Hi all,
I have received most of the hardware to make a custom CNC LASER. I want it to burn a mask off of blank PCB's for etching and also to cut solder paste stencils. It is 1000mW.
I have never done any work with CAD / CAM / CNC software.
Is there some standard protocol / language for serial (RS-232) to a CNC?
I see there is a library for "g-code". Is that an industry accepted standard for CNC?
Can someone suggest a free PC software package to get me started?
I am using a UNO so far. Would I be better off with a MEGA?
I am expecting to multiplex the outputs from the UNO as there are not that many of them. It seems, at least for now, that the UNO even when slowed down with multiplexing should still be fast enough. Any thoughts?
How do you implement stepper acceleration?
The linear speed when burning with the LASER would be very slow so I want the re-positioning to use acceleration rather than the linear burn speed.
I see there is a library for "g-code". Is that an industry accepted standard for CNC?
Yes, it is.
Can someone suggest a free PC software package to get me started?
Well, Paint is good for drawing pretty pictures. Or, not so pretty ones... Get you started doing what?
I am using a UNO so far. Would I be better off with a MEGA?
For what?
I am expecting to multiplex the outputs from the UNO as there are not that many of them. It seems, at least for now, that the UNO even when slowed down with multiplexing should still be fast enough. Any thoughts?
I have not yet started this projects except for ordering and receiving most of the parts to make the hardware.
My understanding so far is that I install some CAD / CAM / CNC software on the PC. I really don't have a clue what software I need.
I assume this software will send G-Code via a serial port to the Arduino (UNO) and the Arduino would then drive the steppers and other hardware ie LASER, display etc.
I would normally use some PCB CAD software for the PCB design but I don't know what is the standard now.
For the stencil, I don't know what to use ??
I assume there is also some separate software for the CAM side of it as well ??? ie something that accepts the design and spits out the g-code.
I haven't started writing any code yet and by the looks of that library, there won't be that much for me to write. I will however write some calibration code to determine the max stepper speeds and acc when the hardware is done. Actually I will start writing this today after I make the stepper drivers.
I am assuming that the 4 MIPS UNO will be enough. If not then I will use a MEGA if I need more ports or a DUE if I need more speed.
The LASER will have a Z axis as well so that I can use it with many passes to cut thicker soft materials. At only 1000mW it wont be able to cut deep without changing the focal point.
I am also considering a PCB drill and I might even try to use that as a PCB router.
I will also mention that all of this will be enclosed in a light sealed box so that the LASER cannot operate unless the box is closed. 1000mW is highly dangerous even if you view a week reflection of the beam.