Laser Module with Shapeoko

DanSexton
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2020 4:32 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by DanSexton »

The missing feed rate issue for the laser was fixed in 10.506

drwrench
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:42 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by drwrench »

I have a Shapeoko XXL with a JTech 7W laser also. I am using the Shapeoko (inch) post processor. After the 10.506 update I feel I am getting closer to getting everything to work. But I still have an erratic result. I posted a video to my YouTube page of the attempt.



Basically the circle path is run (with no laser fire) and then the laser fires at the end of the path. Carbide motion requests "Resume" twice in the sequence. It is a simple test circle. So it is a small gCode file. I have a basic understanding of gCode, but certainly nothing beyond that.

Here is the code generated from Aspire. I did a manual $32=1 in Carbide Motion first, then ran the file.

I have been using other laser software with no problems for a few years. But the idea of using Aspire and the options it provides is very appealing.

T1
G17
G20
G90
G0Z0.8000
G0X0.0000Y0.0000
G0X0.0000Y1.2000Z0.2000
G1Z0.0000F50.0
M4S0
G2X1.2000Y0.0000I0.0000J-1.2000S500
G2X0.0000Y-1.2000I-1.2000J0.0000
G2X-1.2000Y0.0000I0.0000J1.2000
G2X0.0000Y1.2000I1.2000J0.0000
M5
G0Z0.2000
M5
G0Z0.8000
G0X0.0000Y0.0000
M2

SDDavinci
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2019 2:21 am
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by SDDavinci »

I'm seeing the same issue...

M4S0

"T1
G17
G20
G90
G0Z0.9600
G0X0.0000Y0.0000
G0X6.8523Y0.9177Z0.8600
G1Z0.6600F90.0
M4S0
G1X6.8581Y0.9208S1000
G1X6.8591Y0.9267
G1X6.8544Y0.9273"

gregk
Vectric Staff
Posts: 373
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2018 12:34 pm
Model of CNC Machine: None

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by gregk »

Please try updating to V10.507 and let us know if the issue still persist.
Greg K

wb9tpg
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 456
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2018 2:49 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko 3 XL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by wb9tpg »

I have my J-Tech laser fully functional and working. I would be happy to help you guys get yours working if you want my help. I have the post processors turning laser mode on/off, and also setting the offset for the laser. I even have a No-Z version of the post processor that keeps the laser set to Z=0 so no depth changes.

I agree that upgrading to 10.507 is a must as it resolved some things.

The next thing to test is your Gcode sender. Carbide Motion adds extra Gcode at the end of the job and Laser Mode may be turned off. Try entering the MDI command '$$' which will list out off the settings to your log (have it open). Make sure $32=1 is set.

I've switched to CNCjs myself and love it. I use a separate Post Processor for standard bits and a different Post Processor for Laser. The functionality in the post processor is very close to allowing it to be done in one file but it's not there yet. If Vectric had a variable that that gave me a 0 or 1 value for Laser (Jet) I think I could probably do it in one file.
Gary Mitchell
Kentucky, USA

drwrench
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:42 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by drwrench »

Gary,

I would gladly take some help/advice. I have a decent understanding of gCode, but little around how different controllers/machines process it.
I made a very simple file with a small line. I attached the difference between the ver .506 & .507 generated code in images. There is a slight modification in the generated code, but the actions at the machine are pretty much the same. I did do a $$ check. $32=1. Thanks for looking at this.
A little detail - the path is run, then the "Capture*_01 photo" comes up asking for a spindle change. At this point the laser emits (after the path is complete). So the laser is on with no movement until I press resume. This is of course a little dangerous as the laser is in function at a still point. When I press resume it turns off the laser and continues until it requests a second resume to finish the run.

Don Allen
Attachments
Capture506_01.PNG
Capture506_02.PNG
Capture507_01.PNG
Capture507_02.PNG
Line cut 506.PNG
Line cut 507.PNG

wb9tpg
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 456
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2018 2:49 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko 3 XL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by wb9tpg »

Carbide Motion is prompting you to change speeds on the spindle. It leaves the spindle on since it expects the bit to stay turning so you can manually adjust the speed. There is a setting to tell Carbide Motion that you have a spindle and it's changes automatically and won't prompt you. I'd use that setting for Laser work.

I'd advise one thing:

1) Ditch Carbide Motion and switch to CNCjs. You can thank me later!
Gary Mitchell
Kentucky, USA

drwrench
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:42 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by drwrench »

I will just go ahead and thank you now. I love trying new software of any type.

I am considering purchasing a machine from Digital Wood Carver. The laser is integral and it has a 4th axis option. I realize Carbide 3D is not real hip about add-ons. Thanks for taking the time to help. SUPER COOL!!!!

Don

drwrench
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:42 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by drwrench »

For learning purposes, I checked the CM setting "have tool changer". I ran the .507 code straight from the Shapeoko PP. It no longer asks for the tool change, but there is a significant pause and the laser evokes at the end of the path.

I modified the code (see snapshot) and the whole program ran as expected with a BIG exception. When the laser is turned on right before the path, there is enough of a pause that the laser burns a "dot" at the beginning of the line.

Once I get the grandkids back to their mom and dad, I will install CNCjs and see where that lands. Thanks again.
Attachments
Edited Code.PNG

gregk
Vectric Staff
Posts: 373
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2018 12:34 pm
Model of CNC Machine: None

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by gregk »

Could you attach the actual post-processor that you are using? It looks like it may not have a proper power-change record.

Greg K

drwrench
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:42 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by drwrench »

It is the "stock" pp from Vectric. Thanks.
Attachments
Shapeoko_inch.pp
(2.65 KiB) Downloaded 97 times

User avatar
Adrian
Vectric Archimage
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Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
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Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by Adrian »

drwrench wrote:
Fri Aug 14, 2020 10:30 pm
It is the "stock" pp from Vectric. Thanks.
That isn't the stock one. At least not the one from 10.507. The stock one is a straight import of the GRBL post processor with the addition of a LASER_SUPPORT directive.

drwrench
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:42 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by drwrench »

Absolutely correct. I sent my initial reply from my personal computer, not my shop computer. Here is the current Shapeoko inch pp file I am using. Sorry for my mistake and confusion!!

Here is my .507 pp.
Attachments
Shapeoko_inch.pp
(1.22 KiB) Downloaded 96 times

gregk
Vectric Staff
Posts: 373
Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2018 12:34 pm
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Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by gregk »

drwrench wrote:
Sat Aug 15, 2020 9:00 pm
Absolutely correct. I sent my initial reply from my personal computer, not my shop computer. Here is the current Shapeoko inch pp file I am using. Sorry for my mistake and confusion!!

Here is my .507 pp.
That looks correct, but since this post-processor is inheriting Grbl_inch.pp we also need to see that one. Have you modified your Grbl_inch.pp? I've just tried with V10.507 version of both and it outputs correct power.

Greg K

drwrench
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:42 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko XXL

Re: Laser Module with Shapeoko

Post by drwrench »

Finally got back to this. Hope you may still be able to help. Here is the Grbl_inch.pp I have in my database.
Grbl_inch.pp
(5.37 KiB) Downloaded 92 times

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