Hi, I'm still learning but just to make it harder on myself I've installed an OPT Laser on my 3dtek Heavy Mill, I've managed to get it fitted and sort of working but struggling to get the laser to switch on and off, it does trigger on at the start and at the end but continuously on through the burning process. I've installed a post processor in aspire but to be honest I'm struggling to get my head around the whole laser thing. Do I need proper laser software or can I use aspire? I've probably missed a setting somewhere in Mach3, hope someone can help me out

thanks
Allan

Hi Allan,

Welcome to the forum.

Mach3 uses the M11Px / M10Px commands (where x is the Output#  selected as your laser trigger) for switching a laser ON/OFF consistent with axis movement.

The Vectric post processor I use is here; https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=36639.0
I use Output#1 for my laser trigger so my commands are M11P1 for turning my laser ON and M10P1 for turning my laser OFF. If you are using a different Output#  then you can use Notepad to modify my post processor to suit your needs.

Hope this helps,

Tweakie.

Hi Tweakie

Thanks for the reply, I already downloaded your post processor and I'm using output 1 too, maybe I need to learn a bit more about Aspire and settings in there, I used quick engrave but to honest didn't change any settings. As its not the new laser module Vectrix have where do I find some settings to setup in Aspire?
thanks
Allan

The Aspire Quick Engrave is OK to use, you just need to select the Mach3 laser post processor before saving the toolpath.

Tweakie.

Tweakie

Would I have to setup a special tool in quick engrave for the laser to work correctly?

thanks

Allan

Ideally you would create a tool with a diameter equal to your laser spot size but I just select an engraving bit as the current tool (because it has a fine tip size).

(Just checked my Vectric tool table and I have a Laser tool which is 0.2mm Diameter and uses 0.2mm Stepover)

Tweakie.

Tool selection would not affect the laser operation.

If you post your .xml file I will check your Mach3 set-up.

Tweakie.

Really appreciate the help

Allan

This is a simple file and I think I can see your post processor has worked ok.

No, doesn't make a difference, see attached

Thanks
Allan