Messages

4871

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser modulation signal?

« on: March 07, 2013, 02:28:46 AM »

Hi Charlie

A lot of experimental / pioneering work is being done by others using low powered (1 Watt) diode lasers in this thread http://hobbycncart.com/forum/63-151-12937-16-1362353174

Because the rate of burn (apparent laser power) can be varied by changing axis speed there are currently two software programs being developed which will create the required Mach3 GCode from a BMP image. Your solder mask could be considered an image so it is more than likely that it could be produced by this method and without the need for PWM control.

Just a thought.

Tweakie.

4872

General Mach Discussion / Re: Pendant Tutorial???

« on: March 06, 2013, 06:25:22 AM »

Hi Jim,

Have you checked the plugin's page http://www.machsupport.com/plugins.php

Tweakie.

4873

Brains Development / Re: PCB Milling bits

« on: March 06, 2013, 02:36:44 AM »

Hi Peter,

As TP says, this is really the wrong thread for your question.

However, I use the little engraving bits (available from China via ebay) - some are better quality than others, although they all claim to be carbide but they are cheap enough to take the chance.
The Dremel may not be the best spindle to use (the front bearing is not that well supported) but if you use fast speed and shallow cuts it will make a reasonable job of fine work.

Tweakie.

4874

General Mach Discussion / Re: Interested in Low Power Laser Engraving

« on: March 06, 2013, 02:10:14 AM »

Hi John, Terry,

The crystal block 3D stuff requires a wavelength of typically 1064nm (as opposed to the 10600nm of the CO2 lasers) so YAG lasers are more often used for this type of work. (This is bit of a specialised area involving reasonably costly equipment which can also be quite expensive to run).

Tweakie.

4875

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help converting HPGL files to GCode for my Mach3

« on: March 05, 2013, 06:06:56 AM »

Hi Miles,

Welcome to the forum.

Try LazyCam (it comes free with Mach3) - it can convert HPGL(2) to GCode.
Providing the HPGL file size is not too large it makes a reasonable job, allows scaling and some limited editing etc.

Tweakie.

4876

General Mach Discussion / Re: Licensed Mach 3 Stopped mid project.

« on: March 04, 2013, 12:21:52 PM »

Hi Josh,

Welcome to the forum.

Try turning off the toolpath display (just above the Reset in the Diagnostics window) before you run any long programs. 
(I think the problem may relate to graphics card capabilities but turning off toolpath display usually works).

Tweakie.

4877

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to set Software Limits with No switches

« on: March 04, 2013, 04:05:36 AM »

Hi Scandi,

Welcome to the forum.

Does this help ?  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11409.0.html

Tweakie.

4878

General Mach Discussion / Re: How many times have you read this

« on: March 03, 2013, 07:55:16 AM »

Hi Jim,

Welcome to the forum.

In my opinion Velocity and Acceleration are best found by 'trial and error' for each axis in turn – starting very low then working your way up until steppers stall then reducing the settings by at least 30% to achieve reliable performance.

I recommend you use your 1/8 micro-stepping rather than whole steps though.

Tweakie.

4879

Brains Development / Re: modbus and arduino sketch working exept for PWM

« on: March 03, 2013, 07:34:13 AM »

Hi Fefenin,

Welcome to the forum.

Going off at bit of a tangent…
Obviously it depends on your intended X axis speed but I have found that the Mach3 PWM is not updated fast enough to be really useful for laser power control unless you only require infrequent changes, such as when vector engraving then profile cutting etc.

I would be interested to know what type of laser engraving work you are planning?

Also you may find this thread (and others links within that thread) of interest; http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,23584.0.html


Tweakie.

4880

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: How to activate & deactivate an output once every 5 seconds in G-code or macro?

« on: March 03, 2013, 05:00:55 AM »

Hi Andrew,

Welcome to the forum.

Something you may wish to consider, as an alternative approach…

A couple of years back I needed an oil-mist solution for my little mill so I purchased a small compressor (intended for a domestic refrigeration unit) which is piped to a (1.5mm internal diameter) nozzle aimed at the base of the cutter. In the air line I use an adjustable ‘air tool oiler’ and this provides the necessary oil mist spray as well as a reasonable amount of chip removal and it runs continuously during the job.

It may depend on your ambient air temperature but I was initially concerned about running the compressor for extended periods but as it is not working hard  (it is being used more as an air pump rather than a compressor) it has not overheated or shown any signs of distress after many, many hours of use now.
The oiler has to be checked and refilled, if necessary, before each job but I am sure that larger units are available should you need to use a greater volume of oil mist than I do.

Just a suggestion.

Tweakie.