable functions, w either Digital or Analog signals
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on December 15, 2019, 07:50:11 AM
Hi Anthrop,

Would this be of any interest;  https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=12444.msg265104#msg265104

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: chuck767 on December 15, 2019, 10:20:16 AM
Hi
you mean you are using an external physical potentiometer??
and if so, what value would that be?  also, I'm guessing it's a LINEAR POT right?


Hi Tweakie,
Yes, it is an external linear potentiometer.

It varies the voltage going into the laser power supply between 0  and 5 V DC.. this sets  Laser Power from 0 to 100%.

On my machine, I tried using your suggestion of using a 74LS00 NAND Gate, but because my laser Tube is fixed vertically on my machine and the heavy xy mill table moves, I elected not to do raster engraving on the this machine that I originally set up for cutting.

I’m looking for a  laser engraving machine more like the one you built for doing Raster engraving.

I’ve considered the K40 Chinese machines but would prefer getting something that’s more turnkey

Chuck
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on December 16, 2019, 01:24:50 AM
Quote
I’ve considered the K40 Chinese machines but would prefer getting something that’s more turnkey

Hi Chuck,

Unfortunately the quality of the mechanics (and the optics) of the K40 is very low (it is manufactured to a price) and they are better avoided if you can.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: Anthrop on December 16, 2019, 02:00:45 AM
Hi Tweakie
Thanks for the link to your post of the laser MOD.
Yeah, that is something similar to what I had in mind. and should work fine on a Device that uses PWM to regulate its Output  but some devices use analog Voltage 0-5  or 0-10v like Servo Motor Drives. 

In the past I used  Freq to Vlt converters  but PWM does not Vary Freq. it varies its Duty cycle. 
So, it's a bit different.  But I think I found a Solution.  I will order some parts and try it.

I Did Save your Contribution, and I did notice your simplified Circuit on the input to Opto Iso.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: chuck767 on December 16, 2019, 02:16:56 AM
Quote
I’ve considered the K40 Chinese machines but would prefer getting something that’s more turnkey

Hi Chuck,

Unfortunately the quality of the mechanics (and the optics) of the K40 is very low (it is manufactured to a price) and they are better avoided if you can.

Tweakie.

Hi Tweakie,
I’m hearing similar things on the K40. Plus the software doesn’t sound very good either.

I’m leaning towards the brand.  Their machines seems to get good reviews, they have three models.

Cheers,
Chuck

Title: Re: Laser postprocessor
Post by: chuck767 on December 16, 2019, 09:35:32 AM
Correction,

"I’m leaning towards the brand." 

should have read.

"I’m leaning towards the Glowforge brand."

Chuck