Tools/Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

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# PC on if not already (push button above Dell logo)
# PC on if not already (push button above Dell logo)
# Log into Hacksburg account on PC
# Log into Hacksburg account on PC
# Start SmartCarve software on PC
# Start LightBurn software on PC
#* You will probably get a pop-up dialog asking if you want to allow SmartCarve from an unknown publisher to modify files.Say Yes.TO DO: Fix permissions so it doesn't do this.(May require installing outside of Program Files?)
#* You may see a pop-up dialog asking if you want to allow LightBurn from an unknown publisher to modify files. Say Yes. TO DO: Fix permissions so it doesn't do this.(May require installing outside of Program Files?)
# Create or load, import, adjust files etc.
# Create or load, import, adjust files etc.
#* SmartCarve will only Load its own files. Use Import to bring in DXF or PLT files.
#* See documentation elsewhere (pending) on compatible file formats, layer standards, etc.
#** See documentation elsewhere (pending) on compatible file formats, layer standards, etc.
#* You will need to manually set the intensity and speed for any layer you use. See [[Tools/Laser_Cutter/Cutting Parameters|Cutting Parameters]] page for more info.
#* You will need to manually set the intensity and speed for any layer you use. See [[Tools/Laser_Cutter/Cutting Parameters|Cutting Parameters]] page for more info.
#* The factory-suggested default is that layers 1-10 are for cutting, layers 11-14 are for fill, and layers 15-256 are for engraving.
#* The factory-suggested default is that layers 1-10 are for cutting, layers 11-14 are for fill, and layers 15-256 are for engraving.
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#** The problem with the factory suggestions is that it is annoying to set up and proof, and ends up cutting before engraving.For simple files without fill, using 1 (blue) and 2 (green) for engraving, and 3 (red) for cutting, is easy to set up, proof, and use.
#** The problem with the factory suggestions is that it is annoying to set up and proof, and ends up cutting before engraving.For simple files without fill, using 1 (blue) and 2 (green) for engraving, and 3 (red) for cutting, is easy to set up, proof, and use.
#** Depending on the last user, some layers may start turned off.Double click the "No" under the Process column to toggle them back on (and, if needed, the No under Visible).
#** Depending on the last user, some layers may start turned off.Double click the "No" under the Process column to toggle them back on (and, if needed, the No under Visible).
#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in SmartCarve should be set to Mechanical Origin, and you should use the "Put Graph to Origin" function in SmartCarve to align the upper right of your file with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)
#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in LightBurn should be set to Mechanical Origin, and you should use the "Put Graph to Origin" function in LightBurn to align the upper right of your file with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)
# Ensure that the water in the chiller fully covers the metal coil. If not, top it up from the jug of '''distilled''' water (usually found under the table)
# Ensure that the water in the chiller fully covers the metal coil. If not, top it up from the jug of '''distilled''' water (usually found under the table)
# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)
# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)
# CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, far back corner of room)
# CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, left corner of room)
# Check that white output power bar is on
# Check that white output power bar is on
#* Push in blue button if red light is not lit
#* Push in blue button if red light is not lit
# Laser main power on (flip up blue power switch on right side of main laser unit)
# Laser main power on (flip up blue power switch on right side of main laser unit)
# Turn on water chiller (bottom red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)
# Turn on water chiller (bottom red rocker switch right side of laser cutter)
#* Press button to lower right of screen to put into Run mode
#* Press poer button to lower right of screen on chiller to put into Run mode
#* Check that Set Point is 21º C and Temp Diff is 0.5º C
#* Check that Set Point is 21º C and Temp Diff is 0.5º C
#* If Water Temp is greater than about 24º C, wait until chiller has brought it down some
#* If Water Temp is greater than about 24º C, wait until chiller has brought it down some
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#* If everything is set correctly, the "Mechanical Origin" 0,0 point is in the upper right of the usable area
#* If everything is set correctly, the "Mechanical Origin" 0,0 point is in the upper right of the usable area
#* Approximate offset of 0,0 from the upper right edge of the honeycomb is 22.25 mm from right, 27.75 mm from top
#* Approximate offset of 0,0 from the upper right edge of the honeycomb is 22.25 mm from right, 27.75 mm from top
#* Check the blue Laser Guides bin for jigs; use the ones labled 22.5 mm Right and 28 mm Top as needed
#* Check the blue Laser Guides bin for jigs; use the ones labeled 22.5 mm Right and 28 mm Top as needed
# Turn on Air Pump (middle red switch on right side of main laser unit)
# Turn on Air Pump (middle red switch on right side of main laser unit)
# Adjust laser vertical clearance and focus
# Adjust laser vertical clearance and focus
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